Sacramento's Best Hiking Trails

When you think of Sacramento, what most likely comes to mind is that it's the state capitol, the largest preserved Gold Rush town or that it has plenty of trees. What you may overlook, however is its gorgeous hiking trails sprawled across the city. Here's our list of Sacramento's best hiking and biking trails. After conquering our favorites, check out  Trail Link's  extensive list of trails online. COSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE 13501 FRANKLIN BLVD. GALT, CA 95632 The preserve, located along the Cosumnes River, has more than 11 miles of hiking trails. The riparian habitat has more than 250 types of birds, 40+ species of fish and many four-legged creatures. The one-mile Lost Slough Wetlands Walk allows you to get up close and personal with birds and amphibians along the marsh and wetlands. There are also a number of other trails available for hikers of every level of experience. (916) 684-2816 |  cosumnes.org JEDEDIAH SMITH MEMORIAL TRAIL DISCOVERY PARK 1000 GARDEN HWY SACRAMENTO, CA 95833 Another easy, paved trail is the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail that runs along the American River Parkway. It is accessible from many county regional parks, including Discovery Park, Paradise Beach, Rossmoor Bar and William B. Pond and at several in Folsom as well. Jedediah Smith is a very popular trail for hikers, walkers, bicyclists and runners. Horses are also allowed on the path in certain areas. (916) 875-7275 |  cityofsacramento.org SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER TRAIL 780 SALMON FALLS RD. EL DORADO HILLS, CA 95762 The South Fork American River Trail has numerous paths for hiking, biking and horseback riding along 25 miles of trails. With varying degrees of difficulty and inclines, this hike’s scenery includes river views, chaparral canyons and rolling. (530) 621-1224 |  arconservancy.org JOHNNY CASH ART TRAIL 50 NATOMA ST FOLSOM, CA 95630 Folsom Lake provides 34 miles of biking trails for cyclists within their city, including a number of options around picturesque Folsom Lake. The Johnny Cash Art Trail hosts cycling events on its grounds and you can even gear up with Johnny Cash cycling clothes if you want to go in style. (916) 355-7304 | folsomcasharttrail.com AUBURN STATE RECREATIONAL AREA (ASRA) AUBURN DAM 501 EL DORADO ST. AUBURN, CA 95603 This three-mile trail, which scopes from the recreation area to the American River at the base of the Auburn Dam is a steep paved trail that typically takes a few hours. To get to the trail, enter through gate 142 at the ASRA. (530) 885-4527 | parks.ca.gov DISCOVERY PARK 1000 GARDEN HWY SACRAMENTO, CA 95833 A 302-acre park, Discovery features a 32-mile bike trail, ball fields, picnic sites, fishing and boat launches. (916) 875-7275