Thornewood Park features a three mile round trip trail in the shade of maples, oaks and redwoods, with stop over at algae covered Shilling Lake.

Thorenwood is an 87 acre dog friendly park in Woodside, just west of the Skyline Blvd. The park has only one trail, a relaxing 3 mile path that connects La Honda and Old La Honda roads. Parking and access is better on the La Honda side but you’ll have to do the uphill hike on the way back.

The small entrance road off La Honda is easy to miss so look out for the brick gate. Once inside drive 0.1 mile to the trailhead parking. You’ll start on mostly flat Schilling Lake Trail underneath oak and maple trees, with some patches of open sky. After 0.6 miles, you’ll reach a fork that will lead you to a small algae covered lake. This is a great place to take a rest among the tall redwood trees. Keep your dog out of the lake due to both regulation and dog safety. You could turn back here or return to the fork and follow the Bridle Trail down to the Old La Honda road. The trail winds down through Douglas fir and redwood forest for 0.9 miles and drops over 400 feet until it hits the road. Turn around here and work your way back to the car.

Thorenwood is a great option on a hot day, with the shade keeping you and your dog cool. It’s a quiet park with not many people on the trail, even on a busy weekend. Officially dogs must be on leash.

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