American River Parkway

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

California Fall Color’s Hike/Bike of the Week is the American River Parkway. This 32-mile national recreation trail travels from Old Sacramento, downtown, east to Folsom.

There is not a profusion of fall color along the trail, but what is there is beautiful. Presently, California grape (Vitis californica) are Near Peak and Frémont cottonwood are Patchy.

Occasional bold splashes of color are seen along the route, though it is the sheer beauty of the trail, which meanders beside the American River, which makes it prime to bicycle or hike. Officially called the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, the multi-use path is used by eight million visitors annually, making it one of the most popularly used recreation trails in North America.

All of the trail is fairly flat and easy walking or riding. Among the best sections of trail are from the Guy West Bridge at Sacramento State University, west to Folsom. Good starting points are Guy West, William Pond Recreation Area, River Bend Park, Hagen Park, Lower Sunrise, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Negro Bar SRA and historic downtown Folsom. Expect to pay for parking, except at the hatchery. A great ride is the 12-mile Lake Natoma Loop which travels from the Fish Hatchery east to Folsom and back, looping Lake Natoma with several historic sites along the way.

A favorite stopping point is Historic Downtown Folsom, with its many great restaurants (Karen’s Bakery is a popular stop for cyclists), interesting shops, authentic gold rush era architecture and several historic sites. E-bikes can be rented at the parking garage in Folsom, if you don’t own or can’t transport a bike.

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

Frémont cottonwood, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

Near Hazel Blvd in Rancho Cordova, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery just opened a new fish ladder which is an ideal place to see salmon spawning. Walk to where the fish ladder leaves the American River (bottom picture). There, hundreds of huge king salmon await their moment to run upstream and swim past spectators (watching them through picture windows) on their way to the hatchery. Inside the hatchery are interactive, museum-quality exhibits on the life of the salmon.