When I was growing up in WV, there were a lot of hidden trails. These were mostly hidden because they were on private property. Some landowners didn’t mind the occasional hiker, but others did, so caution had to be used.
I’ve visited since, and a wonderful, new set of trails is being set up. The program is “Rails to Trails,” and many areas of the Midatlantic are doing the same thing. As the need for rail lines decreases, these lines are now being turned into hiking trails.
Southern California doesn’t have any excess train tracks, but we do have something else…fire roads. They are called that because they are intended to be fire breaks as well as a means to get engines and work crews to an area that’s threatened or already burning. Many of them are also used as hiking/biking/riding trails.
Some of them are easy to find. In our area, the Rocky Peak Trail is actually a fire road. It’s not exactly hidden, because it starts right off the 118 Freeway. Others, however, aren’t as obvious. Along the Bridle Path area, there are a few fire roads. Some of them are restricted to residents, but others have been added to the park system and can be used by all.
One of the best, and probably most hidden gem is Corriganville. This land was once owned by Bob Hope, and it was also used for many outdoor movie and TV shoots. Hope gave the property to Simi Valley, and some of it has been developed.
There is a loop trail, which is a very easy walk, with sign posts explaining what films/shows were shot from the area, some of the natural sites and even some history. The Chinese rail camp is long gone, but the location is marked so we know where it used to be.
One of the best features is one that Hope had put it. When the 118 was built, it cut Corriganville off from some of the trails on the other side of the freeway. A tunnel under the freeway was built so that Hope could ride his horses under it to get to those trails.
As you might guess, I am interested in hiking and (when I can) enjoy it. It’s taken a long time to find many of these trails, but you can do the same thing. Many areas have groups that build or maintain trails. Other groups organize and lead hikes, often explaining about plants, animals and even history as you walk. These gems are worth the time to find, and will greatly enrich your life should you care to walk them.