R E C R E A T I O N
ON THE BEATEN PATH
Photos Clockwise Top Left to Right
1) Buttermilk Bend Trail:
Andrew Wright / Lighthawk Photo
2) Independence Trial: Wayde Carroll
3) Grouse Ridge Trails:
Andrew Wright / Lighthawk Photo
4) Trail to Frog Lake Overlook: George Lamson
5) Perrazzo Meadows Trail: David Cross
6) Deer Creek Tribute Trail:
Andrew Wright / Lighthawk Photo
Local Trails
Beckon the Adventurous Spirit
By Laura Petersen
By Mark Winkler
INDING THROUGH FORESTS and river canyons of the
Sierra Nevada foothills stretch miles and miles of trails suited for a diverse range of recreationists. From mountain
bicyclists to hikers to wheelchair users, runners and equestrian riders,
local trails provide outdoor places for exercise – in solitude or with
companions. Trails preserve the rural and scenic quality of life in this
community while contributing positively to our local economy. Real
estate agents say home values increase when a trail is nearby. For
many, nearby recreation opportunities are a determining factor when
considering relocating to our area. Quality trails also play an important role in the region’s tourism industry with hiking and biking
known to attract visitors, again and again. In Western Nevada
County, a number of trails are conveniently located close to towns
and neighborhoods. When in the Grass Valley area, be sure to check
out the system of wooded trails at Empire Mine State Historic
Park or the city’s Condon Park. In Nevada City, The Tribute Trail’s
beautiful suspension bridge across Deer Creek and pond life at
Hirschman Trail are made for the curious naturalist. Explore the
community of Penn Valley on the Penn Valley Bike Trail, take the
dog for a walk on the Litton Trail or trace an old railroad route with
the Narrow Gauge Trail in the heart of Chicago Park.
EADING UP TO THE Truckee area you’ll find an abundance of
wonderful trails located in Eastern Nevada County, with great
trailhead directions to be found on the website of the Truckee
Donner Land Trust: tdlandtrust.org. If you want something “kidfriendly” that’s also great for birding, try Perazzo Meadows, which
offers many acres of pristine meadow and forest along the Little
Truckee River. There are two picnic areas above the river and a trail
that provides access to riverside meadows that produce beautiful wildflowers. For some local history, travel to Royal Gorge for The Summit
Valley History Trail. This is an easy loop around a beautiful subalpine
setting with history going back 4,000 years to the Native American
Martis Culture. Modern history here includes being a stopover for
emigrants who had scaled Donner Summit and also being part of the
route of the first transcontinental railroad. For another hiking area
that combines history, birding, wildflowers and more, we suggest
Donner Summit Canyon. Some historic features visible from the
upper part of the trail include Native American petroglyphs, the
China Wall and the world’s first automobile underpass from 1913.
Along the way enjoy a picnic and see if you can spot tadpoles in the
beaver pond! These are just a few of the many delightful trails that
await you throughout Nevada County.
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