Explore the best rated trails in Chester, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Great Shasta Rail Trail and Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail . With more than 10 trails covering 149 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Rode this in September or October 2023. It was a week right before the big running race that happens on the trail every fall. We came up from Sacramento and stayed in Susanville two nights. The first day we rode out from Susanville depot all the way to where there’s a parking area where the highway comes across. Turned around there and went back. Nice trail. The following day we went over towards Lassen and rode around that side of the trail and also did a little exploring by car. The trail over near where the fire occurred was a little beat up and muddy.. etc. because of course all the firefighters were in there fighting the fire and etc. so not a problem but all in all it was a great fun time I would go back and do it again.
We discovered this trail in summer and had a great evening ride on the summer solstice. Came back for the fall colors. Started in Westwood and rode 25 miles down to susanville. The Lassen rural shuttle makes this sooo easy. Thank you Lassen county for the shuttle ! Awesome river canyon ride!
We rode our bikes on this trail from the far west end parking area for 1.5 miles, before giving up and turning around because of the falling hazard. The gravel is so thick in the center of the path, that it causes your tires to get hung up and you are unable to steer. There was a deep hole in the path, probably caused by an animal. You cant see it until you are on top of it. There are pine trees and bushes growing over the trail that scratch you and force you into the thick gravel. The trail needs major maintenance to make it safe for bike riding. almost fell a couple Itwas so slow going
We camped at Merrill campground in the middle of this trail length. Great sites with good room between sites, even some with power hookups. Ride north to end of trail is easy and well maintained. The south ride to boat marina is more bumpy but worth the trip. Great views along the way!
Biked the entire length on Aug. 6, 2023. A very pretty ride. Started at the north end where the parking is limited. The trail is all asphalt and in very good condition, but there are some potholes. It seemed like it had just been swept as there was almost no pine needles or twigs on the trail. The first 1.5 miles on the north end are in the burn scar and include a mild hill. A casual rider should consider starting at the boat launch where the bathrooms are. Most of the ride has mild hills that casual riders and kids might find challenging (the south end is the flattest). On the way back, we bypassed the biggest hill on the route and rode into Prattville for lunch along Almanor Drive. Consider this alternative route not only for a bite to eat but also for its nice views of the Lake. The south end is also in the burn scar, but only for quarter mile. A very nice ride.
Trail is in awful shape. Road it yesterday 8/1/23. There are lots and lots of trees across the trail, big ones and small ones. Had hoped to ride it to Harris Spring Rd from Harlow Flats. Only made it ten miles. Could be a wonderful trail if maintained. May have to do some of my own maintenance. Live close by.
Parked at the north trailhead and rode south to end of trail. Fire devastation from Dixie fire at north and south end of trail, but in between beautiful forest and lake shore trail with beaches, picnic and camping areas. We came around a curve and startled a bald eagle that was feeding on a fish. What an experience to see our national bird up so close as it spread it's wings and flew off over the lake.
My only complaint is the lack of maintenance on this trail. I would think the US Forest Service and other involved agencies would have done a better job of repairing/restoring this beautiful trail after the Dixie fire. But this should not discourage anyone from visiting the area and riding this trail.
This is a great trail even with the aftermath of the 2021 Hog Fire. We rode the entire trail from the Susanville Depot to Mason Station and back with our ebikes. First 6+ miles to Devil's Corral was amazing with the Susan river running full and green vegetation everywhere. After Devil's Corral the fire beast has devastated the forest until just before Goumaz Campround. After that beautiful forest and river surroundings until the fire beast reared it's ugly head the last couple of miles before Mason Station. If you are looking for a well groomed gravel surface, this ride is not for you. But if you don't mind rough areas, downed trees and an occasional boulder on the trail, you will enjoy the Beauty and the Beast.
Too bad there isn’t a lower score. We bike a lot, mountain, gravel and road. This surface is unrideable. There is soft cinder - varies in the middle from 4-8” and is not compacted. The bushes are grown over the sides scratching your arms and legs. We rode 12 miles and rode back along the hwy on mountain bikes.
It is a great concept and wonderful that the trail is started and reserved for the future. It’s is not usable in this condition.
There were lots of butterflies, flowers, beautiful trees, some views of Shasta and I wanted to love this trail.
The cinder needs to be removed and someone with bike experience and someone with trail building experience needs to be on the committee in the future. It’s probably great for snowmobiles and ATV’s.
Nice fall colors and spring wildflowers. Winter is under snow (x-country skiing, though). Summers can be warm but still tolerable.
Fascinating geology. The observant rider will see when the underlying bedrock is granite or basalt, and understand you are transitioning between two mountain ranges -- Sierra Nevada and Cascade.
A campground is halfway if you want to make it a two day ride. The local bus company will haul you and your bike as a shuttle.
Unfortunately, a good portion of the forest along the trail burned in 2020. However, you can see forest recovery in action.
If you are more adventurous you could connect to the Collins Pine Rail to Trail and ride into Chester, then pick up the Almanor Recreation Trail along Lake Almanor. From the Susanville end you could connect to the Modoc Line Rails to Trail that goes to Alturas. You could easily make a week long bikepacking trip with the Bizz Johnson trail in the middle.
Rode the Bizz in the Fall in honor of my Dad. He and I (or just dad) would ride this spectacular trail every year from Westwood to Susanville. Last time we tried riding it (20 years ago) my bike broke down right at the beginning, it started to snow, and I told dad to go on without me. Figured we could try it again next year. Didn’t realize that was going to be the last chance we would be able to ride it together. Now, in my 60’s, it was a bit of a butt kicker, but I made it! Just glad Dad wasn’t alive to see he cast burn areas. together.
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