If Black Friday shopping isn’t your thing, two recently finished trails at the state’s newest park offer a respite from crowds — and a chance to burn off Thanksgiving calories.

The California Park System will debut the two trails at Dos Rios near Modesto this Friday, according to a news release from the agency.

The Pond Loop Trail takes visitors on a 1.85-mile loop with chances to view wildlife, ancient oak trees, and a newly restored floodplain.

A bit longer, the Confluence Trail offers sights on a 3.6-mile out-and-back trek, mostly flat. Visitors can see the Native Use Garden and the “bunny mound,” where the endangered riparian brush rabbit hides during flooding.

The park is only open Friday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs are permitted, but they have to be on a leash. The park is located at 3559 Shiloh Road, eight miles west of Modesto.

Several Protected Species Call Dos Rios Home

The state opened Dos Rios to the public on June 12, where the Tuolomne and San Joaquin rivers meet. The 1,600-acre property is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California history.

The protected habitat plays home to protected species such as the riparian brush rabbit, riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, Central Valley Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, least Bell’s vireo, and the greater sandhill crane. Several migratory bird species use Dos Rios as a stopping point along the Pacific Flyway.

On top of the 1,600 acres, two organizations, River Partners and Tuolomne River Trust, are working to restore another 500 acres on an adjacent former farm.

Floodplains serve as natural buffers to protect downstream flows against heavy rains.

Beyond hikes, the public will have a chance to weigh in on what other activities should be offered at the park, including fishing, boating, bicycling, and swimming.

Weather Should Be Clear, but Bring Boots and Jacket

Recent storms have put the floodplains at Dos Rios to use.

Accuweather on Tuesday predicted the skies over Modesto will clear up in time for the Thanksgiving weekend. Forecasters say highs in the area will hit 57 degrees Friday, 55 degrees Saturday, and 60 degrees Sunday.