American River Bike Trail
Categories: Active Life Hiking Active Life Fishing Active Life Mountain Biking Hiking, Fishing, Mountain Biking [Edit]
Sacramento, CA 95816
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
84 reviews for American River Bike Trail
84 reviews in English
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Review from kendyce m.
Sacramento, CA
12/8/2011
What a treat to be able to bike, run and walk along this fantastic parkway.
Lively squirrels, birds and critters. A variety of trees, flowers and foliage. Accessible for different skill levels and speeds.
You can be assured of a parking place almost anywhere along the way. I am mostly familiar with the part that goes from Fair Oaks Boulevard to CSUS and the Guy West bridge and then out to Watt Avenue. But I have gone out to William Pond Park for a nice run. I also like that there are drinking fountains and bathrooms.Listed in: date spots (non-food)
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Review from WhereMonkey T.
Long Beach, CA
3/26/2012
Nice trail to run. Noticed brightly colored birds, the occasional biker zipping by, cleanly paved trail and fishermen here and there. Not a bad Monday afternoon run. Reading the reviews and talking to hotel staff, Monkey heeded warnings to beware of clusters of homeless that do more than just watch you running by... and yet people still give this trail 5 Stars!
Yeah, not so much. This is an A - OK trail to run from Old Town to Discovery Park. Monkey's not the fastest, nor the longest distance runner so keeping an eye out is important. Maybe if Monkey was on a bike, carrying a weapon... maybe then this trail would feel safer. Looking forward to longer, faster runs here and maybe a review update, too. -
Review from Logan J.
2/3/2012
I'm going to buck the 5 star trend and give an appraisal based on my vast and varied experience with the ARBT. First, the good: I use the bike trail almost every day, recreationally and as a bike commuter. I am very glad it exists. At it's best it is well kept, wide open and beautiful. The farther you get from midtown towards Folsom, the nicer it gets. The reason for only three stars:
The bad: I live near the 20th St. entrance to the bike trail, near Blue Diamond and from that entrance one must endure MILES of depravity in the form of psychotic and often violent homeless people, addicts, vagabond camps, dumped trash, dog and human crap, dips, bulges and cracks in the asphault before getting to the more civilized length of trail. I've been spit at, sworn at, lunged for and run-into by these lovelies on an almost weekly basis. I've seen people puking, pissing, deucing, fighting, yelling and on one occasion stabbing each other. One of my good friends was bitten by one hungry fellow. So that's fun.
In summary; am I glad it's available? Absolutely. Is it a perfect five stars? Hardly.
I most definitely would not be okay with my (nonexistant) children or wife using the trail by themselves.
EDIT: Since I wrote the initial review, I've been chased by pitbulls one morning and told "nice bike" by Governor Brown the same evening. The yin and yang of the ARBT I suppose. -
Review from Antoine B.
West Sacramento, CA
4/30/2012
Nice trail!
On the plus side: scenic, pavement in good condition, restrooms along the way, lots of wildlife, most users courteous.
On the minus side: I don't think the direction signs are adequate, some pet owners don't pick up after their dogs, slight possibility of collisions with hikers, dogs, other bikers -- need to maintain situational awareness.
Homeless: mainly around the downtown Sacramento area - they haven't bothered me.
This last Sunday, I left my home in West Sacramento at 6:30 a.m., accessed the trail at Old Sacramento, arrived at Old Folsom four hours and 32 miles later, having taken time to watch the college rowing races at the aquatic center, and wildlife (turkey, deer, ducks, hawk, Canada goose on a tree, hares, saved little critter from feral cat).
Tip : ask for directions. I did, otherwise I would have taken what appeared to be the logical fork on the trail several times, and become lost, or sidetracked!
The light rail Gold Line station in Old Folsom is very close to the trail exit. Bikes allowed on train. It takes about an hour to travel from there to the downtown Sacramento train station on 5th and I street.
Tip: Take cash for the light rail ticket ($2.50) the vending machine doesn't accept credit cards.
