Five Easy Outdoor Walks in Fresno County to Try Now

Active outdoor time is a simple, low cost way for Fresno County residents to protect physical and mental health, and a handful of nearby spots make it easy to get outside this season. Five high value locations across the county offer paved loops, multiuse paths, shoreline access, and urban pocket parks that serve different neighborhoods and mobility needs.

In Fresno, Woodward Park and the Shin Fu Hsieh Gardens provide a large green space with paved loops that work well for easy walks and winter blossoms. The park is dog friendly and includes a sensory Children’s Garden, making it a useful option for families and people seeking gentle, accessible routes close to central city neighborhoods.

Near Friant, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area offers shoreline trails and picnic areas suitable for birdwatching and fishing on calm winter days. Before visiting, check current water levels and boat ramp status because conditions can change with seasonal flows and management decisions. For residents who rely on these recreational resources, awareness of closures and access issues helps plan safe outings.

The Kings River Parkway and Dry Creek corridor between Fresno and Clovis features a multiuse path used for walking and biking and for quick neighborhood access to nature. That corridor is especially popular with early morning walkers and serves as a commuter friendly route for people who combine exercise with daily errands.

Quieter riverfront segments of the Canal Trail and the Reedley River Trail near Reedley provide family friendly riding and fall and winter birding opportunities. Those trails can be a good option for households seeking lower traffic routes away from busy streets, and they help connect smaller communities to riverside green space.

Selma offers short accessible urban routes along the Selma Rail Trail and in downtown pocket parks, where new lighting in some parks has made evening walks safer for many residents. Improved lighting and pocket park investments support access for people who work nontraditional hours and for families who prefer to walk after dusk.

Practical considerations apply to all sites. Carry water even in winter for longer hikes, check trail and park conditions when storms approach, obey posted rules for dogs and bikes, and consult each park or park system webpage before visiting for temporary closures or special events. At a policy level, these sites highlight the value of continued investment in maintenance, lighting, and safe crossings to ensure equitable access across neighborhoods.

For Fresno County residents with limited time or transportation, these five options provide a vetted starting point for safe outdoor activity and for community groups planning walks or small gatherings. Local parks and trails are community health assets, and supporting their upkeep benefits physical activity, social connection, and neighborhood safety across the county.