Throwback Thursday: Moore Creek’s Journey from Irish Homestead to Trail Haven — and Why It Needs You Today
Tucked into the rugged beauty of Napa County, Moore Creek Park is more than just a scenic destination—it’s a living story of settlement, stewardship, and a community’s deep connection to the land. From its humble beginnings with an Irish family seeking a new life to today’s expansive multi-use trail system, Moore Creek’s evolution is a powerful reminder of how our past shapes our present—and how we, in turn, shape the future.
From Irish Roots to Napa Valley Landmark
Originally known as “Moore’s Creek,” the land was named after William G. Moore, who emigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, in the mid-1800s with his wife Bridget and their children. Listed in the 1860 census as a shepherd with no real estate, Moore was likely a squatter, yet his family left a lasting imprint on the land. The name remains a quiet tribute to those early settlers whose resilience and resourcefulness mirrored the landscape they called home.
A Shift Toward Public Stewardship
For decades, the Moore Creek area operated as a private cattle ranch, largely inaccessible to the public. That changed in 2008, when the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District acquired 700 acres, transforming the land into protected parkland. This move followed earlier conservation efforts by the City of Napa, which purchased the adjacent Hennessey Unit in the 1940s as part of the Conn Dam and Lake Hennessey development. Together, these areas form the foundation of today’s Moore Creek Park.
A Trail Network That Keeps Growing
In April 2025, Moore Creek Park expanded once again—this time by 523 acres—thanks to a visionary collaboration between the Redwood Trails Alliance and the Land Trust of Napa County. This latest expansion links Moore Creek’s trail network to the Pacific Union College Demonstration Forest, forming a continuous protected corridor along Napa Valley’s eastern ridgeline. It also added four miles of Bay Area Ridge Trail, enhancing habitat connectivity and recreational access for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
What Moore Creek Offers Today
Spanning over 2,100 acres, Moore Creek Park now features a rich mosaic of oak woodlands, madrone forests, grasslands, and chaparral. Wildlife sightings are common—from bobcats and gray foxes to black bears and mountain lions. Visitors can explore a growing trail network, including scenic loops with sweeping views and access to hidden swimming holes, making it a gem for outdoor lovers of all kinds.
The Trail Ahead: Help Build Pay the Piper
But even as Moore Creek blossoms, it still faces critical infrastructure challenges—especially in winter months when creek crossings flood, cutting off access for trail users. That’s why the Redwood Trails Alliance is calling on the community to support a new project: “Pay the Piper,” an alternate trail route that will ensure year-round access for hikers and bikers while protecting fragile riparian ecosystems.
This new trail isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. And it’s an opportunity for everyone who loves Moore Creek to be part of its next chapter.
Let’s make history again—this time, by building a trail future generations will ride, hike, and cherish.
Support the “Pay the Piper” trail project today
