American River Bike Trail

The American River Bike Trail, also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, is generally considered an easy trail, suitable for all skill levels, beginners, and families. It features a gentle grade with an incline of 5% or less. However, the full komoot tour for this trail covers over 100 km, making the entire route a difficult undertaking due to its significant length and duration.

The official American River Bike Trail is 32 miles (approximately 51.5 km) long. While many sections can be hiked in a few hours, completing the entire 32-mile paved path would take a full day or more, depending on your pace. The komoot tour for the 'American River Bike Trail' is a much longer route, spanning over 100 km, and is estimated to take around 28 hours to complete, making it suitable for multi-day adventures.

The trail is predominantly a paved, two-lane multi-use pathway, making it smooth and accessible for various users. While the main path is paved, some sections offer soft shoulders for pedestrians. Additionally, a separate multi-use dirt trail runs parallel to the paved path in certain areas, providing a more natural surface option for hikers. The elevation changes are generally gentle throughout.

Yes, the American River Bike Trail is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer can be hot, but many sections of the trail provide abundant shade. Winter is generally mild in Sacramento, making it suitable for hiking, though you might encounter cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

While there is no general entrance fee for the American River Bike Trail itself, some parking areas within the American River Parkway may require a parking fee. These fees typically support the maintenance and facilities of the parkway. Check signage at specific parking lots for current fee information.

The American River Bike Trail offers numerous entry and exit points. Key access points include Discovery Park in Old Sacramento at the western end and Beal's Point at Folsom Lake on the eastern end. Many riverside parks and recreation areas along the route, such as Hagan Community Park and William B. Pond Recreation Area, provide parking facilities. Parking fees may apply at some locations.

The trail offers diverse scenery and several points of interest. You'll cross impressive structures like the Steel Bridge Over the Sac River, Guy West Bridge, and the Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge. Scenic spots include William B. Pond and the Frank F. Cirilli Recreation Area – American River Overlook, offering beautiful views of the river.

Yes, the route of the American River Bike Trail is part of and intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the ADT - California - T - Seg 5 and the 50 (California) trails. You'll also find sections of the American River Bike Trail (North Bank) and a small part of the Gold River Nature Trail along the way.

Yes, the American River Bike Trail is well-equipped with amenities for users. You'll find restrooms, trailside maps, mile markers, picnic areas, and drinking water at designated locations along the route, particularly within the various parks and recreation areas it passes through.

Absolutely! The trail's predominantly paved, flat, and gentle terrain makes it highly suitable for families with children, strollers, and even wheelchairs. Its multi-use nature and numerous access points allow for shorter, manageable outings, and the presence of parks and amenities along the way adds to its family-friendly appeal.