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American River Bike Trail
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33 reviews for American River Bike Trail
Free of Thugs, Rapists, Mountain Lions and Cereal Killers, for the most part. It is very rare that you get a note of bad news about this location. Some of it can be fairly remote with lots of great spots to play "hide the body." After the first time you slam on the brakes to keep from turning a deer into a nice Venison dinner or get chased by a gaggle of Wild Turkeys trying to mate; you may realize that you are in fact in the wild and the likely hood of death by mountain lion is something one should take into consideration. I did see a skunk once, but don't worry I'm OK.
The trail is great for a leisurely ride anytime before dark. It is also the preference of the I wish I was Lance Armstrong super duper semi pro bikers with attitude. So if you're into that, you'll have plenty of company. Beware of the people who LOVE their pets. "I can't put fluffy on a leash because it's so inhumane." Fluffy is an 85lb. Pit Bull that loves to chew on bike tires that are moving. So, getting mauled by an inconsiderate pet owners dog is not out of the realm of possibility either.
There are many trails that lead down to the river that are nice and for the most part, until you get closer to Folsom, they are Rattlesnake free. The mosquito's are big and very friendly. The water is usually very cold but refreshing and the current is swift enough after a decent winter to carry away a small child if you turn your back.
The Parks in and around the trail are nice and well maintained and the bathrooms are something George Micheal could appreciate. There are plenty of secluded areas to shoot that low budget amateur porno, out doors scene, that you've been thinking about as well.
I love this trail.
i agree with the other reviewers. i usually run on this trail 2x a week. its fairly quiet in the afternoon but i once saw a fox run out in front of me while i was running. needless to say i ran in the other direction. overall a good spot to free your mind and exercise. but if youre a runner, be careful with the speed demon bike riders.
A "friend" told me it was a good make-out spot. Hey, whatever. I don't judge. Nature inspires her. Gotta problem with nature?
I love the American River Bike Trail! I have only had positive experiences while biking or walking on the trail. It's the best way to get "back to nature" quickly when trying to escape the busy "city" life.
My dogs are especially fond of this trail and love the river access when they feel like cooling off!
I love this trail. The best place for a workout outdoors in Sacramento. Training for a marathon? Training for a bike race? OR just wanna get some fresh air for a run or a ride? Perfect. Also...i know people commute this trail too. What a perfect way to minimize one's carbon footprint on our earth.
Only reason why I give it a 4 instead of 5 stars is cause my dad got mugged riding this trail at night circa the 80's while he commuted from Sac state to downtown. And it is a little bit scary at night too...
Other than that...it's on.
I'm a bit biased because my dad helped design the layout of the bike trail way back when. I also grew up riding these lanes. Going from the Fair Oaks bridge to the fish hatchery was a long, arduous ride which required packing a PBJ sandwich and a thermos full of lemonade. Nowadays, I would never let my own kid ride on the trail with her friends, but the 70s was a different era from today.
The furthest I've ever ridden was Fair Oaks to Sac State when I was a teenager - and took me about two hours maybe? My butt really hurt after that. I never attempted going that far again because of (1) my sore bottom and (2) a group of boys chased me and my friends down the bike trail and I've never forgotten that moment.
It is very therapeutic to come here. There is a variety of cyclists of all levels. What I can't stand are the racing freaks that whiz by you without a mere "on your left". Hey buddy, it's the weekend. There are families and even (gasp) little kids on bikes - slow the $%^& down! I also have a pet peeve against some of the pedestrians who ignore the "stay on left" signs and walk right in the path of the bike lane. There is a reason a shoulder exists. Please use it.
Okay - now that I've gotten that off my chest, I highly recommend the bike trail. It's a great way to experience Sacramento and there are a few businesses off the beaten path (pardon the pun) that you can visit or take a break. One is Starbucks/Jamba Juice (and as of March 19th 2009 Jack's Urban Eats) in Gold River. Another is Bella Bru at Arden and FO Blvd. You can access via William Pond park. Also in old Fair Oaks Village there is always the FO Deli, Sunflower and Dianda's.
This so beats "The River" in which everyone from southern california refers to.
It's like the end of October and it was gorgeous! Perfect weather. Now I know that the river has no effect on the weather in northern California, but today it got some of the credit. People were woo-hooing and jumping in the icy cold hole with a beer in one hand and their nuts in the other! Just as the armpit locals should be. But we were running and hiking today along the bike trail and it was so long and so pretty. A little hilly--so good exercise, a little tree-y so you might think you're in New England (and don't have to be a pat's fan!)
You kinda gotta park in places that say no parking, but after you bite that bullet I say run your little butt off and if you have a kayak, this is the place
The bike path is great, but the true gem is the equestrian trail that follows the bike path (it's generally in between the blacktop and the river).
