The Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail turns 50 this year, and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is throwing a free open house to celebrate. The event Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Lafayette Community Center will feature 11 new interpretive panels tracing the trail's history, according to Contra Costa News.

Doors open at 9 a.m. at the Jennifer Russell Building, 500 St. Mary's Road. The program begins at 10 a.m. Listed participants include Lafayette Vice Mayor John McCormick, Moraga Mayor Kerry Hillis and Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen. EBRPD Assistant General Manager for External Affairs Allison Brooks, Board Member Lynda Deschambault and historical societies representative Shane Reisman are also listed.

The panels will remain on display throughout the open house. Installation along the 7.65-mile trail is planned for later this year.

EBRPD developed the panels in partnership with the City of Lafayette, Town of Moraga, Lafayette Historical Society, Moraga Historical Society, Moraga Community Foundation and Community Foundation of Lafayette.

How mule trains became bike lanes

The trail's corridor carried redwood lumber by mule train in the 1800s. Electric railway service reached Lafayette along the corridor in 1913, the Contra Costa Herald reported. Passenger service ended in 1941, and the last freight trains ran in 1957.

Lafayette residents Avon Wilson and Lynn Hiden, nicknamed the “Bike Ladies,” advocated for a bicycle route separated from traffic. Don Goode, Jerry Kent and other community leaders helped turn that effort into the regional trail, according to the Lafayette Historical Society. EBRPD identifies it as one of California’s first rail-trails.

The 7.65-mile linear park now parallels St. Mary's Road through both communities. It is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, and is wheelchair-accessible at 10 feet wide, according to EBRPD’s trail page.

If you go

  • What: 50th Anniversary Open House and Exhibit Preview
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 9–11 a.m. Doors at 9 a.m., program at 10 a.m.
  • Where: Lafayette Community Center, Jennifer Russell Building, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette
  • Cost: Free. Light refreshments will be served.

Event hours, admission and refreshments are confirmed by EBRPD’s official listing.

A dedicated website documenting the trail's history is available at lmhistorytrail.org.