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Jedediah Smith National Recreation Trail
Arguably one of the most successful and beautifully paved bike paths in northern California, this 33-mile gem of a trail stretches from downtown Sacramento eastward to Folsom Dam (66 miles round-trip). Also known as the American River Bike Path, it is nearly 100% separate from vehicle roads.
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| Author: | wpr4u2 |
| Source: |
 on my phone
|
| Activity: | Other |
| State: | California (CA) |
| Distance: | 33.51 mi |
| Calories: | 1610 |
| Average Speed: |
Overall: 15.8 mph - 0:03:47/mi Active: 16.6 mph - 0:03:36/mi |
| Duration: |
Total: 2:06:55 Active: 2:01:03 Resting: 0:05:52 |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
The route hugs the American River and is well maintained with abundant parks along the way. The mile markers are posted, starting at zero on the western end. You can begin your ride from a dozen access points and ride for as long or short as you like. You’re never far from civilization -- just over the levee at almost all major streets will lead to numerous coffee/food options. For a map and a full description of parks/recreational activities along the route, go to www.sacparks.net/our-parks/american-river-parkway/
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Jedediah Smith National Recreation Trail
| Distance: 33.51 mi | Points: 1470 | Calories: 1610 |
| Total Time: 2:06:55 | Speed: 15.8 mph | Pace: 3:47 / mi |
| Active Time: 2:01:03 | Speed: 16.6 mph | Pace: 3:36 / mi |
Points of Interest
Location: 38.606626, -121.482160
This is about as crowded as the trail gets during the winter. Location: 38.582543, -121.504498
The bikers congregate in Old Sac. Lots of coffee/food options in Old Sacramento. Location: 38.580815, -121.508553
Old Sacramento riverfront Location: 38.592422, -121.330884
Lots of activity on the bridge crossing at Goethe Park Location: 38.580161, -121.505785
The Capitol Building as seen from Tower Bridge Location: 38.719269, -121.167698
If you start or end your ride at Beals Point, there are restrooms and water available. A concession stand is open from Spring to Fall. Location: 38.596766, -121.506987
Discovery Park is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. The buildings in the distance are river-view restaurants within a marina. Great places to kick back on a deck for post-ride refreshments. Location: 38.720742, -121.170530
Folsom Lake, like most California lakes, is kept at a low level in winter to make room for the spring runoff Location: 38.581822, -121.416478
This is a popular lunch/breakfast spot for cyclists -- just over the levee along the trail. Other food/coffee choices are within blocks of here. Location: 38.641612, -121.216364
Nimbus Dam is 7 miles below Folsom Dam and a popular fishing area, particularly during Salmon season where the fish go to die after spawning Location: 38.703932, -121.166496
A new bridge is being built just below Folsom Dam. The road along the top of Folsom Dam (in the background) was closed after 9-11 for security reasons. The new bridge restores a commuter link to Folsom Location: 38.687319, -121.169500
The walls of Folsom Prison on the other side of the river Location: 38.587273, -121.504798
No traffic worries as you head into or out of downtown Location: 38.588850, -121.333673
Take a break at Goethe Park, the start/finish location of the world's oldest triathlon, Eppie's Great Race (www.thegreatrace.org) Location: 38.682160, -121.178084
Historic Rainbow Bridge in Folsom. On the other side you can see an old railroad bridge that has been renovated to a cyclist/pedestrian only bridge. Location: 38.635713, -121.225376
The fish ladder in the center of this photo is a popular Nimbus Fish Hatchery attraction. The October Salmon Festival showcases the annual Salmon Run, where the fish swim back up the river in which they were born in order to spawn. Location: 38.665475, -121.191044
A pleasant ride along Lake Natoma Location: 38.623711, -121.296444
Typical river view as you make your way along the trail. Sunrise Bridge in the distance Location: 38.562630, -121.419182
This replica of the Golden Gate Bridge crosses to the California State University, Sacramento campus Location: 38.592674, -121.506085
Bike trail heading out of downtown Location: 38.636517, -121.263828
Historic Fair Oaks bridge. Just over the river and up a slight hill in old town Fair Oaks are numerous coffee and food options.
This is about as crowded as the trail gets during the winter. Location: 38.582543, -121.504498
The bikers congregate in Old Sac. Lots of coffee/food options in Old Sacramento. Location: 38.580815, -121.508553
Old Sacramento riverfront Location: 38.592422, -121.330884
Lots of activity on the bridge crossing at Goethe Park Location: 38.580161, -121.505785
The Capitol Building as seen from Tower Bridge Location: 38.719269, -121.167698
If you start or end your ride at Beals Point, there are restrooms and water available. A concession stand is open from Spring to Fall. Location: 38.596766, -121.506987
Discovery Park is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. The buildings in the distance are river-view restaurants within a marina. Great places to kick back on a deck for post-ride refreshments. Location: 38.720742, -121.170530
Folsom Lake, like most California lakes, is kept at a low level in winter to make room for the spring runoff Location: 38.581822, -121.416478
This is a popular lunch/breakfast spot for cyclists -- just over the levee along the trail. Other food/coffee choices are within blocks of here. Location: 38.641612, -121.216364
Nimbus Dam is 7 miles below Folsom Dam and a popular fishing area, particularly during Salmon season where the fish go to die after spawning Location: 38.703932, -121.166496
A new bridge is being built just below Folsom Dam. The road along the top of Folsom Dam (in the background) was closed after 9-11 for security reasons. The new bridge restores a commuter link to Folsom Location: 38.687319, -121.169500
The walls of Folsom Prison on the other side of the river Location: 38.587273, -121.504798
No traffic worries as you head into or out of downtown Location: 38.588850, -121.333673
Take a break at Goethe Park, the start/finish location of the world's oldest triathlon, Eppie's Great Race (www.thegreatrace.org) Location: 38.682160, -121.178084
Historic Rainbow Bridge in Folsom. On the other side you can see an old railroad bridge that has been renovated to a cyclist/pedestrian only bridge. Location: 38.635713, -121.225376
The fish ladder in the center of this photo is a popular Nimbus Fish Hatchery attraction. The October Salmon Festival showcases the annual Salmon Run, where the fish swim back up the river in which they were born in order to spawn. Location: 38.665475, -121.191044
A pleasant ride along Lake Natoma Location: 38.623711, -121.296444
Typical river view as you make your way along the trail. Sunrise Bridge in the distance Location: 38.562630, -121.419182
This replica of the Golden Gate Bridge crosses to the California State University, Sacramento campus Location: 38.592674, -121.506085
Bike trail heading out of downtown Location: 38.636517, -121.263828
Historic Fair Oaks bridge. Just over the river and up a slight hill in old town Fair Oaks are numerous coffee and food options.
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