Though not open for more than 30 years, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Franklin Trail, the lower part of the historic route to the crest is now accessible to the public. The trail takes you past Carpinteria High School and then climbs 600 feet to the top of a prominent knoll. Along with the ascent, the views get better and better. There is a beautiful wood carved bench at the top where you can enjoy the best viewing spot in the area.
Lower Franklin Trail -
Overview
Difficulty: Moderate •
Mileage: 2.25
Elevation Gain: 600' ft. • Location: Front Country, Carpinteria
Features: Out & Back, Viewpoint, Sunset, Benches
User Type: Hiking, Equestrian Trail, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Trail Running
Elevation Gain: 600' ft. • Location: Front Country, Carpinteria
Features: Out & Back, Viewpoint, Sunset, Benches
User Type: Hiking, Equestrian Trail, Mountain Biking, Dog Walking, Trail Running
Highlights
Though this is a relatively short hike, and not terribly wild, San Antonio Creek is a wonderful place to take children. Tucker’s Grove is perfect for a picnic, and it has the best playground equipment for kids anywhere in Santa Barbara. The hike is level so you can take even the littlest tots on the trail. The riparian community found along it is an excellent place to teach kids about the local environment.
The Basics
- Length : .1 miles to high school along paved path; .75 miles along school, nursery and orchards to the start of the main trail; 2.0 miles to top of knoll; 2.25 to locked gate.
- Gain : 650
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Path : Native soil tread.
- Season : All year; may be muddy after any measurable amount of rain.
- Restrictions : Multi-use; expect to see mountain bikes on the trail.
- Canine : OK for dogs on leash.
- Points of Interest : Out & Back,Viewpoint,Sunset,Benches
Trail Facts
Difficulty: Moderate
Points of Interests: Out & Back, Viewpoint, Sunset, Benches
User Types: Hikers, Equestrians, Mountain Bikers, Dog Walker, Trail Runners
Locations: Front Country, Carpinteria
Get Directions To The Lower Franklin Trail Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Lower Franklin which is located at 34.406839,-119.517088.
Print Directions
Gallery
Access / Getting There
- From Santa Barbara drive soputhboundbound on Highway 101 to the Linden offramp in Carpinteria.
- Turn left on Linden and drive past the elementary school to Meadow View Lane.
- Turn left again on Meadow View and continue several hundred yards. The road dead ends at the start of the hike.
- Follow the bike and walking path towards the mountains, cross Hy 192 in front of the school and then bear left on the trail. You'll find a kiosk a short dispance along the trail where you can orient youself.
Download Directions: Download PDF Map Directions
Get Directions To The Lower Franklin Trail Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to Lower Franklin which is located at 34.406839,-119.517088.
Print Directions
Things to Know
Please respect the high school by not parking in their lot. There is plenty of parking on Meadow View Lane off Linden Avenue or near the upper end of Franklin Park on Sterling Avenue.
Background
Trip Log
On The Trail
On The Bike
On The Run
On The Walk
Last Updated: Monday, August 25, 2014
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When heading out on any of our local trails always remember to bring plenty of water and take care while you are out there.