Merced River Trail:
California
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Description:
This is an ungroomed, mostly dirt trail that follows the unshaded banks of the Merced River. Ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking, the trail provides many stunning overlooks and great natural scenery. Following the old Yosemite railroad grade from the Briceburg Visitor Center along the north bank of the River, all the way to the Trail's conclusion at the Hwy 49 Bridge in Bagby, CA.

DIFFICULTY:
Hard

FOOD:
There are no restaurants or stores along the route, but food is available in the nearby town of mariposa, at the lodges located east of Briceberg along California 140, and in Yosemite National Park.

REST ROOMS:
Rest rooms are available at Briceberg, in the campgrounds that lie at the end of the gravel access road, and at the campground in Bagby.

TRANSPORTATION:
There is no public transpiration available between the end points.

RENTALS:
There are no rentals available along the trail.
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Parking & Trail Access:
At last check, daily parking was free. If you are going to camp, there is a camping fee of $10 per site, and a beach camping fee of $2.00 per person, per night.

To get to the Trail: From Merced, travel East on Highway 140, about 40 miles to the town of Mariposa. From Mariposa, go 15 miles North on Hwy. 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
Spring and summer are the high traffic seasons for this trail. Although no formal seasonal restrictions exist, it is important to note that the Merced River Recreation Center and trailhead are near the entrance to Yosemite National Park, and the Merced area serves as an overflow for Park visitors and rafting enthusiasts.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Not for the faint of heart
By kharker in July, 2008
The south end of the trail is nearly impassable. The banks have washed out and covered the trail with loose scree. The only remnant of the trail is a 6 inch wide single track with a severe drop off to the river bed. We are reasonably accomplished mountain bikers but only made it 2 miles up the trail before turning around. "Mountain Biking Norther California's Best 100 Trails" by Fragnoli and Stuart listed the trail as "Easy". I guess that was a few high water years ago.
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If you are lucky enough to travel this trail, enjoy! What a wonderul river.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Briceburg to near Bagby
Counties: Mariposa
Trail Length: 14 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Ballast, Dirt
Trail Activities: Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6132424

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Guidebook: Learn more about other Western rail-trails in RTC's Western Guidebook.
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