Sacramento Northern Bike Trail:
California
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Description:
Follow this trail for a tour of Sacramento and its surrounding communities, weaving through historic neighborhoods and parks and finishing in a scenic rural area. The bikeway also connects with a number of other local and regional trails, and serves as a vital community resource for recreation and commuting to work and school.
The trail runs along the former right-of-way of the Sacramento Northern Interurban Railway, which carried passengers between Sacramento and Chico until the line closed in the mid-1940s. Today you can enjoy many of the bridges and structures that were built for the railway.
Begin near downtown Sacramento on C Street between 19th and 20th streets, and head north through an industrial area. After about 0.5 mile, you come to a T junction in the trail, bear right and soon cross a trestle bridge over the American River. At the 1-mile mark, you reach another T junction. Turn left to merge onto the Jedediah Smith National Trail. Immediately after crossing Del Paso Boulevard, you enter Discovery Park, a popular spot for recreation boaters and anglers. Bear right at the first fork, and a small rise carries you onto the raised former rail bed, which offers a nice view of the park and its ponds and waterfowl. Another 0.2 mile down the trail you cross an active rail line; from this point on the trail is a straight, smooth, flat, tree-lined and landscaped. You'll pass through an attractive metal archway each time you reach a new neighborhood.
Near the 6-mile mark, the trail heads into an agricultural landscape. You cross a series of bridges and ride under canopies of mature trees, with cattle grazing in pastures on both sides of the trail.
Near the 8-mile mark, the trail reaches the Rio Linda Chamber of Commerce and Rio Linda Community Center, which has an adjacent playing field and BMX bike park. The trail continues on a newly constructed segment for another 2 miles, and ends at Elverta Road. You can either ride back to the beginning, or arrange for a shuttle.
There are numerous shaded areas and rest kiosks along the trail where you might want to take a breather, especially if you're visiting during Sacramento's hot summer.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Sacramento endpoint, from Interstate 80 take the 15th Street (Highway 160) exit. (If you are headed eastbound take the 16th Street exit.) Go north on 16th Street, which is a one-way road, to D Street. Go right (east) on D Street to 20th street, and turn left (north) on 20th Street to reach C Street. The trail is located between 19th and 20th Streets, on the north side of the road. Ample street parking is available, and a large gateway identifies the trailhead.
To reach the Rio Linda endpoint, from Interstate 5 in Sacramento, head north on I-5 to its junction with Highway 99. Go right (north) on Highway 99 to the Elkhorn Boulevard exit. Follow Elkhorn Boulevard east to Rio Linda Boulevard. Turn left (north) on Rio Linda Boulevard and follow it to Elverta Road. There is a parking lot at the trailhead on Elverta Road.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail can be used year-round, but in spring, when the American River runs high, the portion from California 160 to the intersection with the Jebediah Smith National Recreation Trail may be flooded.
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[View all reviews for this trail]
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By twirlymaker in June, 2010
An excellent surfaced trail from the Elverta Rd Trailhead to Elkhorn Blvd.
Active use of trail by locals. Parking at Trail Head N38.71418 -121.46269.
Noel Keller 4 Jun 10.
By bluegrover in August, 2009
Goes through some rough areas of Sacramento. Be careful and stay in a group.
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