Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

This was the first time we had been there. Wow! The weather was beautiful, and there was so much to see. Trees blooming; birds singing; families adventuring, and a visit to a Victorian cemetery. Wonder where it gets its name. Read the signs.

February is a beautiful time of the year here. The green grass and blue skies give you that nature fix! The energy is right and makes for a great hike. Plus you gotta love the urban legend of this area... Gravity hill and the white witch!!! Must visit if in the area...

This place is really amazing, I like to come here. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was in 3rd grade on a field trip here. The hiking trail was really a sight. We crossed grassy hills, areas with dense foliage, not to mention all the important, historically significant mines and the cemetery. They have a strange, interesting, surreal feeling to them, not in in a bad way of course, but there's just a certain mystery to them that I can't put my finger on. The cemetery has lots of interesting historic facts, and some pretty creepy legends. Even now, when I come with my family, I still discover new, beautiful areas. Let me tell you about my favorite one. I came here with the family once, and I said we should go check out this one side of the park. We saw what could possibly be a mountain lion den (yes there are mountain lions here but I haven't encountered one in all my trips here, but still be cautious), we struggled up slippery mossy rocks, but eventually, we stumbled across a beautiful, eye catching little clearing amongst the woods. It looks like it could be a background of those new-fangled telephones the kiddos have nowadays. There are branches that give shade but also leave room for light to make this place more beautiful, and there is also moss everywhere, with boulders covered in them. Imagine an area in the Andes mountains, that's what lies in that clearing. I also spotted some claw marks on a tree, so maybe the mountain lions have good taste lol (be careful). Another place I like is atop a hill that might as well be a mini mountain. It has boulders but with red moss, and overlooks the rest of the park. I recommend this place heavily, and it gives me great nostalgia (watch out for cow pies!).

It was a lovely trail and a very cool underground mining system! The information center was in the tunnels.

Just a couple of miles off the Highway 4 Freeway and you're in beautiful remote hillside country almost unchanged sine the days of the Black Diamond mining. Very nice picnic areas and hiking trails. Old Cherry Hill Cemetery is a short but semi-steep hike on well marked path/road

It's very pretty now coz of all the green carpet. Loved the trails . Not a big parking space but was half empty when we got there by afternoon on a cloudy day. Not sure how crowded it would get on a good shiny day. Lovely trails and well marked. Love to go back there anytime!

I visit late january 2023, after a lot of rainfall earlier in the month. The grass is in perfect shade of green. Green grass cover all mountain. Such an eye treatment. Hiking trail is plenty and safe.

Beautiful green rolling hills during springtime. Literally a Microsoft wallpaper, but in real life! Kiosk was closed when I visited, according to website they’re “seasonally open” so not sure when they start collecting fees. Took advantage of that fact and we enjoyed an amazing hike with views of Mt Diablo, the delta, and surrounding hills. Beautiful wildflowers everywhere! Dog friendly as well, our dogs enjoyed the hike off leash.

This is a picturesque hiking area that is perfect to explore from early spring to late spring. When we took a hike there in mid-January it was perfect. Not too cold and the green grass was just coming in. Gorgeous! Bring your own water, leash your dog and watch for mountain bikes on the main paths!

This former cole mining region is now a beautiful east bay regional park. There are miles of open space hiking trails, some great canyons to explore and spectacular views out to the bay. The former townships are gone but there is plenty of evidence of mining and a below ground tour of one of the mines. Picnic grounds and restrooms available, bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.

🏞 This EBRPD is picturesque hiking at it's best -- and a great spot to let the kids' energy out... 😜 Let's be honest, that's why most parents go, correct? Plenty of small hills to let the kids explore safely without being took far, not overly crowded, bathrooms at trailheads (hubs said it's the cleanest park porta-potty he's ever used!), rubbing water at trailheads (bring your own bottles), trails well-maintained and clearly marked, and it seemed like dogs were allowed in leashes!
If there's any wind in the area, take a windbreaker on a hike with you -- or prepare for cold, whiny kids 😣🥶
Going on a weekday, we didn't have to pay to park, but in weekends it's apparently $5.
Have to say, go when it's green (spring!)🏞🌱💚 -- gorgeous! Hiked up to the cemetery 🪦. We were told there were poppies and waist-high mustard plants all over, but unfortunately never did see those on this trip... hopefully next time! (If you know where they are, let me know!)
Excellent spot to tour and teach the kids how good they got it -- 8 year olds used to mine coal here.⛏
For those not up to hiking, just the views on the drive in are excellent -- entrance to trailhead is handicap accessible with plenty to explore.
Back in 2011 toured the mining area, but don't have pics -- remember enjoying it!
** A little history, Black Diamond is coal!

Lovely, scenic hiking trails. Spent over 3-hours exploring various trails and reading about the rich history of this area. Glad we walked up to the cemetery and talked with the Naturalist. We learned about some of the colorful family stories. Can't wait for the mines to open up for tours! Next time I'd like to bring a picnic and spend the day. It really was that amazing.

What a great hiking area, many trail options to choose from for all skill levels. Great views. $5.00 dollars to park, $6.00 dollars to go over the Antioch Bridge. Lots of history, the miners tunnels are cool to see. Recommend a hat, sunscreen and water. Looking forward to hiking another section to see the ole towns and Prospect tunnel. Pack a lunch and enjoy.

Great hiking experience. Brought a 4 year old and an eight year old and they managed just fine. The stop and powder magazine (see map) were must-sees. Kids had a blast. Didn't get a chance to check out the visitor center or cemetery but will hit those when we inevitably come back. Note: Be sure to bring $5 for parking!

This is a great EBRPD. Trails are very maintained. Nice restrooms at the trailhead. You can take in the views while hiking along the ridge trail before coming back to the parking lot.

Just note there is a $5 charge per vehicle when visiting this park.

During springtime it is so beautiful here. The hills are green and it is still cool. Hikes can be a bit challenging for those who are a bit out of shape (like me) but are rewarding. The visitor center is very cool. If you have time, try to make it to Prospect Tunnel to venture 200 feet into an old coal mine tunnel. Lots of wildlife here including coyotes to watch. Can also take your pooch anywhere as long as he is on leash.

Honestly, this is in my top few favorite parks in the East Bay. It is quiet, clean, and the rangers are very helpful. I think I have been visiting here for close to 25 years, and it has improved so much over that time. Absolutely love it.

I have gone on many biking trips throughout the area and have explored all the nooks and crannies on foot. This is a great place to go for a run as it's a solid distance and has a good amount of uphill for a hardy challenge. You're congratulated by a stunning view and scenery of wildlife from time to time. The Feeling of relaxation is easy to attain when one ventures into the deeper trails. Treat yourself to a good time and bring a Friend or loved one and plenty of good times shall be had! This Is also a great place to get glimpse of strata for Amateur geologists, a wonderful place to watch birds, and the perfect place to listen to whispers of the wind.

Great hiking opportunities! My friends and I were very impressed with the trails and historical sights.

One of the most underrated parks in our area. We went for the Coal Mine Tour and a hike. All had an excellent time as always!