It’s the start of the week-long Thanksgiving Break. Covid cases are increasing throughout the country. So it is very important that we spend the holidays with our own family without interacting with others. Driving around to see fall colors during this time is a feel-good activity that everyone can do, including wheelchair users for whom it is challenging to go for hikes.

The colorful transformation of the foliage in the New England area of the Eastern United States is famous across the globe. Apparently, California Fall colors are no less beautiful. Tricity Area around Fremont, Hayward, Pleasanton shows a kaleidoscope of spectacular fall colors around mid-November.

The drive from Fremont to the sleepy town of Sunol is very scenic with breathtaking views of Fall foliage along the stream. There are multiple pullover spots to park and enjoy the views all along the way. Continue the drive on Main street in Sunol and then turn right on Foothill Road. This drive on Foothill road is a memorable one through the woods overlooking the Vineyards. Keep driving on Foothill road towards Pleasanton you will come across beautiful houses scattered on both sides ornamented with different varieties of colored maples. Some of them have a private Vineyard too. Make sure to stop at the intersection of Oak Tree Firm Drive and Verona Drive. Pullover and park your car at a suitable spot to click pictures. You can walk to the bridge on Verona Dr to get a view of the stream. From there you get a beautiful view of the Fall foliage along the stream. Make sure to drive through the tunnel of Sugar Maples in Oak Tree Farm drive. After a quick stop at Oak Tree Farm Drive keep driving on Foothill Rd and turn on Bernal Ave towards Marilyn Murphy Kane trail. The intersection of Bernal Ave and W Lagoon Dr has a row of brilliant yellow foliage. Pullover and park your car at a suitable spot to click pictures. Continue om Bernal ave  to Alameda county Fairgrounds and Downtown Pleasanton for a magnificent display of Yellow Maples

♿️Wheelchair Accessibility♿️

  • The Niles Canyon Staging area is completely wheelchair accessible. It has a couple of Accessible parking and a portable accessible restroom. The Alameda creek trail is also wheelchair accessible. Some parts of this trail may be unpaved. You can just park your car and enjoy the beauty
  • Sunol downtown is Completely wheelchair Accessible
  • There are a couple of accessible parking spaces in front of the post office on Mainstree
  • The foothill staging area of Pleasanton Ridge park has a  paved portable wheelchair accessible restroom and accessible parking. There is one picnic table that is wheelchair accessible. The trails in the park are all multi-use dirt trails that are more suitable for an electric wheelchair.
  • The Bridge on Verona Road is wheelchair accessible. Park at the intersection of Oak Tree Farm drive and Verona Road.
  • There is accessible parking at Cubby’s Dog Park. You can take beautiful pictures of the Fall foliage at W. Lagoon Drive.

♿️ Social Distancing tips ♿

Day trips at the time of Covid are all done keeping social distancing and safety in mind. At no point should these be compromised.

  • Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
  • Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
  • Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
  • Do not forget to use the restroom before leaving from your house as it is safer to not use outside restroom during this period
  • Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you go outside
  • Do not leave your items unattended.
  • Do not open your car windows in crowded places

Niles Canyon Road, Fremont, California

Sunol, California

Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, California

Pleasanton, California