French Trail Connector

French Trail Connector is a series of popular jogging and hiking trails located at Redwood Park Skyline Gate in Oakland, California. Visitors can reach the trail From Highway 13 in Oakland and heading for the Skyline Gate parking area. The trail connector is just over six miles long and rated medium to difficult due to its rigorous ascents and descents.

Hikers and joggers should start from the parking area and take the West Ridge Trail for .62 miles to reach the French Trail. This is an exposed route along Redwood's west ridge dropping into the forested canyon of Redwood Creek. As well as the West Ridge Trail and French Trail, visitors will encounter the Mill Trail, Stream Trail, Prince Trail and East Ridge Trail.

The start and finish of the connector is relatively flat and easy but the main section is the French Trail, which is a steep single track. The dense redwood forest provides a wonderful setting but can block out enough light for it to be necessary to take a flashlight along. Hikers can bring their dogs to the trail but they must be kept on a leash at all times.