Round trip took a total of six hours. Great Sunday morning bike ride, I arrived home in time for lunch : ) -
Review from Adrienne K.
San Diego, CA
11/19/2011
Such a pleasurable environment to enjoy my run on a cool November morning! Very safe, active, friendly trail catering to bikers, runners, walkers, etc!
The winding trail follows the American River, and is so beautiful!
I loved the lush green trees, lawns, and folliage! Great for a picnic too!
A must see! Very enjoyable! -
Review from Dale H.
10/2/2011
This is my favorite part of Sacramento. I love this bike trail. My family and I have ridden it many, many times. I never get tired of it. We usually start in Old Sac, before the trail, ride to Discovery Park...and go from there. I've taken the trail short distances, medium distances, and long distances. There are so many places where you can start from along the way, or leave, and go off trail back to Sacramento. My son likes to ride to the Arden Mall. I like it up by Goethe Park and Sunrise area. The whole trail is pretty smooth and level.
Word of warning, be careful if riding alone or at night (riding, jogging or walking) as you may encounter some of the homeless people in the area. They're not all bad but you get the occasional after having a drink or ten. This is pretty much located around the Discovery Park area. They're usually pretty harmless...but then again, I'm a pretty big guy so I don't have to worry much about things such as this. -
Review from Sunny L.
9/13/2011
ARBT!!! What a trail! A long trail.... It stretches more longer than a yoga downward dog... Me and my friends typically ride this trail once or twice a month. Covered with trees at some points and along a river...Awesome as it gets! The paved bike trails are remarkly smooth like a baby's bottom!. Start from basically anywhere parallel to 50. recommended to ride by yourself or with a great group of friends!
Pros: Smooth
Cons: Need more trees like a red wood forest!
Stars: 4.5 -
Review from Pete Y.
Northern, CA
8/31/2011
Over the decades, I've hiked tens of thousands of miles along the bike trail and also side trails. Mostly it's been fine, just that rules state to walk on the left shoulder and the path there is often non existent, with brush and trees. I've managed to hike on, and never have been hit by cyclists, but do get comments from some despite obeying the rules. I know that they have tried once to make things better for hikers, and that many or most people just walk directly on the paved bike trail, to the consternation of other users. I attended some Sierra Club hikes long in the past, and they'd fill the trail up with their members, blocking the way for cyclists. Rangers would do nothing, as this is a big club with plenty of political influence. They discontinued such events, and now I hike alone. I sought partners for more hiking and peak climbing, from them, but that all came to nought.
This is a magnificent resource to have. Other cities do not have such great accessible ops for recreation, and I can just walk from my abode to the bike trail, sometimes walking the entire length from Old Sac to Folsom (about 30 miles) with light rail taking me back home. It's nice to have the many access points to offer food and drink, just a half mile or so off the trail, if I so choose to get such.
They had plans to widen the trail, but that came to nought due to budget concerns and tax votes. I'd have given five stars if they did that, but the shoulder remains slight for hikers at many stretches of the trail. I used to drive my car out to where they have wider trail, but with global warming concerns and the price of gas, I don't do that anymore, or at least not so much. I tried taking light rail out to Watt Avenue and beyond, but with the $2.50 fare now, it seems not worth it.
I'll be using the Parkway as long as I can walk, and while I did donate a few dollars to their contribution stations when they had them, have cut down my usage and walk about Downtown Sac instead. I liked to do 12-30 miles walks, but there is a time when you have to give such things up. My old buddy used to do his weekly 10 mile walks, but at 85 he does none of that anymore. My last big walk was over two years ago, and I doubt that I'll be trying to break my records with a walk out to Beals Point, as I am getting old as well, but it's nice to have such a fine trail to do that, here! -
Review from Matty K.
6/12/2011
I live right by a river trail entrance and it has been the best thing EVER! I run 20-25 miles a week and there is no better place to do higher mileage runs then on the river trails. I prefer to go during the weekdays in the mornings when they are less crowded, the weekends can be a bit too busy for me.