No large groups, no bikes, beautiful scenery, great surface to run/hike on. Starting at Guy West Bridge (Sac State), I can run to Beale's Point with 75% of it on the trails.
And in terms of safety, I generally run in between 330am and 6am in the morning and have never had any problem whatsoever.
A true gem -- beautifully maintained with wonderful scenery each and every mile. You'd be hard pressed to find a better bicycle path in the country.
Having said that, have you looked at my profile? Go ahead and click on it --- I can wait. Did you notice something? Yes? Was that something that I happen to be from SF? Good -- now let's continue with that in mind.
I was making another one of my random forays into the -- gasp! -- Central Valley city of Sacramento and decided to bring my fixed gear bicycle along. I threw on my vintage 501's along with a 100% organic cotton tee shirt and hopped on the bike path. Let me start by saying how ridiculous it is to have a 15 MPH speed limit on this trail. I mean -- is this a joke? I can do that pedaling with one leg!. I guess this is what passes for "fast" in good ol' slow Sacramento.
One other thing -- how can this place be this FLAT?!? I mean, my beloved SF Bay area is graced with beautiful rolling hills that are reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside. It's too bad the Sacramento forefathers didn't consider this when they built the city.
On the positive side, it was great to be able to ride around without drawing a crowd. You see -- I've raced competitively in the Paris-Roubaix and Ronde van Vlaanderen. You Sacramento folk need not be concerned with these -- just furrow your brows and pretend to follow along. Given my fame, I tend to draw crowds whenever I venture out in SF on (and off) my bike. Anyways, being able to ride around in some peace and quiet is greatly appreciated by a top notch cyclist such as myself. Although I was a bit confused by the lack of crowds, I realized that I was in Sacramento where the local population was most likely enthralled by a redneck rodeo/demolition derby or a construction project on a major thoroughfare.
Oh yeah -- one more thing that I observed: rollerbladers. Hey Sacramento -- the 1980's called and they'd like their trends back! I was half expecting to run into people wearing jellies and ripped neck sweatshirts.
"Shake it like a Polaroid picture!" The thump-thump fills my ears. My legs, my hips are moving under me. Woo!hoo!
No, I'm not at a club. I'm on the American River Trail, jogging to my i-pod. The scent of licorice fills my lungs as I pass the sweet-smelling fennel plants along the river bank. A quail couple wobbles out of my way to their hideout in the brush. A squirrel zigzags, not sure if I'm headed his direction. I realize I'm about to step over a snake crossing the lane. He looks like a baby, so I make it out alive.
This is my daily ritual (not the snake, but the jog). I feel luckier than a mole in soft dirt to have this piece of nature so close to my back door!
The hubby and I enjoy the river itself, too. We own a canoe, and have launched it under a full moon. We have watched beaver swim nearby, seen deer along the banks, and paddled to the rhythm of the twinkling stars. Yep. Pretty lucky.
Neighbors of mine have spotted mountain cats on their morning jog. Apparently, one took a nap on somebody's chez lounge (fancy cat!). I've seen a coyote on the Arden golf course, scratching his fleas and paying nobody any mind--as if he owned the joint. And once I awoke in the middle of the night to hear a pack of the pups howling, yelping (not unlike we do online), and even laughing (like hyenas!).
I've watched folks skim board at Paradise Beach, and hiked along the footpaths through the trees. I've helped my nephew throw stones from the bank, and helped my husband filet a salmon he caught right from the waters. I've ridden my bike to Folsom, and floated from the R.C. in a raft. I've eaten a picnic of Laszlo's smoked salmon under the old oaks, and even had my engagement photos taken here.
Good times remain to be had on the ol' American River Trail. Pretty lucky, indeed!
This is becoming my home away from home and I love it! If I'm not riding my bike, I'm walking on a path. The scenery is always beautiful and for the most part, people are courteous. Last night we shared the trail with a coyote.
The American River Bike Trail is so peaceful and I don't think Ive ever been on the trail where it was overcrowded. There are beautiful parks to stop and rest or just take in the scenery every few miles, plenty of bathrooms and water fountains, lots of little side trails leading down to the river, and a good chunk of the trail is fairly flat so newbie bikers can comfortably work up their biking skill. I love that you can start out and go all the way from Folsom into Downtown Sac! I have to applaud how well maintained it is in addition. Any time Ive seen any large cracks in the road, it seems that by the next time I'm out on the trail it has been fixed. As an additional note... I did notice that past the hatchery heading toward Folsom is a little bit tougher of a ride and seemed mostly uphill which is a great workout but not quite as leisurely.
