It’s no secret that Northern California was a hot spot for railroad activity back in the day. However, many of the old railroad grades that were once roaring with life have sat untouched for decades. So, what is there to do? Turn it into an epic hiking trail, of course! The El Dorado Trail offers several miles of scenic beauty alongside the historic railroad grade that runs through the county. Containing everything from bridges and tunnels to wide-open expanses, this abandoned railroad trail in Northern California offers a unique adventure that’s bound to leave an impression on you. It’s one of the best hikes in Northern California and we think you’ll love it as we do!
Travel through Northern California history when you hop onto this unique trail in El Dorado County. Spanning 35 miles, the trail is open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, and it’s a journey that’s bound to stick in your memory.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
The trail follows the old Southern Pacific Railroad and the Michigan/California Railroad line. Stretching all the way from Placerville to Camino, the trail is perfect for exploring the stunning scenery of California’s Gold Country.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
The trail is constantly being updated and worked on, but there are many sections of the trail that are ready to be explored. As you traverse the trail, you’ll be led across all sorts of breathtaking landscapes.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
The trail begins in wondrous oak-filled meadows and then heads eastward into the apple orchards and dense pine forests of the Sierra Nevada.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
At one point, the trail even joins up with the historic Pony Express passage, taking you along century-old logging routes before ending up at the spectacular Lake Tahoe.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
With a tiny 2% grade, the trail is an easygoing journey that’s suitable for both young and old. It’s even wheelchair-friendly in some sections of the trail. Boasting multiple trailheads, you can pick and choose your starting and ending points as you see fit.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
The regions of the trail that make their way through towns are often populated with both residents and visitors, but it’s not hard to find a more remote portion of the trail. Nothing compares to the feeling of bliss that comes with walking along the trail and soaking up the tranquil setting.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
Overall, the trail is a fun and easy way to explore Gold Country’s gorgeous landscapes, so be sure to add this adventure to your bucket list right away.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
Go for a ride on this unique trail with MTBing Adventures and see sections of the trail you might miss if you are out for a hike:
This trail is a fun, scenic trail for both hiking and mountain biking. Have you hiked or biked this unique railroad trail yet? This is such a great way to transform those old abandoned rails in our state. Don’t forget to check out one of the most iconic rail-to-trail hikes when you read about this epic abandoned railroad hike in Northern California.
El Dorado Trail/Facebook
Go for a ride on this unique trail with MTBing Adventures and see sections of the trail you might miss if you are out for a hike:
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Address: El Dorado Trail, Diamond Springs, CA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Northern California March 06, 2022 Tori Jane What are some great kid-friendly hikes around Northern California? There are many kid-friendly hikes around Northern California that everyone is sure to love. Some kid-friendly hikes around Northern California include:
Hot Creek Interpretive Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA: A 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that will delight young minds (and old) with beautiful views of the Inyo National Forest. Pleasants Ridge Trail, Winters, CA: A 0.7-mile trail with scenic views of the eastern tip of Lake Berryessa. Patrick’s Point Trail, Trinidad, CA: Patrick’s Point Trail, near Trinidad, is a quick 0.2-mile long trail that offers ridiculously awe-inspiring views of the coast. Stout Memorial Grove Trail, Crescent City, CA: The amazing Stout Memorial Grove Trail near Crescent City is known for its epic Redwood trees along the way.