The Good: Beautiful Scenery, zen-like quiet at places, well-kept, perfect for running, biking, or walks.
The Bad: Bums like to use the trails as their home, Dog-owners don't pick up their own dogs waste, families like to go swimming and leave all their trash there.
There is etiquette to the trail:
Runners/walkers stay on the left shoulder so a cyclist doesn't take you out.
Also, if you bring something to the river trail that can't control themselves, please do your part in controlling them:
Dogs: Need to be leashed. You see a cute little puppy you've lovingly raised for 5 years, I see a 65 lb. rabid predator with no owner running and barking at me.
Children: Need to be on the right side of the trail, it is not a playground. It is dangerous and cyclist vs. child around blind corner is not something anyone wants to happen.
Elitist Cyclists: Need to not say rude things to the multitude of others using the trails that aren't riding a $2000+ bike. This is not your personal trail.
Drunken Friends/Significant Others: Need to not stumble drunkenly in the middle of the trail / yell disturbing things to others, fling their garbage all over the trail.Listed in: Pavement Pounding
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Review from Jenna B.
8/18/2011
How can you not love the ARBT??
Hit the trail bright and early in the morning and you'll take in the smell of the river, and anise growing along-side. Typically I hop on the trail at El Manto and run towards the Fish Hatchery/Folsom Dam, or I start at Watt and run east as well.
So many bridges over the river or the creeks makes for an excellent place to train for a Half Marathon, or go for a leisurely bike ride. I have never encountered shady people on my early morning jogs, in fact, everyone utilizing the trail has always been quite respectful of notifying you if they are going to pass you, etc...
The scenery is awesome. I love running the bridge over the river when I am around the 14th mile marker around William B. Pond Park area, where you start to see a lot more wildlife. You might encounter deer, wild turkey's, jackrabbits, and little bunnies... and even lots of wild raspberries and blackberries growing alongside the trail. What I like most about the ARBT is that it runs through several park areas, so I often do not need to take water because there is an abundance of water fountains and restroom facilities.
It's my top recommendation for an outdoor place to run if you don't have other means of tracking how far you've run... the mile markers on the trail make it easy to track your distance! -
Review from Andrew B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2011 1 photo
Love this Bike Trail.. I come to Sacramento at least once a year and always bring my bike just so i can ride this beautiful trail...
Last week i took a pretty bad fall on the trail.. poped both tires and was banged up prty badly.. two random bikers stoped helped gave me there spare tubes and helped me change both tires and helped me untell i was riding off with them.. Great People ride this trail :)
Thank you nice people of Sacramento! Love this trail! -
Review from Jason B.
Sacramento, CA
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
IMO, the American River Bike Trail is one of the best things about Sacramento. The 30-40 mile trail starts near Old Sac and goes all the way to Lake Folsom, there is no better way to spend a spring or summer weekend than going for a long bike ride along the trail. The only drawback for the trail is the area behind Loaves and Fishes and the Blue Diamond factory can be, at times, a bit dodgy. I wouldn't recommend jogging or walking alone to the trail from the Boulevard Park entrance (near 17th and C) because of the occasional not-so-up-and-up person that you might encounter, but zipping along on your bike is perfectly OK, especially mid-day.
A major bonus is that the trail has water fountains spaced pretty regularly along the route which is a huge deal if your going out for 60-80 mile ride in the middle of July! I've seen tons of wildlife along the trail, which frequently includes squirrels, rabbits (both jackrabbits and bunnies), turkeys, deer, snakes and tons of birds. On the rare side, I have also seen a coyote, a bear and once I thought I saw a bobcat, but couldn't be certain. The trail gets exponentially better after you cross the Sac State campus towards Folsom, and my favorite part is around Lake Natoma. I highly recommend this trail for anyone who has a bike and is looking for a way to get healthy and enjoy nature.Listed in: My Midtown Top Ten
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Review from Donovan H.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 5/9/2011 1 photo
Here is a 5/9/11 update on the American River Bike Trail. With gas hovering around $4.15/gallon (as of May 2011), I usually end up biking at least 3 days a week on this trail from my home (which is located near Cal Expo) to midtown Sacramento. I have also gotten my girlfriend in on it as she recently purchased a bike and goes riding with me on the trails.
