Found: A Biodiverse Hidden Pocket In Niles Neighborhood

When November rolled in, and cool air finally began to settle into California, it called for a walk and going back to exploring my backyard after a long harsh summer. I remembered learning from my trail app that Niles Community Park had a path that would show me some fall foliage if I were there in autumn. So, I went to this neighborhood in Fremont, eager to treat myself and the family to a bit of fall color but I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of plants and trees there. However, the most wonderful surprise at the park was a swampy pond that’s an absolute hidden gem!

Niles Community Park

Surrounded by the Niles District, a part of the Alameda Creek, and the collection of quarry lakes of the area, Niles Community Park is a delightful spot. This park has a play area, a tennis court, green patches and restrooms but the bigger attractions in this small area — in my opinion — are the ponds and the vegetation around it.

The Ponds in the Park: Snell Pond and Grau Pond

Trees in water

As we got on the trail and began our counter-clockwise walk on the loop, we were greeted by some fall color that made me happy. Then, we walked deeper into the wooded area and had begun to enjoy the walk in the natural canopy there when I noticed that the pond we were walking along began to look a little different. We first noticed a layer of green on the water then I noticed that the water had extended to the woods and there was a swampy area there.

It was a pretty picture, not one you’re used to seeing in this part of the state. The trees seemed to be growing in the water, and a good part of the water was green from a water-fern (if I’m not mistaken). And there were Mallard Ducks and American Coots frolicking in the ponds.

As we took a detour to the fishing pier, there was the Snell Pond with its Cypress trees in water on one side, and Grau Pond with its tall grasses and clearer water on the other.

The Snell Pond and Grau Pond are both on quarry ground. This area near Alameda Creek was once massively quarried for gravel and sand for the Transcontinental Railways. Later, the 15 or so quarry sites that were abandoned, began to be used for storage of water and for recharging groundwater. Now, they’ve become recreational areas, fishing sites, and pretty lakes to enjoy while out on a stroll.

Trees in Fall Color

During the walk, I did see some of the fall color that I was there to see. There were splashes of color here and there; some in the pond and some on the banks of the ponds. I’m quite sure this is the best time to visit the this beautiful park in Niles District. What do you think?

Here are some fall color pictures taken from different parts of the Niles Community Park Trail:

Niles Community Park Trail

The name of the trail does nothing to tell you about the richness of the sights from the trail. I was amazed by the scenic views that this place is home to. And I’m curious about the vegetation and the story of these ponds. Unfortunately there’s isn’t much about them on the internet. If you have any more information about this place, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. I’d be happy to learn more about the area and specifically about Snell Pond and the trees in the water and Grau Pond, too. Thank you, in advance. 🙂

Things to know about the trail

• This trail is a loop.
• It’s less than a mile in distance
• It is an easy hike too without much of an elevation gain
• The trail is paved too.
• There are two piers you could step out into to get a better view of the ponds in the park
• However, in winter/early spring, parts of the loop might get flooded.
• There are two parking lots: one by the Park Tennis Courts and the other one on School Street.
• Fall might be the best time to be out on this trail loop, thanks to the autumn foliage

Want some motivation to get outdoors and explore ‘your’ backyard? Try 52Hikes. You can sign up here. Happy Hiking!

More:
Hikes to inspire you
Trees to see

Linking to–
My Corner of the World
&
Thursday Tree Love