Shoutout to Folsom, CA! Johnny Cash Trail…read more So you may be wondering... "what is the Johnny Cash Trail?". It's 2.75 miles of a class I paved bike and walking trail that is not a loop. It goes from Historic Folsom to the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail. Why is the trail named after Johnny Cash? Well he wrote and recorded the song "Folsom Prison Blues" in 1952. Yup, he was singing about the prison that the trail runs nearby. No, you can't see the prison yard. So don't think about planning any jail breaks. Anyways, I didn't start my walk at either the two end points. I started behind the Dan Russell rodeo arena which is behind the library parking lot. The arena has a parking lot as well with both free to park. I headed west towards Historic Folsom. There are marked trail signs. This section has a gradual decline/incline which may prove challenging for folks with mobility issues. The trail opens onto the sidewalk on Riley Street, look for Johnny Cash's guitar pick art sculpture. It's a 7 foot tall black bronze sculpture designed by local artist Adan Romo. A guitar pick is at both the beginning and end of the trail. The trail is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, so for goodness sakes follow the instructions on which side of the path you should be on. Plus please be especially vigilant on those hairpin turns and keep an eye on your kiddos and leashed pets. Thank you City of Folsom for creating and maintaining the trail, and adding more art installations.

It was one of those perfect California days where the weather does half the work for you. I finally…read moretook on the full 6.6 miles of the Johnny Cash Trail -- and after living here so long, I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. The trail is clean, wide, and full of those quiet moments that make you slow down without even trying. The views hit you from every angle...the rolling foothills, the long stretches of open trail, and those iconic art installations that remind you why this place carries the name it does. Met some cool people along the way too -- the kind of trail conversations that make the miles feel lighter and the day feel brighter. Nothing forced, just good energy and easy connection. In all, it wasn't a bad walk at all... actually, it was the kind of hike that resets you. A little sweat, a little sunshine, a little unexpected community -- the perfect reminder of why Northern California always pulls me back in.

This bridge is connected to trails around downtown historic Folsom and makes for a great…read morewalking/running trails. Plenty of spots along the way to enjoy the lake and nature.

The Historic Truss Bridge is the bridge over Lake Natoma that runs parallel to, and can be seen…read morefrom, the Rainbow Bridge in Historic Folsom. There are a lot of cool bridges in Folsom, but the Historic Truss Bridge probably has the neatest story of them all. Built in 1893 by the San Francisco Bridge Company, the Historic Truss Bridge was supposed to be "replaced" by the adjacent Rainbow Bridge, which was built in 1917. In 1930, the Truss Bridge was purchased by Siskiyou County, which placed the bridge over the Klamath River in Walker, where it remained until the 1990s. When Siskiyou County decided to replace the Historic Truss Bridge, Folsom decided to purchase it back, and to return it to its original location. Most of the original construction elements were kept, but some of the parts that had to be replaced were used to construct the nearby walkway down to the gazebo below the bridge. The bridge is now mainly used as a bicycle and pedestrian pathway. Technically part of the Jedediah Smith Memorial section of the American River Bike Trail, it connects the latter trail to the Johnny Cash Trail and Historic Folsom, where the terminus to the Lake Natoma Bike trail is located. My favorite thing about this bridge are the funny signs on either side, which read: $ 5 FINE FOR DRIVING OVER THIS BRIDGE FASTER THAN A WALK $ 25 FINE FOR DRIVING MORE THAN 20 HEAD OF HORSES, 50 HEAD OF CATTLE OR 200 SHEEP, HOGS OR GOATS OVER THIS BRIDGE AT ONE TIME The bridge is within walking distance of Folsom's Historic District and Sutter Street, and is accessible via the bike path. Pedestrians should always face bike traffic in Folsom, but virtually no one follows these rules on the Truss Bridge, so watch out. Lots of people come here to just wander around and pose for photos. The Historic Truss Bridge is the best place to view the Rainbow Bridge from, since it is only a couple hundred yards away. There is a (non-accessible) walking path between the two. It's also a fantastic place to get a view of Lake Natoma, especially looking towards the prison and the dam. The best time to visit the bridge is either sunrise or sunset, when the views over the river are spectacular.

