Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Regional park in the San Leandro Hills near Oakland, California

Anthony Chabot Regional Park is a 5,067-acre regional park in the San Leandro Hills, adjacent to Oakland, San Leandro and Castro Valley. Its steep terrain consists of grasslands, chaparral and eucalyptus groves planted around 1910 by water companies. The park has trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, two equestrian centers, and a 75-site family campground plus seven group camps.

The land joined the regional park system in 1952, making it one of the early areas set aside for public recreation in the East Bay hills. The dam that forms Lake Chabot was built in the late 19th century to supply drinking water to the city of Oakland.

The park's name honors Anthony Chabot, builder of Lake Chabot and Oakland's first public water system; the park was renamed for him in 1965. The main road to the family campground and former marksmanship range is Marciel Road, named for the Azorean immigrant Maciel family who ranched there. At the Big Bear Staging Area on Redwood Road stood the Big Bear Tavern, where Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band held jam sessions from 1940, drawing up to 400 dancers; the band's "Big Bear Stomp" memorializes it.

Sturdy shoes are a good idea since many trails run through hilly terrain and weather can shift quickly, especially in winter and spring. Those planning to camp should book in advance, particularly on weekends and holidays.

A continuous trail links the park to the regional Cowell/Ridgeline Trail, which passes through several ridges and neighboring open spaces. This means hikers can walk far beyond the park's own grounds without ever needing to return to a road.