Explore the best rated trails in Manton, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sacramento River Rail Trail and Hornbeck Trail . With more than 17 trails covering 143 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.
I recently enjoyed a fantastic bike ride on the Sacramento River Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail in late May 2025. Riding my TREK Checkpoint gravel bike, and knowing it would be a 100-degree day, I planned to begin early at 5:45 AM from the Sheraton Hotel by the Sundial Bridge in Redding. This hotel is conveniently located right on the Sacramento River Trail, making it an ideal overnight spot before the ride.
The evening before, just to say I completed the entire trail, I rode a few miles from the hotel to the Sacramento River Trailhead at Hilltop Drive. It was a short but surprisingly steep climb to reach the trailhead.
The next morning, starting at 5:45 AM, I rode from the hotel to the end of the Sacramento River Trail at Keswick Dam. From there, I easily connected to the Sacramento River Rail Trail and rode it to its end at the Shasta Dam Trailhead, before returning along the same route back to the hotel. The seamless connection between the two trails made for a smooth transition. My total roundtrip distance was approximately 40+ miles. The Sacramento River Trail is a lovely, mostly flat, and shaded path with interesting bridges, including the iconic Sundial Bridge at the start and end.
Upon reaching Keswick Dam, the Sacramento River Rail Trail begins with a very steep initial 0.6-mile climb. After conquering that first hill, you'll encounter another 2+ miles of up and down switchbacks, some of which are quite challenging. In total, there are 2.7 miles of switchbacks, earning its nickname "Heart Rate Hill." While it's not continuously uphill, the frequent ascents and descents make it a demanding section. I personally found the northbound climb more difficult than the return south, likely due to more sustained uphill sections. My trail app recorded a total elevation change of just over 1,600 feet for the entire ride.
Once past the initial 2.7 miles of switchbacks, the trail becomes a beautiful and mostly flat ride to the Shasta Dam Trailhead. This section is scenic, following the Sacramento River and even passing through a 500-foot historic train tunnel.
While you can continue past the Shasta Dam trailhead to the top of the dam, it involves riding on a somewhat busy public road, which I chose to skip. For those wanting to avoid the 2.7 miles of switchbacks, an alternative starting point is the Keswick Boat Launch, which has parking available. From there, a roundtrip ride to the Shasta Dam Trailhead would be approximately 16 to 17 miles.
As a 71-year-old, I embarked on a personal goal last year to ride all the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame trails in my 70s. Last year, I completed the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, the C\&O Trail, the Illinois Prairie Path, the Pinellas Trail, and the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail. I must say that the Sacramento River Rail Trail, with its nearly 5.5 miles of hilly switchbacks roundtrip, was the toughest single-day ride I've experienced! However, it was absolutely worth it—another unforgettable adventure and another pin on my map!
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 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
Nice fun little ride good if you wanna practice on your bike before hitting other trails! I found a turtle here once and returned it to the water
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.
After riding in the Tour de Palm Springs in Feb. 2023, a friend and I stopped and rode the Sacramento River Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail on our way back to Seattle.
It started as a quite chilly morning as we rode the trail from Redding in mostly shade. Once out of the city, we were getting more sunshine and warming up. Along the way we saw vultures and eagles in the trees.
After climbing Heart Attack Hill, the trail winded up and down and it felt like I was mountain biking, but on pavement. I loved it!!
We connected to the rail trail and rode to Shasta Dam before heading back to Redding.
If you find yourself in the Redding area, I highly recommend you ride these trails.
I visited this trail in January of 2022 and did a video of the Sacramento River Trail - https://youtu.be/N-AZjCQKneE and a short of the Sundial Bridge: https://youtube.com/shorts/3Sv4SYw4d10?feature=share
I really enjoyed the trail, fun location!
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.
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