Johnny Cash and Oak Parkway Trails

Parking is available at various points along both trails in Folsom, California. For the Johnny Cash Trail, you can often find parking near the Folsom State Prison area or where it connects to other trail systems. The Oak Parkway Trail also has access points through residential areas. Specific parking lots are usually well-marked.

The Johnny Cash and Oak Parkway Trails are located within the vicinity of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. While the trails themselves may not always require a direct permit, access to certain parking areas or facilities within the broader recreation area might incur a day-use fee. It's advisable to check the current regulations for Folsom Lake State Recreation Area before your visit.

Yes, the Oak Parkway Trail explicitly permits dogs. Both trails generally welcome leashed dogs, making them a great option for walking with your canine companion. Always remember to clean up after your pet.

Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the hillsides are dotted with wildflowers. Fall also offers pleasant temperatures. During warmer months, be prepared for significant sun exposure and limited shade, especially on the Johnny Cash Trail. Early mornings or late afternoons are best during summer to avoid the heat.

The Johnny Cash Trail offers views of Lake Natoma, the American River, and Folsom Lake, winding through open spaces with native oaks and wildlife habitats. The Oak Parkway Trail passes through a wide green swath with trees and residential neighborhoods. Both trails offer a mix of natural and suburban landscapes.

The Johnny Cash Trail is a tribute to the musician, featuring several public art installations inspired by his performance at Folsom Prison. You'll also see unique architectural elements like two bridges designed to resemble guard towers from Folsom State Prison. The trail crosses Robber's Ravine, a historically significant spot.

Both trails feature paved asphalt sections. The Johnny Cash Trail is primarily a Class I bike and pedestrian trail with a paved surface, offering gently rolling hills. The Oak Parkway Trail is a mix of singletrack and paved asphalt, traversing gently rolling hills with some flat sections and decent climbs. Both are generally considered easy to moderate.

Yes, the Oak Parkway Trail serves as an important connection between the eastern and western halves of Folsom and connects to the Johnny Cash Trail at its western end, allowing for longer routes. The Johnny Cash Trail also connects to the American River Trail and the Folsom Historic District. You'll also find sections of the Welldale Trail and Greenfield Trail intersecting the route.

Mid-trail on the Oak Parkway Trail, you'll find BT Collins Park, which offers picnic tables, benches, volleyball courts, and a horseshoe pit. While there are limited water sources directly on the Johnny Cash Trail, especially during warmer months, you may find amenities in connecting areas or nearby Folsom Historic District.

Yes, both the Johnny Cash Trail and the Oak Parkway Trail are generally considered family-friendly. Their paved sections and gentle to moderate difficulty make them suitable for walkers, runners, and bicyclists of various ages. The art installations on the Johnny Cash Trail can also be engaging for children.

The Johnny Cash Trail is a 2.5-2.75 mile paved trail known for its public art and views of Folsom Lake and the American River, while the Oak Parkway Trail is a 1.6-2.2 mile mix of singletrack and paved sections, connecting residential areas and featuring BT Collins Park. They can definitely be combined, as the Oak Parkway Trail connects to the Johnny Cash Trail, allowing for a longer, varied experience.