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Overview
The Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is one of the most popular paved trails in the scenic Lake Tahoe area, as it winds through pine forest not far from the lakeshore near South Lake Tahoe. The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities.
About the Route
The trail's unique name doesn't refer to a mysterious pontiff. Instead, it references the two pristine beaches accessible via the path. Take a short ride or walk up Baldwin Beach Road to reach Baldwin Beach, situated where Tallac Creek empties into Lake Tahoe at the west end of the trail, or use Pope Beach Road to access Pope Beach, one of the more popular with families on the lake's south shore. While cars have to pay a fee to park, a bonus of using the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is there is no fee for those on bike or foot.
The path also passes through the grounds of the historic Camp Richardson Resort, and the Tallac Historic Site, featuring three restored estates from the early 1900s, is a short trip up Heritage Way from the trail. Also accessible from the trail is the nearby Fallen Leaf Campground (and lake!). Trail users should note that there is a $10 day-use fee to access the lake.
Stop in at the Lake Tahoe (Taylor Creek) Visitor Center for more information on the local history and recreational opportunities or to stroll one of their many nature trails.
The Pope-Baldwin Bike Path runs between Emerald Bay Rd./SR 89 and Spring Creek Rd. (South Lake Tahoe) and 15th St. (South Lake Tahoe).
Parking is available at Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach, although trail users should note that both beaches require day-use fees.
Beautiful scenic bike path
I enjoy this trail. I actually start on alt Lake Tahoe Blvd And follow the South Lake Tahoe trail all the way to the end of this trail. There are many other side roads like fallen leaf campground.
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