The way I always go crosses a pedestrian bridge in which case you will find a few homeless people as well as the surrounding area being where tent city is located but my girlfriend and I feel safe every time we ride. And in the end of the trails is located at 20th and C St's where the Blue Diamond factory is located. Overall, its a great ride and I will continue doing it as long as the weather is cooperative on almost a daily basis.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/15/2008
The American River Bike Trail in my opinion is one of (if not the BEST) bike trails I have ventured… Read more »
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Review from Sarah B.
3/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
First few times I rode this trail I would take my camera because I never knew what kind of beauty I might approach. Now that I've the trail many a times I can just ride and take it all in.
Being a cyclist can suck when you're trying to ride in traffic on city streets just to get your cycle in. But here on the trail it's just you, nature, oh and the kid on training wheels riding side by side with their mom, and the power walkers walking 4 abreast blocking the entire lane! Well I'll talk about that aspect of the trail at the end...The trail is beautiful and it's wonderful to not have to worry about cars or maps and to just ride.
Round trip the the official trail is about 30 miles one way. Takes you from Discovery Park to Folsom, if you want to expand you can go even further into Folsom or even further south into Greenhaven. 10 miles or the 60 mile round trip, doesn't matter how far you go it's always a pleasure. Another thing I've found that I enjoy about the trail is the little "rest areas" with picnic benches. Some times we walk the dog on the trail to a little rest area and watch the river or enjoy lunch. It's just nice to know we have something so amazing out in our own backyard.
Now as for inconsiderate joggers, walkers, pedestrians, etc. This is called the American River BIKE Trail for a reason. It was made for bikes. Yes, you can walk or run on it too but please be considerate. The dirt shoulder is for runners and walkers, the trail is for the bikes. I understand that riding or running next to someone is nice, but when you hear someone behind you or saying "on your left" it means that they want pass so please move aside. Courtesy works both ways too, just because you want to ride in the Tour de France doesn't mean you have to be a a**hole to slower riders or others on the trail. Most of all just be careful, I know a few people that have been hurt and one seriously injured on the trail because of inconsiderate people. For me, I tend to avoid weekends on the trail because that's when traffic is highest.Listed in: Cycling
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Review from Amy Q.
3/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love living near here, its the perfect getaway at any time and day. Its beautiful during the summer especially when you get to find bushes of raspberries along the way.
It connects all the way to Sac State campus and has tons of routes to take and scenic trips to even Discovery Park. When it gets too hot, the river is just right there to cool off. -
Review from Christy M.
Sacramento, CA
10/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Walking or biking along the American River...beautiful! Some people can get rude, and bikers don't always obey the speed limit, but usually we don't have problems. Also, avoid it at night if you're alone!
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Review from Heather W.
Sacramento, CA
3/10/2011
We are so lucky to have this trail in our city. That is what I think every time I go running on it. It's great. Here are just a few reasons: it's beautiful, there is lots of shade (depending on where you are), bathroom and water stops (again, frequency depends on where you are), you get to see animals, and there are mile markers.
Running on the streets kind of sucks. Cars don't see you, you can trip on uneven pavement, and that pavement hurts your feet. The bike trail usually has a dirt shoulder, which you should always run on if you can because it feels great.
I have run on several parts of the trail, but I LOVE the part that starts at William Pond Park. There are several bathrooms going both ways, and I always see deer and jack rabbits there! You also have mile markers every half mile, so you can easily measure your run.
It does get crowded, especially on a nice day and on a weekend. There are sometimes about four different running groups out there, lots of cyclists, and families. They won't bother you as long as you are both following the rules...if you are a runner, stay on the left shoulder. Don't try and play chicken with a bike because they can hurt you. Be nice to people and say "good morning"...ok that's not a rule, that's just being friendly. Most importantly, you aren't in a race so don't get bent out of shape if you have to slow down to avoid running over a kid. I love starting my run at 6:30 AM because it's so quiet.
