American River Bike Trail

The main American River Bike Trail, also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, is a 32-mile paved path. While you can ride a mountain bike on it, it's primarily designed for road or gravel bikes and casual rides, lacking the technical features true mountain bikers typically seek. For dedicated mountain biking, you'll find extensive singletrack and fire roads in the broader American River watershed, such as the Auburn State Recreation Area or Cronan Ranch, which offer varied terrain and significant elevation changes.

This particular route largely follows the paved American River Bike Trail. It features a gentle elevation gain heading upstream towards Folsom Lake and a corresponding downhill return. While mostly smooth, some riders explore easy, leveled singletrack paths along the sides of the paved trail, which can have slightly rockier sections.

The route offers beautiful riverside views of the American River, vibrant greenery, and opportunities to spot wildlife. You'll pass by notable spots like the Frank F. Cirilli Recreation Area – American River Overlook, providing scenic vistas, and the route concludes near Beals Point at Folsom Lake.

The American River Bike Trail has numerous access points with parking along its length. For this specific route, starting near Beals Point at Folsom Lake offers convenient access. Be aware that parking within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area typically requires a fee.

Yes, as much of this route is within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, you will likely need to pay an entrance fee for vehicle access to parking areas like Beals Point. These fees support the maintenance and facilities of the state park. Check the California State Parks website for current fee information.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the American River Bike Trail. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Always check for specific signage at trailheads or within park areas for any local regulations.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to ride the American River Bike Trail. The weather is mild, and the scenery is vibrant. Summers can be very hot, especially in the afternoon, so if riding then, it's best to go early in the morning. Winters are usually mild, but occasional rain can make the paved trail wet, and unpaved side paths muddy.

This route is approximately 38.7 kilometers (about 24 miles) long. On average, it takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete by mountain bike, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Yes, this route primarily follows the American River Bike Trail, which is also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. Sections of the route also overlap with the ADT - California - T - Seg 5 and the 50 (California) trails.

While the main paved American River Bike Trail is very family-friendly for casual rides, true mountain biking for families can be found in the broader American River watershed. Some areas offer easier, leveled singletrack sections suitable for beginners or younger riders, often found alongside the main paved trail or in designated recreation areas. Always check specific trail descriptions for difficulty and suitability.