This tour of the Alameda Creek Regional Trail is a continuation of the southside tour to Niles Canyon. The tour described below runs on the northside of Alameda Creek from Niles Canyon to just past I-880. William Cann Neighborhood Park, Hop Ranch Picnic Area, Isherwood Staging Area, Quarry Lakes Regional Recreational Area, Rancho Arroyo Park, Shinn Pond, Niles Community Park, the Niles Staging Area, and Vallejo Mills Park. The trail starts at the mouth of Niles Canyon in the historic Fremont community of Niles.
Niles has a long history that includes railroads and movie-making.
The transcontinental Central Pacific Railroad came through Niles Canyon starting in 1869. The railroad tradition is kept alive by the Niles Canyon Railway in Sunol, which offers rail tours through the rustic canyon. There is also a railroad museum, the Niles Depot. In 1912, Niles was the home of Essanay Studios. Silent movies starring Charlie Chaplin, Bronco Billy, and other famous silent film stars were filmed here.