We typically define a kid-friendly hike as one that’s under two miles long and is rated as easy; that way, most little ones can do it without an issue. That’s not to say there aren’t tougher hikes that your kids can handle if they really love trail hunting as you do. For more information about these trails and a few more, check out this previous article on Northern California’s best kid-friendly hikes under one mile in length. What are some nice, easy hikes in Northern California? Some easy hikes in Northern California include:
Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail Lake Siskiyou Trail Cascade Falls Trail
Northern California is a wonderland for hikers, even those who would rather keep it easy instead of getting crazy with the hiking thing. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds (if not thousands) of wonderful, low-key, easy hikes in Northern California. Some of our favorites include awesome trails like the Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail, near Redding, which offers incredible mountain views (including of the nearby Mt. Shasta). While near Mt. Shasta, you’ll also want to check out the Lake Siskiyou Trail, which not only offers great views of the peaks but also the lake mentioned in the moniker. Cascade Falls Trail near Tahoma is ridiculously amazing, and at just under a mile and a half long, it’s the perfect morning hike for when you don’t have a lot of time. As long as you know where to look, you’re bound to find an amazing hike somewhere in beautiful Northern California.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Northern California
March 06, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some great kid-friendly hikes around Northern California? There are many kid-friendly hikes around Northern California that everyone is sure to love. Some kid-friendly hikes around Northern California include:
Hot Creek Interpretive Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA: A 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that will delight young minds (and old) with beautiful views of the Inyo National Forest. Pleasants Ridge Trail, Winters, CA: A 0.7-mile trail with scenic views of the eastern tip of Lake Berryessa. Patrick’s Point Trail, Trinidad, CA: Patrick’s Point Trail, near Trinidad, is a quick 0.2-mile long trail that offers ridiculously awe-inspiring views of the coast. Stout Memorial Grove Trail, Crescent City, CA: The amazing Stout Memorial Grove Trail near Crescent City is known for its epic Redwood trees along the way.
We typically define a kid-friendly hike as one that’s under two miles long and is rated as easy; that way, most little ones can do it without an issue. That’s not to say there aren’t tougher hikes that your kids can handle if they really love trail hunting as you do. For more information about these trails and a few more, check out this previous article on Northern California’s best kid-friendly hikes under one mile in length. What are some nice, easy hikes in Northern California? Some easy hikes in Northern California include:
Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail Lake Siskiyou Trail Cascade Falls Trail
Northern California is a wonderland for hikers, even those who would rather keep it easy instead of getting crazy with the hiking thing. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds (if not thousands) of wonderful, low-key, easy hikes in Northern California. Some of our favorites include awesome trails like the Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail, near Redding, which offers incredible mountain views (including of the nearby Mt. Shasta). While near Mt. Shasta, you’ll also want to check out the Lake Siskiyou Trail, which not only offers great views of the peaks but also the lake mentioned in the moniker. Cascade Falls Trail near Tahoma is ridiculously amazing, and at just under a mile and a half long, it’s the perfect morning hike for when you don’t have a lot of time. As long as you know where to look, you’re bound to find an amazing hike somewhere in beautiful Northern California.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many kid-friendly hikes around Northern California that everyone is sure to love. Some kid-friendly hikes around Northern California include:
- Hot Creek Interpretive Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA: A 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that will delight young minds (and old) with beautiful views of the Inyo National Forest.
- Pleasants Ridge Trail, Winters, CA: A 0.7-mile trail with scenic views of the eastern tip of Lake Berryessa.
- Patrick’s Point Trail, Trinidad, CA: Patrick’s Point Trail, near Trinidad, is a quick 0.2-mile long trail that offers ridiculously awe-inspiring views of the coast.
- Stout Memorial Grove Trail, Crescent City, CA: The amazing Stout Memorial Grove Trail near Crescent City is known for its epic Redwood trees along the way.
We typically define a kid-friendly hike as one that’s under two miles long and is rated as easy; that way, most little ones can do it without an issue. That’s not to say there aren’t tougher hikes that your kids can handle if they really love trail hunting as you do.
For more information about these trails and a few more, check out this previous article on Northern California’s best kid-friendly hikes under one mile in length.
What are some nice, easy hikes in Northern California?
Some easy hikes in Northern California include:
- Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail
- Lake Siskiyou Trail
- Cascade Falls Trail
Northern California is a wonderland for hikers, even those who would rather keep it easy instead of getting crazy with the hiking thing. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds (if not thousands) of wonderful, low-key, easy hikes in Northern California.
Some of our favorites include awesome trails like the Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail, near Redding, which offers incredible mountain views (including of the nearby Mt. Shasta). While near Mt. Shasta, you’ll also want to check out the Lake Siskiyou Trail, which not only offers great views of the peaks but also the lake mentioned in the moniker. Cascade Falls Trail near Tahoma is ridiculously amazing, and at just under a mile and a half long, it’s the perfect morning hike for when you don’t have a lot of time. As long as you know where to look, you’re bound to find an amazing hike somewhere in beautiful Northern California.