I love the bike trail. Its great for a quiet ride. the view is amazing. The lanes are really wide and easy to ride. I loved going here with my family when I was a kid and I love it even more now. My father in law just got me a cute vintage style bike for my birthday so now I can take my new bike for a ride along the best path ever!
The bike trail and the river parkway are a world-class recreation resource here in Sactown. The American River is the heart of California - where Fremont and Kit Carson first came here after crossing the Sierras in the dead of winter and stayed at Sutter's Fort in 1844. Where Marshall discovered gold and the home of the Maidu Indians.
The trail runs 30 miles from Folsom Lake down through Old Town - it's a great ride - at Watt you can take either side of the river down to downtown.
If you are commuting it's probably best to get off the trail right after CSUS and wind over to M street and take it in. M street has nice bike lanes all the way down to the Capitol. Have breakfast at Cornerstone, or hit Weatherstone's for a coffee or Rubicon for a brew.
The American River Bike Trail is a great trail with beautiful scenery and different paths you can take right along the river. It's a little disappointing to see how some parts of the trail have become so dirty because of all of the littering. But what is great about the trail is that there are trails for horses and you can see a lot of different wildlife if you walk the trail long enough. I've actually seen deers and either it was a mountain lion or some kind of wolf along the trail. I would recommend never walking the trail alone with headphones in because of the increasing number of thefts though...
I run here, I bike here, I like it here! It's beautiful and lovely.
Now get out there and exercise!!
I love this bike trail. I usually ride from Sac State to Discovery Park and back. The only bad thing is all the homeless people down at Discovery Park. Sometimes I get nervous riding alone at that them.
I also ride from Goethe Park to Hazel - it is a fantastic ride.
American River is why people live in the Sacramento area. The beauty of the river itself and all the trails and trees. I've met really friendly people along the trail. Many runners,bikers,walkers and people on horses. The trail is paved so it makes a nice riding trail. In the summer time one can find fun swimming spots along the way. Or maybe a rope to swing off of. It is especially beautiful during sunset with a warn glow on the water. It's a very special place.
It's FREE. It's FUN. It'll help keep you HEALTHY.
Just adding my two cents worth to the previous reviews. No, it's not perfect and yes you do need to use discretion on certain portions of it, but it is one of Sacramento's best fitness attractions. You can ride your bike on it. You can run on it. You can hike adjacent to it and/or near it. You can walk your dog, take your date or get your family out on it!
Following the American River from Folsom Lake down to Sacramento the 31+ mile paved bike trail will get your fitness juices flowing. It will keep you off the busy streets and allow you great scenery for your serious training or your leisurely bird watching stroll.
If you've never taken the time to check it out and you are fitness minded in the least bit, then get there the next time you have a chance to do so.
It's great! Beautiful with many parks along its way. The lanes are wide and the road is smooth. Now that I've moved, I realize how good and unique it is.
I use this trail for 15 mile bike rides at least twice a week and I have to say I am in love with it. I feel safe on this trail because there are always people walking and riding as long as the sun is up. I love the mile markers so I can really keep track of my speed and distance. Also, love living in a major city where I can cross a road and take a bike ride that feels like I am in the middle of the country. Just the other day, I saw a wild chicken with baby chicks, six full grown turkeys, a pair of ducks, a group of small rabbits, and a family of quail. Makes you really appreciate the little things and clear the worries from your mind.
AMAZING RIDE!
I have rode this trail many times its quite fun relaxing I also love that it is paved so I can ride my rode bike the signs could be a bit more helpful
Beautiful
I wouldn't say this is the best place in sac for a run. I do like it though but I just wish people were more respectful of the trail. I see trash and cans of booze. One time I saw a couple of college aged kids walking about with beers when it clearly states no alcohol on the train for family vibe. Now I don't really follow the rules but drunk people just ruins the fun and the beauty of the trail.
One time I was riding near CSU by the river. A couple was skinny dipping and not bothering a soul, when all of a sudden the local po-lice busted the folks for indecent exposure. I mean couldn't that charge be levied on the new mayor?
Peace
FABULOUS place to ride a bike! Clean, safe (during the day) and extremely well-maintained. I'd ride it again and again! Tons of fun!
Over the past 3 years I have run and cycled every section of the American River Trail. The trail has become my favorite thing about Sacramento. Although I admit not all my time on the trail is pleasant (After 15+ miles of running it can sometimes get a little "un-fun"), for the most part I love the time I spend on the trail.
The American River Bike Trail allows me to run long distances without having to run the same sections over and over again. Plus, you get great scenery the whole way! Bathrooms are generally available every few miles and they even have call boxes for emergencies!