Enjoy the trail!Listed in: Running!
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Review from Karen S.
4/14/2011
I've seen most of it; (sometimes from a raft or a kayak)
walked tons of it,
ran a bit of it;
but my bicycle got stolen before I got to test the trail out in its purposeful fashion.
it's long, pretty, not totally isolated and creepy if you are by yourself.. I would however refrain from spending solo time at night around any parts of the trail. Maybe that's just me? -
Review from jen k.
4/15/2011
My favorite place to run, hands down!
Bikers- could you please drop down to single file when you are passing walkers/joggers?
Walkers/Joggers- follow the rules and stay on the left shoulder. think of it like a traffic road: bikes are the cars, you want to face them. and do bikes the same courtesy- drop to single file when a bike is coming... -
Review from Nicole G.
10/27/2010
It's scenic, and beautiful. Going on a run on the bike trail definitely beats logging in miles at the gym. I normally run the stretch between Sunrise (Red Bridge) to River Bend (formerly Goethe) Park and back. I think that this is a great area to run because while there are rolling hills, none of them are too intense and they are great for building muscle and endurance. The other runners/walkers/joggers are very friendly and the cyclists for the most part mind their own business.
The scenery is really pretty, you run along (and above) the river in some spots, and others you are surrounded by woodsy trees, and some meadows.
I don't recommend alone... it's always good to bring a buddy (preferably a male) or two... and I definitely avoid the river after dusk... just because there are some interesting characters that meander along the trail at times! -
Review from Stephanie B.
Sacramento, CA
6/29/2011
I ran on the American River Bike Trail today, as I have done for the past several years growing up in Sacramento. I love it - Banister Park entrance is best.
What would I do without this nature escape where I can run free, out of the city - provided with river, crisp smells, greenery of trees everywhere and fellow neighbors on-the-move.
Let's keep our parks and wildlife areas preserved! -
Review from Diana C.
7/30/2010
This trail kicks ass, literally! Since I haven't biked more than 5 miles a trip in maybe the last two years, just going from downtown to Sac State was already a good enough exercise for this out-of-shape gal. Lucky for me, the trail is well-paved, so that when I'm strolling along on my road bike, there aren't too many bumps hurting my bootie.
I love that the trail's scenic too. Since I get on via C St, I ride across one of the old bridges that's been restored for bike use. And the one time I made it out all the way to Folsom Lake, it was nice to pass the peaceful Lake Natoma.
This trail is quite a gem. Quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, close to nature, covering lots of ground, yet accessible to civilization easily. It really can't get better than this! -
Review from Amber S.
Sacramento, CA
5/21/2008
"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! -
Review from P. T.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2008
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. -
Review from Paul C.
3/1/2008 4 photos
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.Listed in: My muse reviews, Work Out!
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Review from Tiffany K.
Sacramento, CA
3/16/2009
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.Listed in: What I Like About…, My Perfect Day in Sacramento
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Review from Dave J.
Sacramento, CA
10/17/2011
I commute to work daily on my bike and love using this trail. It beats traffic,cars, and stop lights. The scenery is very nice. There has been a lot of homeless activity close to downtown, but have never been bothered by them. The wild life is a added bonus. Wild turkey, deer, and coyotes are commonly seen. The return to salmon fishing has also brought a good run this year. As a avid fisherman this has been quite a blessing for me and my family...can't beat free dinner in this economy!!
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Review from Greggae H.
Sacramento, CA
5/22/2009
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. -
Review from Kristy C.
Studio City, CA
10/27/2008
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 -
Review from Justin C.
8/25/2011
What a great way to burn calories and experience nature!
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Review from Dat L.
Sacramento, CA
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Besides going to the gym, the American River bike trail is my stomping ground for pain. muhahahaa. This sacred place is where lactic acid thresholds are tested and V02 maxes are grown. My blood, sweat, tears and barf mark the concrete trail as I pay homage with weekly journeys here.
