Posted by natasha, a resident of the Meadow Park neighborhood, on Aug 9, 2007 at 9:49 am

You will enjoy it! If you go around the lake and down the hill there are bbqs and tables in a grove by a big lawn area. Down the road there is the nature interpretive center, and you acn do a nice hike by going back up the hill, around the lake and back down. They do rent canoes but I think only on weekends (not sure -- worth a call), or you can just walk around the lake. Be prepared for many yellow jackets, and for poison oak if you stray from the path (and sometimes even on the path). If you go at twilight the deer will start to come out on the lawn. At the end of your visit, drive up to the lookout/scenic place at the top of the hill and look over Silicon Valley.

Enjoy!

Posted by Mary, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Aug 9, 2007 at 10:42 am

The beauty of Foothill "Nature Preserve" (which is its official title) is that you don't have to 'do' anything, just BE. Take a picnic. There are many tables especially in Orchard Glen - so named for the many apple trees which once graced the place. Some still there. There is a nice easy walk around the lake, and yes, you can rent canoes. Call to see the days. See the Interpretive Center. Take a book - listen to the birds - inhale the silence and the clean air.

You can hike back to the Towle Campground (no autos) through the gate at Orchard Glen.

You will probably see deer and maybe the wild turkeys. Occasionally there is a coyote. And yes, there can be mountain lions in there. But I haven't seen one in three years, and that was iin the winter time. Enjoy.