Touring * Beginner *

From U.S. 101 just south of Santa Rosa, take Highway 12 heading east. Proceed three miles, passing the stoplight at Fulton Road. Turn left (south) at the next street, Merced Avenue. Park immediately on the gravel shoulder at the edge of the eucalyptus trees. The trail starts to the west from here. Map: California State Automobile Association (AAA) North Bay Counties map, Russian River Area.

This wide, flat, three-mile stretch of good asphalt takes bicyclists, skaters, and equestrians from the rural countryside outside of Santa Rosa to the town of Sebastapol. One young local described it as "pretty boring," but precious few skating tours pass by a working dairy farm or require a pause while a tractor topped with smiling children crosses the trail. Near the beginning of the trail, the noise from nearby Highway 12 is difficult to ignore, in spite of beautiful, open panoramas to the south. But you'll leave the traffic far behind after passing by the dairy farm. In late winter and early spring, yellow mustard blossoms brighten the marshy field to the south, and benches are provided if you want to sit for a spell and enjoy the scenery. After crossing the wooden bridge, skate through a lightly wooded area and, all too soon, you'll reach the edge of Sebastapol. Plans exist for extending the asphalt on this old railroad bed to stretch for 10 miles, all the way up to Forestville. But for now, the trail disappears into a parking lot across Highway 116, so turn back when you reach Sebastapol.