Folsom Favorite - Walking - Folsom's American River Parkway
What better way to grab this fabulous weather by the hand – so to speak – b
y planning a weekend family outing along the trails of Folsom’s American River Parkway. It’s the perfect outing to both enjoy nature and explore gold rush history.
Folsom’s spring weather is the perfect time to enjoy the fresh air, miles of paved easy trails, and catch a glimpse of area wildlife. Several of Folsom’s hotels are within walking distance of these trails so it’s a perfect weekend experience.
Those interested in bird watching might run into different native species as this area is a welcome haven for many different winged creatures from ducks, turkey and Canadian geese to red-headed woodpeckers and various birds of prey including the red-tailed hawk. Other wildlife spotted along the trails can include white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels and coyotes.
Families can enhance their nature experience with history as Historic Folsom is only steps away from trails along Lake Natoma. Interesting historic sites to be explored include the Folsom History Museum, the original railroad truss bridge and the historic Folsom Powerhouse. Near the powerhouse and along the banks of the lake, there are grinding rocks used by the area’s native American residents, the Maidu.
For who prefer long distance powerwalks, the trail system extends from Historic Folsom to the Beal’s Point area of Folsom Lake going a few miles east and 26 miles away to downtown Sacramento going west. Along the way, there are plenty of stops to be made to view the natural estuary of Willow Creek or watch the competitive rowers from the California State University Sacramento Aquatic Center practice their skill and speed on Lake Natoma.
Further west on the trail is the Nimbus Fish Hatchery which is open to visitors daily to offer an education on the life of the Pacific salmon and steelhead trout. Even though the fish aren’t jumping up the ladder in the spring, the center offers an opportunity to view the nursery tanks of fish and tour the facility. Plus, visitors can feed the fish!