I usually ride straight into El dorado Hills past Salmon falls right into Rescue California. It's a hell of a ride with guaranteed 5-14 percent grades and a promise that your heart rate monitor will go past the 2000 kcal mark, if not more. -
Review from Philip I.
5/11/2010 1 photo
One of Sacramento's best assets in terms of outdoor activities.
My cousin introduced me to this trail when I began training for Shamrock 10'. Early morning foggy runs are the best. The riders are typically courteous when you're riding, but when you're running they can be douche bags at times. The bike trail leads up to Folsom lake -there you can also ride the Granite Bay bike trail (not paved) which is an uphill/downhill and rocky/muddy/dusty loop of about 6 miles.
Tip for runners/joggers: be sure to RUN on the opposite side (left side going towards the bikers) on the unpaved section and remember riders have the right of way.
Tip for riders: don't be such douche bags to the runners lol
I thank the American River Trail for my much needed "healthy" lifestyle overhaul. -
Review from Rebecca M.
Citrus Heights, CA
1/16/2010
Great place to go out and bike, run, play w/your kids or walk with a date next to the river. This is where I do most of my long distance running and so do many other people. Great place for running because the landscape and elevation change at every mile, a bathroom at every mile to five miles, and water fountains that almost taste like the water is filtered (it tastes pretty good, maybe because I run out of water and I need it :) )
Excellent place with so much to do. I think it's a marathon long (26.2) or around there. Goes from Folsom to Sacramento.
Oh, I've ran here a few times with a friend when it was pitch dark (around 9pm), with a flashlight. Its COOL. We were surrounded by deers and dark scary trees, kinda scary in a fun thriller way, surprisingly there were some bikers at this time too, huh. Not recommended to be here with less than at least three people. There are LOTS of deers at night, trust me, (in certain areas thought).
*In all, have fun and please respect the nature and animals here (and everywhere) and keep it clean.
(I was here maybe 4 years ago and i had noticed more than 10 fishes sporadically on the shore, dead, something was in the water (chemicals, maybe) that killed these fishes, we need to respect ALL living things more often and just keep nature clean. -
Review from David A.
Sacramento, CA
6/19/2011
First one very important correction. It is the American River Recreation Trail, not Bike trail. It is a multi-use trail with a maximum speed limit of 15 mph. The paved area is narrow so those on bicycles should ride in single file lines when they are in groups. It is also helpful if they equip their bicycles with bells to signal when they are passing. There is a dirt section to the side which is great for walkers and joggers. Faster runners can use the paved top. The only downside are the bicyclists that roam in packs and exceed the 15 mph speed limit. Everybody hates and mocks them.
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Review from Jeffrey T.
Fair Oaks, CA
4/6/2008
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.Listed in: Places where I PLAY!
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Review from Christina A.
Sacramento, CA
5/14/2009
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. -
Review from Gavin H.
Sacramento, CA
6/21/2011 32 Check-ins Here
Quite possibly one of the greatest reasons to live in Sacramento. This trail runs from downtown to Folsom along the American River and is a great place to run, fish, cycle, walk or just have a picnic. It can be easily accessed almost anywhere in sacramento and is a great way to commute to your office.
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Review from Jonathan A.
Sacramento, CA
6/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Beautiful. Awesome in the evenings during the fall or summer for a walk, run, or bike ride. Just watch out for the homeless people on the trails, sometimes they sneak up on you real quick... be careful not to hit them.
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Review from Warren T.
Sacramento, CA
4/24/2011
Great trails on and off bike path. The equestrian/ single track are a bit overgrown however. Run as short or long as you wanna go. The loop around Lake Natoma is great. 13 or so miles. But be wary- not a ton of water stops on that stretch. Biking is also great. Hop on really anywhere along the path and cruise to Folsom and back-- or if you're feeling a bit lazy; stop in Old Folsom for a beer and a bite and take the light rail back. Can't beat it.
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Review from Emily W.
Sacramento, CA
7/2/2008
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.
