South Lake Park

Went here to check out the blooming lilacs in mid April. I think I'm a week or two early because they are just starting to bloom. There is a small parking lot and the trailhead is hidden on the south end. It's a short and mostly flat wide dirt path around the small lake. People were out walking with their kids or dogs. Some were fishing at the lake's edge too. Pretty views and fairly safe.

Small parking lot and street parking nearby and no amenities besides trash cans The path has some elevation and often is covered in pointy rocks. Aka wear sturdy shoes! The lake is popular with fishers. It is located near a busy road, Twin Oaks Valley Rd, and there is a constant traffic noise depending on the wind.

Great winter day for a walk around the lake. New to us. Quiet 1.2 mile loop trail. Upper dirt trail is level and wide but not handicap accessible (stairs, sidewalk edge). Trail to water edge is a single rockier trail. Great for my developmentally disabled son and me. About 4 muddy spots after the rain. No unusual animal life. No playground, restrooms or picnic tables. One bench by the water edge.

Quiet. Peaceful. Passed maybe 10 people and 2 dogs. I didn't see any restrooms. I saw some lures left behind by some fishers near the bench down by the lake. It looks like the wildflowers are starting to bloom. I had to look it up, but there's a sonic buoy in the middle of the lake that hinders algae blooms. Depending on which paths you take, it's a good 1-1.5 mile hike and not too strenuous. Warm in the sun and cool in the shade. I went early morning but I wonder what the conditions would be like in the late afternoon/evening before sunset.

We came here in early April to see the California lilac bloom. We arrived around 4ish on Sunday and there was a long line waiting to get in the parking lot. We drove around and all the street parking spaces were filled so we had to drive even further across the street. Despite the limited parking, the park itself looks very nice with a lake and accessible walking trails. I would recommend visiting in the morning or during the weekdays to avoid the crowd.