Sacramento River Parkway Trail:
California
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Description:
Hugging the eastern bank of the Sacramento River, this trail travels through Old Sacramento and along the Sacramento Southern excursion rail line to connect neighborhoods to the south. The trail makes useful links to the American River Bike Trail on the north end and the network of offstreet bike paths winding through the Pocket neighborhood on the south end.

The trail starts from the Jiboom Street Bridge in Tiscornia Park in the north where parking and restrooms are located and connection can be made to the American River Bike Trail. There is a $5 fee per vehicle to enter the parkway and park here. This is the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers. From this point the trail heads south, passing the new Water Intake Structure with a fun little fountain and displays of the pumps and artwork. The trail next passes through the old railyards, which were the largest in the West and are now being redeveloped into a major urban area. At mile 1.1 the trail enters Old Sacramento at the State Railroad Museum, which has a turntable and many restored locomotives and cars inside, as well as a restored depot and excursion train rides. Old Sacramento is a tourist destination and many food and drink options are available.

The trail ends in Old Sacramento and you will need to follow Front Street for about a mile to get to the next portion. Front Street is dirt for one block and cobblestone for a couple more before crossing Capitol Mall in front of the Tower Bridge. You can walk or bike a short distance on the Promenade south of Capitol Mall before you will need to rejoin Front Street to the south. The Promenade is currently being expanded south into the Docks project area and also connecting with a spur over Highway 5 at R Street. Continue on Front Street south past the Towe Auto Museum and under US 50 and cross Broadway to enter Miller Park.

The trail picks up again in Miller Park just over the railroad tracks and travels about 2.5 miles south to the Captian's Table Restaurant. This section is wedged in tight between the river and the tracks with I5 just on the other side of the tracks. The Sacramento Southern Rail Road operates an excursion railroad here from the depot in Old Sacramento.

At Captain's Table Restaurant the trail again ends and you will need to follow Riverside Blvd past the Little Pocket neighborhood to the final 0.5 mile section of trail on the levee. After you cross 35th Ave. look for the trail on the right and follow this to the Bear Flag School Park in the Pocket neighborhood. From here you can connect to a network of trails through the Pocket area.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking is available at Tiscornia Park at the northern end for the $5 entrance fee to the American River Parkway. Old Sacramento has several parking garages and metered parking on street. Additional parking is located at the Captain's Table Restaurant and on street in the southern areas around Bear Flag School Park.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Great trail for the train lover
By norcalhkr in September, 2011
This trail is a very easy ride and drops right into the parkway trail systems. I highly recommend parking by Scotts Seafood as there is a nice public parking lot and it really is the start of the trail from the south end. Any further south and you end up riding through nieghborhoods and on the street rather than on the trail. The trail itself is well marked and follows the river the bulk of the way. There is also a lightly used rail track on the side and if you are lucky you will get to see the sacramento railway taking a lea sure stroll. Best part of the trail is dropping into old town sac where you can quickly get to downtown or the parkway for all the more riding. Nice little sunday stroll.
Great running trail!
By osmondr in August, 2010
If you are in the Sacramento area, then this is a great trail to run. It starts near Tiscornia Park but it may be easier to start at Discovery Park (which is right across the river) where there is plenty of parking. Both Park's have bathrooms and water fountains. Discovery Park looked nicer and cleaner.

The trail is paved and fairly level. There is a nice dirt/gravel shoulder that you can run on too so you don't have to stay on the paved portions. Lots of great views of the river, well shaded, many blackberry bushes along the way, and lots of small wildlife. The trail is officially open from sunrise to sunset.

Happy running!
Bob Osmond
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Tiscornia Park at Jiboom Street Bridge to North end of Bear Flag School Park at Clipper Way
Counties: Sacramento
Trail Length: 7 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6357955

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