The Black Diamond Way trailhead, just below the Oakhurst Country Club, is one of Clayton's best kept secrets. The first mile is a beautiful winding creekside trail and then the fun begins! It doesn't get tough until the 1.7 mile marker when it takes a turn to the left and starts climbing at a rate that will leave anyone breathing deep. From Marsh Creek Road, it is about 2.4 miles to the Backdoor (a metal walk-thru gate) to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. From their it another short climb to the top and about .6 mile to the "Air Shaft" and .8 mile to the "Adit". The Adit is one of the unique park features, but bring a battery powered flashlight!
Please remember to bring water for everyone (especially your pets) on hikes over 30 minutes!
Roundtrip to the "Y" is about 1.6 miles; to the Backdoor, 5 miles; and to the Adit, about 6.5 miles, roundtrip.
Maybe this year, the fine folks at Oakhurst Country Club, will tackle the water runoff problem from their sprinkler system and manage it so that the first 150 yards of the the trailhead aren't a water hazard for the people and pets using this fine recreational gateway.
