If you do not mind a short, easy, and exhilarating ride around a lake, then the North Lake Trail near Irvine, California, will give you a great experience. Besides the calm and scenery the lake provides, the trail has some moderate uphill and downhill sections that add variety to your ride. Overall, the North Lake Trail offers a nice outing.
The North Lake Trail is a loop route that returns you to the trailhead after rounding the lake. The small paved parking area off Stone Creek South at the northern section of the trail has two designated accessible spaces. You can access both of them with a van. There is also a paved street side parking area along Stone Creek South.
The North Lake trail surface is paved, guaranteeing you a smooth ride. Start your ride from the parking area and veer right, following the paved trail. Continue to keep right as you ride past the North Lake Beach Club. Head towards the bridge that will take you across North Lake Island. The trail on the bridge features railings to protect you.
After crossing the bridge, ignore the trail that goes to the North Lake Tennis Club. Instead, quickly turn right and follow the North Lake Trail. Continue riding on the trail, keeping to your right. Ride past the roads to Beechwood and Lakefront until you reach the trail on Barranca Parkway.
Turn right and keep following Barranca Parkway. Then, take a right turn towards Lake Road and keep left towards the parking lot of Stone Creek South. This loop trail ride takes approximately one mile, which is short. But the beautiful trees and a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, turtles, ducks, and geese, along the trail, make the ride more enjoyable.
You can’t go wrong with this trail as long as you are not looking for a more strenuous lengthier ride.
The North Lake Trail is one of the least restrictive trails. You can carry your dog with you on the adventure, but it must always be on a leash. That helps other trail users to feel safe in the environment.
10 mi 
