Manzanita Lake Trail

Manzanita Lake is a quiet, easy stop just outside Oakhurst, near the small town of North Fork. A 2.1-mile round-trip trail follows an old flume road around the lake, with roughly 131 feet of elevation gain — flat enough for families, casual walkers, and beginner cyclists.

What to Expect on the Trail

The path stays close to the shoreline through foothill oak and pine, with granite outcrops and frequent bird activity along the way. The old semi-paved surface makes for easy walking (and rideable by bike in sections). It's rated easy and typically takes under an hour. Trails immediately around the picnic area get rougher and less maintained, so stick to the main loop if you want a smooth walk.

Fishing, Wildlife, and Facilities

The lake supports fishing under standard California Department of Fish and Wildlife rules, and the shoreline sees frequent bird activity worth watching for. A small picnic area at the parking lot has fire grates, picnic tables, and trash cans.

Good to Know

• Dogs are allowed on leash under Madera County rules.
• The lake sits along a flume that has been in operation for over a century; the surrounding land is managed by Sierra National Forest.
• Parking is small and sits near the North Fork post office, just off County Road 222 — an easy, short drive from town.