Touring * Fitness * Slalom * Artistic *

From Interstate 580 in San Leandro, take the Fairmont Drive exit and follow it east to Lake Chabot Road. The entrance to Anthony Chabot Regional Park is just across Lake Chabot Road. Park in the parking lot. If you want to save yourself the fee, leave your car on the street near the parking lot entrance and skate in. Map: For a free trail map, call the East Bay Regional Parks District at (510) 562-PARK (7275) and ask for the Lake Chabot brochure.

Nestled in the foothills just east of San Leandro, pleasant Lake Chabot has a hilly, paved trail that follows the shoreline of the reservoir. Though it's popular with hikers, mountain bikers, anglers, and boaters, skaters are only just beginning to discover it, probably because the terrain requires strong speed-control skills. Due to the lack of flat terrain, this route is not recommended for beginners. You can access the trail below the parking lot. Start skating to the left (northwest) and head down the hill, passing the marina and cafe. The trail continues along the southwest shore of the lake, soon rising fairly steeply. The surface quality varies, and it can be dirty in spots. There are several ups and downs as the trail follows the lakeshore to the dam. You can continue beyond the dam for a short distance, but the path soon narrows and then drops steeply into the canyon. Skating beyond this point is not recommended. Return to the marina the way you came, being careful on the steeper sections. Pass by the marina and the parking lot where you left your car and continue around the southeast end of the lake toward the east side. Here, the hills are generally less steep, but even so, there are several thrilling drops leading to sharp turns where side canyons meet the lake. Follow the trail until the pavement ends.