What a great little trail right in Folsom. Easy to get to and plenty of parking early in the…read moremorning. Not sure about later in the day. The best part of this trail is the tons of shade. With the summer heat this is the best part. If you need a restroom, there is a porta potty at the parking lot, or you can walk down Oak to the strip mall and enjoy Starbucks and their restrooms. Pleasant creek running through the middle of the nature area and a few sturdy bridges to walk across. Highly recommend!

My regular walk for many years. Very scenic. Up and down…read moresteep hills then it flattens out. It's through the backyards of fabulous houses in American river park. There are great stairways to add to your workout. Shader walk in late afternoon and evening. Jody

Had a great time exploring the Folsom Historic District. There are so many cute local shops, fun…read moreplaces to browse, and unique items you won't find elsewhere. I loved strolling through the area and checking out the boutiques. The historic charm makes it a fun destination for shopping, dining, and spending a relaxing afternoon. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Can't believe I've never been here living fairly close (~30miles) to Folsom. Very unique district…read morewith boutiques & restaurants. There's a really nice amphitheater. I believe there are concerts here so I'll have to check out their events calendar. There's also a Farmers market on Saturdays. Most shops open at 11a.

Was an Amazing Trail beautiful scenery. I made it all the way through 8 miles yayyy I just kept…read morewalking and talking to Jesus makes everything alright

I enjoyed this paved trail immensely. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Going over…read moretiny bridges, along the creek and there was even a railroad. Lots of trees, birds, squirrels and toads in the creeks. Definitely had the sights and sounds of nature. There was only a handful of bicyclist on the trail and was one of the main reasons I gave it 5 stars. The American River Trail bicyclist act like they own the road and will run you over, lol.

The Eldorado National Forest consist of nearly 600,000 acres with lakes, streams, and rivers;…read moremeadows and mountains; and campsites and picnic areas. There are over 400 hiking trails that pass through various terrains ranging in technical difficulty. The terrain ranges from meadow, oak foothills, to the 10,000 foot Sierra Nevada. Some hiking trails require reservations for day use permits. There are also campgrounds. Some areas, such as the areas affected by the recent fires, are off limits. For up to date information, It is advised to check out the fs.usda.gov website. The area is beautiful. Gorgeous alpine backcountry. Old growth forest. Pristine streams. There are access roads that will drive into the area. But most of the access roads are ruff, not paved, and could be hard to maneuver without a SUV.

Where do I start?! I absolutely love hiking here. It's a long drive for us, but it is so worth it!…read moreIf you love Yosemite, then you will love it here as well. We hiked Horsetail Falls Trail, and I can't even explain how magnificent this place is. It is a 4 mile hike surrounded by mini waterfalls and rock formation throughout the hike. Your reward is getting underneath the main waterfall at the top of the hike. You will do a lot of rock climbing the further you hike, and it gets really steep. There are absolutely breathtaking views at the top. I love it! I recommend this hike to everyone. My tip for this hike is to bring lots of water because you will need it. Come early to snag a parking spot because it fills up fast and there is a $10 fee for parking. ENJOY!

