american river bicycle trail

1956traveller

Our Sacramento friend took us here for a 3 1/2 walk around the area which included lovely views along the river. During our walk we saw lots of cyclists, lots of people walking, dogs with owners, deer, turkeys, egrets, ducks, herons and other birds, mushrooms, wildflowers, etc. It was a glorious Monday of fresh air, exercise and picnic lunch. You can walk the shared bicycle path or go off the paved area to walk some of the trails. It is a great place to visit to feel like you are out in the country when you are in the city. My friend had a park pass which she displayed in the window of her car. We noted an enforcement officer checking cars for passes when we were eating. Beware!

JStillwaters

This trail is a great place to walk with friends, take the dog, or bicycle. I love being able to get away from the city a little bit without actually having to drive out of town. I go here to walk the dog mostly, but also take bike rides. On more than one occasion my daughter and I saw a rattlesnake on the trail, so be prepared to avoid contact with them. We've also seen other wildlife and the river always helps me calm down and reduce stress.

benning

This is an amazing, beautiful multi-use trail that should not be missed. Sometimes crowded on weekends, especially in the spring/summer. However, just follow the protocols (walkers face traffic/ cycle single file/ dogs well heeled) and you will enjoy!

RobbNevadaCity

You can ride your bike the flat 28 miles from Sacramento to Folsom alongside the American River river, have lunch at one of the great Folsom restaurants, explore Folsom old town, and get the light rail back. It's a great day out, and because it's flat, kids and oldies who are reasonably fit should be able to handle it.

markrP1629GI

Great bike trail that doubles as a jogging trail. It runs along he American River so the views of the river and wildlife are an added bonus.

Kimjonestworek

it is a very pretty trail that runs for 32 miles between Discovery Park in Old Sacramento. The last time we were there we were on our rode bikes and going for a serious ride. There were runners, walkers and mountain bikers. Lots of families too. If going for a serious ride, go in the early morning or on the weekdays. Family time is late afternoon/evening and weekends.

Jrbeck

Easy access for bicyclists, walkers, runners. Easy parking and places to stop for resting if needed. Not great for roller skating as it can be busy and can cause problems for bicyclists. Goos place to walk your dog. Scenery is terrific all along the river.

Rhianon_13

This beautiful bike path can take you from Folsom to downtown Sacramento. It is great for walking your dog, but be aware of the bicyclists as they move really fast.

Phil32999

This is a good bike trail that is fully paved and meanders through the mostly uninhabited areas around Sacramento. I take the trail from Discovery Park about 10 miles out to Lake Natoma. If you have the legs and time it goes further. Only complaint is there are sporadic homeless encampments along some areas of the path. I have never had a run in or any type of trouble but it gets my dander up when I ride past especially if I am with my teenage daughter. All that said its a good ride and mostly flat so well worth it to plan a ride there.

johnwP9095WU

We rode the trail from Discovery Park on the Sacramento river up and around Lake Natomas. The trail was well kept, had plenty of bathrooms and we even saw deer grazing, salmon swimming, and other wildlife along the trail. One area to be careful of though is the first stretch as your go along the American river, there were a lot of folks that looked like the very poor living in little camps along the river. No one approached us but still be careful, especially at dark.

333patriciaw

Run here every weekend. Glorious. Watch out for bikers! Goes for miles and has great views of the river.

DavidI27

The AR bike trail is one of the gems of Sacramento! I've been riding on it since I moved to Sacramento in 1988. I commuted for more than 20 years on the bike trail, 10 years to downtown and 10+ more to Rancho Cordova. They keep it in wonderful shape and it is simply a terrific resource. They have recently upgraded many of the restrooms and water fountains along the way. You have beautiful views of the river and depending on the time of day and season there is lots of wildlife to see. Turkeys, coyotes, beaver, deer, squirrels, skunks and an incredible number of waterfowl (it's a waterfowl flyway). Weekends can sometimes get busy on the trail but it's never crowded. The AR bike trail is one of my favorite things about this area.

LindaForThePeople

My husband and I go biking on the trail with friends every couple of months. It's one of our favorite rides in the area. During the week is best, if you can, as it can get pretty crowded on weekends. But even with lots of bikes and pedestrians, people are generally kind and respectful of each other. The ride is pretty and not too hilly. We are blessed in Sacramento to have this excellent trail.

5nn

We rode bikes twice on the American River Bike Trail. When we rode toward Discovery Park, we saw many turtles sunning themselves on logs. We also saw deer. Once at Discovery Park, we stopped and enjoyed the view of the rivers and watched boaters. Great to have a trail with sights to visit and wildlife along the way. You do have to be aware of speedy cyclists, who are fairly good at announcing, "on your left" as they pass.

Bakbouk

Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall, the trail is beautiful in its own way. What an incredible treasure we have. Enjoy a walk or bike ride on this wonderful resource.