South County Path
The South County Trail, which begins south of Downtown Los Angeles in the town of Vernon, runs for 5.8 miles. Combined with the adjoining LaRio Bike Trail creates close to 17 miles of biking. For distance-hungry riders, this offers a great open stretch of unfettered bikeway along the Los Angeles River.
Although this stretch, with all its concrete, seems monotonous and not too scenic, the lower half of the river continues to support a robust bird population. Greening projects in the working-class riverside neighborhoods of Maywood, Cudahy and South Gate play a lead role in bringing greater variety to the physical and social aspects of the river.
STARTING POINT
Maywood Riverfront Park (Walker Avenue & 59th Place, Maywood). Head upriver to the northwestern terminus of the bike path, located at Atlantic Avenue in Vernon, then turn back around to enjoy the full length of this ride (down to Imperial Highway).
DIRECTIONS TO START
CAR: On I-710 South, exit at Atlantic Boulevard. Go right on Atlantic Boulevard. Make a left at Slauson Avenue. Then a right at Alamo Avenue.
STARTING POINT
Ample parking in and around Maywood Riverfront Park.
ENDING POINT
Imperial Avenue then return to Starting Point.
NEARBY PARKS
Santa Cruz Park
1.9 acres with benches, at the intersection of Shoreline and Ocean Boulevard.
Ralph C. Dills Park
Named in honor of a state senator, this park, located at 6500 San Juan Street in Paramount, features picnic tables, a playground, a walking and jogging path, a basketball court, restrooms, and grassy areas.
Hollydale Park
This riverside park has soccer fields, a three-mile cross country course, picnic facilities and more. It is located on Monroe Avenue near the intersection of the Century (110) and Long Beach (710) Freeways in the city of South Gate.
Maywood Riverfront Park
Located at 60th Street and Walker Avenue in a densely-populated part of Maywood, this small park is a stone's throw from the L.A. River. Efforts are underway to expand the park, and to create a high-quality connection to the river channel.
Cudahy City Park
This small park, located at 5220 Santa Ana Street in Cudahy, is accessible via the South County Bike Path.