R E C R E A T I O N
ROUND UP OF FAVORITE TRAILS
If you’ re visiting for a short time, these are popular trails with easy access that you won’ t want to miss. Check out the trails on the facing page for further possibilities.
Must Do!
GRASS VALLEY, NEVADA CITY, PENN VALLEY, TRUCKEE
DEER CREEK TRIBUTE TRAIL: Hiking, picnics, bicycling, swimming, fishing, horseback riding. Posts along a 1.5-mile loop from the suspension bridge memorialize the history of the Nisenan tribe as well as the Chinese. Some portions ADA accessible. bylt. org. |
BUTTERMILK BEND TRAIL: Hiking with spectacular river views, flowers in season, swimming, picnicking. Docent led wildflower walks on Saturday and Sunday in spring. One of the longest single-span wooden bridges in America located here. southyubariverstatepark. org |
HARDROCK TRAIL: Hiking, trail running, bicycling, horseback riding at Empire Mine; one of oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines. Gravel roads and dirt paths wind through conifer-forested scenery with historic points of interest. empiremine. org |
INDEPENDENCE TRAIL WEST: Hiking, swimming. Historic gold mining ditch transformed from wooden flumes that once transported water for hydraulic mining into a wilderness trail( handicapped-accessible for one mile.) Shaded trail with easy, level grade. |
● Easy – Up to 8.6 Miles |
● Easy – 2.3 Miles Out and Back |
● Easy – 3.5 Mile loop |
● Easy – 3 Mile Out and Back |
ERIN THIEM, OUTSIDEINN. COM |
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ERIN THIEM, OUTSIDEINN. COM
HIRSCHMAN POND TRAIL: Hiking and biking in a landscape carved by hydraulic water cannons. The trail meanders through oak woodlands, pines, and grasslands with the occasional sightings of old mining relics. The eastern 0.4 mile constructed to ADA standards.
DONNER LAKE RIM TRAIL: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding with stunning views of Donner Lake, Mount Rose and the Pacific Crest. Trail will eventually encircle entire lake on the mountains and ridges surrounding Donner Lake. tdlandtrust. org
TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL: Ride bikes, walk, or roll safely along this paved, handicapped accessible trail. Also suitable for inline skating, cross country skiing, the trail follows the south side of the beautiful Truckee River, allowing views of historic features. tdlandtrust. org
SAGEHEN CREEK TRAIL: Hiking, trail running and biking are ideal for this flat hike along the creek with views of meadows, aspen, lots of wildflowers in season and lake view at the end. Return on the meadow / creek side for shade. tdlandtrust. org
● Easy – 2.4 Miles
■ Moderate – 23 Miles eventually
■ ● Easy / Moderate – 4.7 Miles
● Easy – 4.7 Miles out and back
88 NEVADA COUNTY GOLD