Fitzgerald Marine Reserve's California Coastal Trail Officially Open

The San Mateo County Department of Public Works and Parks hosted a grand opening event in February to celebrate the opening of the coastal trail between Cypress Avenue and North Lake Street near the corner of California Avenue in Moss Beach. Since then, the trail has been well received by the community with many visitors enjoying the restored trail with new vegetation and some of the native fern grove still in tact.

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Coastal Trail was designed for the accessibility of all visitors, including hikers, cyclists, equestrians, people with leashed-dogs, and joggers. The Coastal Trail offers an opportunity for travel along the inland boundary of the Reserve or to stop and enjoy the many unique bluff or shoreline habitats.

The 8 foot wide trail, known as the Dardenelle Trail which was once just a narrow meandering footpath, has a surface built using rain-permeable gravel set in geotextile fabric. A new clear span bridge now spans San Vicente Creek connecting the trail to the main Reserve parking lot, providing improved inter-community bike/pedestrian access. An informational kiosk, interpretive and informational signs, and bench have been installed at the Cypress Avenue trailhead to support the visitor experience.

Using grants from California State Parks and Recreation and California Coastal Conservancy, the County prepared construction documents and secured permits and regulatory permits. Additional grants from both agencies paid for the construction of the Trail.

When Moss Beach residents, with the help of conservation groups and the California Coastal Commission, protested the original plans for the trail project, the county eventually altered them to reflect residents’ wishes by reducing the width of the trail and making the trail more natural with curves and a permeable surface that closely mimics the original trail surface. In the end, the trail was restored just as the county promised, maintaining its natural qualities and accessbile for all to enjoy now.

Have you been there yet? What do you think of the new segment of the California Coastal Trail at the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve?

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