Black Diamond Mines - Stewartville Loop - Antioch

Black Diamond Mines is loaded with history - including ghost town sites, old coal and sand mines plus a graveyard. And so long as the rain is not an issue, it's a good time to visit.

The Miners Trail is a 4.8 mile loop with a 1,234 foot altitude gain - a definite workout. However, the views are spectacular, and the history very interesting. Here is a link to a map for your reference. Dogs are allowed on the trail.

We will start out on the Stewartville trail, then take the single track Miner trail into the Stewartville Townsite. We then make a loop using the Stewartville, Corcoran Mine, then Ridge trails.

• What we'll do:

Let's meet up at the trail head at the upper parking lot at 9:00 am. The address for Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is 5175 Somersville Rd, Antioch (Note: sometimes there is a nominal entrance fee).

Alternatively, you can carpool with me from the Walnut Creek Friends Church back parking lot, leaving at 8:10 am. The church address is 1950 First Ave. in Walnut Creek. 

And if we have time, we can visit the visitor center inside the mountain! 

• What to bring:

Plan on a cool morning, warming up as we hike. Bring plenty of water, layered clothing, hiking boots/sturdy shoes, a hat if you like, a snack, and an attitude for making friends.

See you soon!

Doug