• Begin your walk at the community trailhead in downtown Forestville. Head south on the dirt path, winding through oaks that soon open onto views of vineyards. The trail bends then comes to a hard right turn and the paved trail.
• Continuing on the paved trail, on your left, you will notice a large recycled-water pond, which harbors a surprising variety of birds throughout the year.
• After crossing two bridges, you’ll reach the Ross Branch Road trailhead, where you’ll find a few picnic tables, benches, and parking spots.
• This is the approximate halfway-point for this walk. Beyond Ross Branch Road, you’ll be treated to views of a berry farm, vineyards, and horse pastures.
• After crossing the private Ross Lane, the trail takes you past Graton’s recycled-water ponds, then leaves the route of the former railway and takes a sharp right turn, becoming dirt.
• You are now in Atascadero Creek Ecological Reserve, a biologically important wetland. A boardwalk keeps you above the sensitive habitat until you reach the end of your walk at Green Valley Road. Turn around and retrace your steps back to Forestville.