Find the top rated hiking trails in Grass Valley, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I ride mountain bikes, and not full suspension...the trail from Folsom to Latrobe, or Latrobe to Folsom, is garbage, for me, on a bicycle. Maybe if I was on a horse, or a dirtbike, or on full squish mountain bike, it would be OK, but the section from Folsom to Latrobe is ugly and very bumpy.
From Latrobe to Shingle Springs, or Shingle Springs to Latrobe, this trail is a lot of fun. Keep an eye out for the single track switching sides of the railroad as it is very frustrating to be off trail. There is a huge difference between the single track and the "trail" along the tracks. Ride the single track. The intimidating uphills are short and very manageable once you get going up (or down) them.
From Shingle Springs to Placerville, or Placerville to Shingle Springs, the trail is good. Not great, but good. There are sections that are fantastic and sections that leave a bit to be desired. Some of the single track climbs are tough. Be prepared to walk some if you are not a very good mountain bike rider. Even then, I hit a few wet roots or leaves or rocks and the rear tire just gives out with moisture, cold and steepness. Once you get to cross the road by Walmart, the opportunity for dirt reduces. It is there, you just have to keep a constant eye out for it. And if you do not run tubeless, don't go off road between Placerville and Diamond Springs as there are a ton of thorns just waiting for your tires...
This 36 (72) mile trail has a lot of potential and it is fun to ride up and back from Folsom to Placerville and back. Great training and the elevation is just under 4000' total so it makes it possible to hold good speed. A little too much tarmac and getting battered for the last 5-7 miles into Folsom is no bueno.
Bike path is opening back up by the end of the year. Was previously closed due to levee upgrades
This trail is perfect for those who are scooter riders. This trail is smooth, long and a few curves and little hills here and there. There are hardly any pedestrians or bike riders. My husband and I recently bought scooters and have been looking for somewhere we can get some speed and just cruise without all the traffic. Not the most scenic. You can jump off the trail in spots and take a break.
Great for hiking or trail running. Scenic views of the river. Mostly shaded in the segment from Oregon Bar heading southwest.
Not really a bad trail, no benches, restrooms or water, the last time I rode it there were so many homeless tents one after another you could walk on them and never touch the ground! you are right next to the river unlike the main bike trail though so it may be a good way to see tons of boats on the river on the 4th of July!
We started at William Hughes park. The park doesn’t have much parking so on weekends you may have to park in the neighborhood. You’ll see both families walking as well as bikers from the neighborhoods on this trail. The trail is rather short but nicely paved and not a lot of hills. While riding saw several riders going back and forth on my ride.
I parked the north end point, at the Nimbus Fish hatchery. There are 2 parking lots, the first has a timed gate that closes at 3 pm. The second, just the next parking lot, driving west, sign said Regional II, was open, no gate. There are no signs to the canal. I spoke with another biker who gave me the direction from the parking lot. Proceed west 2 blocks residential area to the stop light. Turn left, you will then see the canal with entrance on the right. There are mileage signs till mile 13. Thinking this was 15 miles trail, I kept going climbing thru the gate at Sloughouse, mile 13.9. I should not have. There are no mileage marker, there are difficult to see small markers on the asphalt. The canal trail soon ends anyway. The Park n Ride lot on Hwy. 16 can be used as a south starting point.
There is a $12 fee to park because it is a State Park. If you want to get to lake you’ll have a little walk because Folsom Lake is low right now. If you’re looking to jump on your bike and ride this is a nice starting point. We were there the first week of August and it was a little warm. I would recommend lots of water. The trail has some inclines so be aware you’ll get a little exercise. I would recommend this trail. It is paved and seem to be pretty well maintained.
A nice place for bikes without automobile or pedestrian interference. I completed my first 20+ mile ride done on this trail. One spot stunk like fertilizer. Almost 0 shade, so make sure you have your sun protection on.
This is a fun and accesible trail for the family, the view at the end is lovely.
Trail is under levee construction and has been buried in dirt. Hopefully it will still be there when the construction is over.
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