Napa Between Nature, Wine, and Culture

A trip to Napa can focus on nature, wine, or culture. In Napa County, the trail network ranges from paved paths along the river to hiking trails on ridgelines. There are also redwood forests, wetlands, historic sites, and outdoor art—a varied selection for planning days around your interests.

Nature and Trails in Napa County

At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, shaded paths wind through redwood forests and along streams, passing ferns. Public transportation options to the park are also described: The Vine’s Route 10 stops directly in front of the park, and the Calistoga Shuttle stops at the visitor center. If you plan to use these connections, check the schedule before your visit.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park covers 5,272 acres. Trails lead to viewpoints at the summit of Mount St. Helena, with views of Napa, Sonoma, and Lake counties. At Moore Creek Park, which covers more than 2,100 acres, the landscape is shaped by oak and Douglas fir forests, madrone trees, grassland, and chaparral.

One specific way to explore Moore Creek is the approximately three-mile Yip Trip Trail: It forms a loop and passes through several ecological zones. Trail conditions can change, so check the route’s condition before your visit. By comparison, the Oat Hill Mine Trail follows an old stagecoach route for 8.3 miles between Calistoga and the western end of Aetna Springs Road in Pope Valley. The Yip Trip Trail’s approximate length and loop format therefore differ significantly from the longer route of the Oat Hill Mine Trail.

More landscapes can be found at the Napa River Ecological Reserve, with valley oak woodland and riparian habitats across 73 acres. Opportunities there include hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Water conditions affect swimming and access to the river. Possible activities at Suscol Headwaters Park include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing; elevated terrain offers sweeping views from Mount St. Helena in the north to San Francisco in the south.

Those interested in forest trails will find more than 35 miles of trails through a redwood forest at PUC Forest near Angwin, including routes for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. At Wetlands Edge Park, trails run along the shore of the Napa-Sonoma Marsh and provide access to the marshland and Napa River. The park is also well suited to birdwatching and enjoying sunrises and sunsets.

Special Access to the Water

Several day-use areas lie along the western shore of Lake Berryessa: Eticuera, Pope Creek, Smittle Creek, Oak Shores, Capell Cove, and Olive Orchard. They are open during daylight hours; seasonal operations may change. Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park has a different kind of access: It can only be reached by launching a hand-carried boat from Capell Cove. Hiking and rustic camping are possible there.

Historic Mills and Trails

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is home to a water-powered grist mill dating from 1846. With its 36-foot water wheel, Bale Grist Mill is protected as a state historic landmark. Milling demonstrations and historic tours are offered on weekends; check the weekend schedule before your visit.

Oat Hill Mine Road also tells the story of the region’s history. Construction began in 1873; the route officially opened in 1893 as a connection between Calistoga and the cinnabar and mercury mines. The trail’s history can be paired with a hike without confusing the historical dates with the current length of the Oat Hill Mine Trail.

Art, Wine, and Cooking Classes

RAD Napa is a two-mile outdoor contemporary art gallery along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. It can be explored on foot or by bike. The Vine Trail is currently complete in three sections totaling 33 miles and connects the community with workplaces, schools, errands, and recreational opportunities. The section between St. Helena and Calistoga opened to the public in August 2024.

In Napa Valley, wineries offer tastings, spacious outdoor areas, and tours of wine cellars and caves. What individual wineries offer and whether reservations are required varies by winery. Hot-air balloon rides are also promoted as a visitor activity in Napa Valley; providers and flight conditions vary. If you’d rather cook for yourself, CIA at Copia offers hands-on, one-day cooking classes lasting two to five hours, including special classes for parents, teens, and children.

For art and nature enthusiasts, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art offers art and nature walks every second Sunday; advance registration is recommended. With different times and themes on offer, it helps to prioritize: A cooking class lasts two to five hours, while when choosing a hike you can compare factors such as trail length, route type, and scenery.

Discover more destinations: American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, Yountville, Saint Helena, Pope Valley, Oakville, Angwin.

For the main travel overview: California.