~One thing I wish more people who use the trail would remember is that this is a bike trail, and even though I mainly run on the trail- I know its my responsibility to keep to one side on the trail and stay alert so that I don't get in a cyclists way. I see so many people on the center of the trail with their Ipods blaring who are not paying attention- its an accident waiting to happen! ~
American River Bike Trail I Love You!
Definitely the best "outdoor" thing sac has. Just thinking about the trail reminds me of the days when it used to be our usual destination. Building jumps, riding trails, running from over-zealous rangers, & breaking bones was my first "to do list" here. Taking the dog & meeting friends to get loaded, drink, watch the dog swim, skip rocks and just enjoying the overall awsomeness (I couldn't think of a more aptly fitting word) of the river soon became the norm. Nowadays it's used as a great way to introduce out of towners (or locals who don't get out enough) to the wonders of sac, or for a nice ride before a relaxing Sunday afternoon happy hour. If any park rangers are reading this: leave our jumps & trails alone!!
Wish I could rate it higher. Partake in the bike trail at locations with other folks hangin' out - so...around Hazel Ave, around H Street, and a few other spots...you can drive around and figure out where there's plenty of action. Just don't hang out alone...take good care! I LOVE ridin' my bike on Sacramento city streets!! Wish I could do so on the bike trail, but safety first, ok?
Oh how I have grown to appreciate this gem. In one of my various biology positions I have actually GPSed every single Elderberry bush along the American river, on both sides. It took an entire summer, but I did it. Now I have rediscovered it. How I have come to enjoy my many walks/runs/rides on this wonderful Zen path. I am surprised more people do not use it. I walk this path alone and feel completely safe, in the day. I have come to know this river, and the fish that live in it very well. I have hacked away at its invasive species with the weed warriors, monitored is endangered fish species, rafted it, snorkeled with its salmon, monitored its birds, and identified many plants. Right now, it's spring and I feel I am in love, just with the fact of everything blooming. I can smell the sweetness of the Black Locust blossoms, I feel the warm sun beat upon my skin, and feel the kiss of the cool breeze in my cheek.
Its 32 miles of variety and fun!
Because of its sheer length, 32 miles, there is plenty to see and do for most everyone - as long as you're not a mountain biker (or hiker).
First, the MTB/hiking aside. You're generally stuck on paved trail, and if you're off, the terrain is flat and boring. In the summer its hot, in the winter its soggy, and in the spring/fall there are bugs galore.
For road bikers, this is heaven (or so I'm told). There are 32 miles of paved trail leading from Old Sacramento up to Folsom Lake. There are no cars, people obey the rules and plenty of spots to catch shade, or to refill a water bottle. In the summer, it can get hot (100+) so plan accordingly.
For walkers, there are many off the path trails (dirt trails) which will lead you down to the American river at different points. You can start at Old Sacramento and walk to Discovery Park, but after that it will get boring.
For families with children, there are many spots to "put in", either the regular parks (Discovery, Howe, Hazel, Watt, Arden, etc.) where you can simply drive up and enjoy a quiet day by the river, or you can go on the cheap and park near a river access point.
Overall, it's a wonderful experience and allows you plenty of opportunity to get away from it all and still not leave Sacramento.
The American River Bike Trail in my opinion is one of (if not the BEST) bike trails I have ventured on. Originally, I am from the Bay Area and even though there is a lot of great trails out there, nothing compares to what Sacramento has to offer. I live over by Cal Expo and usually always cut through the Cal Expo parking lot to get on the trail that can take you either to downtown Sacramento, Discovery Park, or Old Sacramento. It is a very smooth and elevated ride and sometimes you will see wild animals such as jackrabbits, squirrels, and even bull snakes. The homeless people aren't on the trails but there are quite a few lingering around Discovery Park. When you ride the other direction, you will end up riding through Sac State, Goethe Park, and eventually, Folsom. I really also like how everyone is extremely courteous when obeying the speed limits and how there are water fountains, restrooms, and call boxes readily available. I think the new call boxes that were recently put in place are ideal for anyone who might get heatstroke and be suddenly dehydrated on days where the mercury can easily top 100+ degrees in the hot summer months. Overall, I would recommend this trail to anyone who wants a good workout!
One of Sacramento's nicest features if you ask me. I have been on this trail since a wee one when my dad used to pick the fennel seeds from the ubiquitous plants and let us chew on them. The trail weaves in and out of parks, office buildings, trees, bridges, and ends up at Folsom Lake. Lately the trail has been overrun by bike teams that seem a little too aggressive and dominant. I would like the trail to return to the family friendly one that I have always known. Still one of my favorite things to do on a nice Sunday. This trail is the gateway to so many of Sacramento's landmarks. Stop at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, have a picnic in the park, or take a dip in Folsom Lake. All while getting some hearty exercise.