1/5/2019: I wrote several reviews for James Marshall Monument and Coloma State Park; however, all…read moremy reviews mysteriously disappeared! Yah~YELP! Where ARE my reviews, eh? THEREFORE, I searched ALL the YELP! photos I posted: I found a few photos dated 1/5/2019 as PROOF I did write my reviews for both locations. Disappointingly, ALL my photos AND reviews for James Marshall's Monument and Coloma State Park event MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEARED AFTER 2019! UNHAPPY! Anyway, in June 2022, I attended a Military Funeral I personally arranged at James Marshall's Monument for my deceased Army friend who passed away plus, instrumentally preventing his family from spending an egregious, heinous sum for funeral expenses, i.e., I contacted the Coloma State Park's Head Supervisor Ranger on my friend's family's behalf. Blessed, the Head Park Ranger Supervisor contacted my friend's family a couple days later who only had to pay $75.00 for reserving James Marshall's Monument location for my friend's Military funeral! The location presided a PRIVATE, dignified, Military funeral which involved the US Army Color Guards who fired off a 21-Gun Salute for my deceased Army friend, ample parking provided for all attending the Military Funeral, conveniently located picnic tables for food/libations setup, and more importantly, an easy, short stroll to James Marshall's Monument where the 21-Gun Salute was presided. My friend's family were so grateful to Coloma State Park's Head Park Ranger Supervisor for allowing presiding a Military funeral which was quite a distance from the Coloma State Park's American River parking lot. Reiterating, reserving the James Marshall's Monument location for my friend's family and all who attended my friend's Military Funeral, it was so PRIVATE, awesome, easy, uncomplicated set up due to the picnic tables for the food and libations were conveniently adjacent to the clean restrooms, and overall, a gorgeous, tranquil, serene, appropriate location presiding a somber, dignified, Military funeral. Finally, presiding a Military Funeral at James Marshall's Monument for my friend's family will always be remembered and revered. Best of all, all who attended my friend's Military funeral have ALL returned exploring James Marshall's Monument--again, James Marshall's log cabin, checking the construction updates for both St. John's Catholic Church and Emmanuel Church, Sutter's Mill, gold panning the American River, sent snail mail from the Coloma Post Office, ate at my friend, Noah's Argonaut Cafe, and hiked all the trails, too! BTW: Since I'm 100% Service-Connected Vietnam Veteran possessing a Veteran's Distinguished Park Pass, reserving James Marshall's Monument would be NO FEE for me! FYI: Resource Building For PHYSICALLY Applying For A Veteran's Distinguished Park Pass Resource Building 1416 9th Street Sacramento CA 95814 (916) 657-4380 https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/resources-building-375367030 www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30958​ Contact CA Park Pass Sales Office: (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 Send email: parkpassinfo@parks.ca.gov

Awesome historical stop. This cute 1800s old town brings the California Gold Rush era to life with…read moreover 20 historic mining buildings. You can still see a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a cafe, event venue (Gold Trail Grange), museum and a charming little post office that is actually still functional. It's a great spot for all, kids enjoy the fun gold-panning activities, adults interest to learn the Gold Rush history, walking trail, picnic and hanging out by the river. We also walked around the Mt. Murphy Road Bridge, this bridge offers great views of the South Fork American River and the white-water rafting, please watch out for cars, the bridge is narrow! Highly recommend stopping by this place.

Garden Valley is a rural unincorporated community in El Dorado County in the foothills of the…read moreSierra Nevada mountains. Population around 3500. 40 miles from Folsom, CA. They put on a great Fourth of July for the semiquincentennial gathering. Small community charm, big hometown spirit. Family friendly event. The parade ran a few blocks starting at the fire station, passing the Garden Valley park to the Golden Sierra High School parking lot. Folks set up lawn chairs along the route. The parade included local veterans, classic cars, fire trucks (CalFire, U.S. Forestry, Georgetown, and Garden Valley), local western riding groups with their horses, Smokey the Bear (yes, he made an appearance in the flesh) and local folks. The kiddos enjoy the tradition of parade participants tossing candy into the crowd. The park has a gazebo, play area, splash pad area, restroom, and green lawn shaded with gorgeous ild growth trees. For the Fourth, they had live music, food vendors, crafts vendors, and local organization's booths. Non political event. Vendors: +Teri's Stain Glass - hand crafted stain glass art from the whimsical to the traditional classic look. +Garden Valley Nursery - selling healthy, gorgeous roses. Nice variety with amazing colors. +Handmade Bright Type Designs - jewelry (charms, pendants, earrings, necklaces) these clay type material are lightweight and designed in fun, modern styles +Zip--A-Dee-Doo-Dog Hot Dog cart +ECV chapter 86 Georgetown - fundraising selling their growlersburg donkey dog. ECV is a fraternal organization preserving Western and Gild Rush history in a satirical manner. +Renzoni Pizza +KFOK FM radio- community radio serving "the Divide" +Plus a bunch more

My boyfriend and I decided to take my daughter here to play on their playground after lunch. She…read moremet a couple children there and had a blast on their nice big swing set and playground. I loved the festive bows on the gate, stage and Little Library next to it! I would recommend visiting this park and we will definitely be back in June to check out their splash pad they have and take a gander at the Little Library!