Lishumsha Trail - Intermediate
Trail grade: Old Mori Trail - less than 3%
Lishumsha Trail - 9.5%
Trail length: Old Mori Trail - 0.5 miles
Lishumsha Trail - 0.28 miles
Trail width: Old Mori Trail - 10 feet
Lishumsha Trail - 3 to 5 feet
Trail surface: Old Mori Trail - Compacted dirt, wood boardwalk
Lishumsha Trail - Compacted dirt, some small rocks
Trail uses: Hiking, bicycles, and wheelchairs
Accessible restroom and parking: Yes
Cellular Service Signal Strength: Good
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Location: Off of Bradford Way, Pacifica
(Across from the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge - big red building)
The Old Mori Trail is one of those surprising gems that I was fortunate to learn about and visit. Golden Gate National Recreation Area did a wonderful job adding two accessible parking spots, an accessible restroom, and grading the 0.5-mile trail for an easy wheelchair hike. As you cross the boardwalk there are ponds on each side for the California Red-Legged Frog (listed as a threatened species in 1996), and restored habitat for the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake. The trail soon brings you to a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, Mori Point, and the black sands of Sharp Park Beach.
The Lishumsha Trail isn't listed as a wheelchair-accessible trail due to the 9.5% grade, so it could be very challenging for some wheelchair users. I would recommend you have a rugged wheelchair and be experienced in hiking steep dirt trails. The dirt trail surface is well-conditioned and it did a good job of keeping my power chair wheels from sliding down the steep slope. The entrance to the trail is on the left side of the Old Mori Trail, before the boardwalk. Even though it's only a short 0.28-mile trail, the scenic vista views make it well worth the climb and effort.
For those feeling ambitious, after your hike, you can take the trail that parallels the beach and it will take you past Pacifica Beach Park, which has picnic tables, and to the Pacifica Pier.
Since wheelchair hiking both trails little more than a month ago, I've visited Mori Point two more times, that's how much I have enjoyed going there. This being a coastal area, make sure to check the weather ahead of time. Also, make sure to bring water with you.
To see more of Mori Point please watch my video
