Lots of runners and bikers along the trail on the weekends.
After I dropped off my son for his 11 mile cross country training
Lake Natoma Crossing bridge over lake Natoma.
run around Lake Natoma, I decided to take my own little trail run. While the Sacramento-Folsom area can be brutally hot at the end of August, we actually had a little bit of cloud cover this morning and cooler temperatures.
I started the trail run near the Lake Natoma Inn next to the Folsom Crossing Bridge. There are a few little hills but most of the trail is flat. Occasionally, you will be forced to run on the bike path as the lake edge precludes a trail. Perhaps the worst part of the trail is the often times exposed river rock cobbles. The big potato size rocks, while smooth, half exposed on the trail can lead to a twisted ankle if you are not careful.
Most of the trail will be single track and you may have to step
Grab a snack while running.
into the weeds when passing people. Even though I didn’t see any critters on my run, it is not uncommon to see snakes so it is best to stay on the trail if you can.
From looking at the Google Earth, I am going to estimate that my run from slightly east of the Folsom Crossing Bridge down to Willow Creek boat launch is 2.5 miles one way. My son’s cross country team will make a loop around the lake crossing over at Hazel Avenue and returning on the north shore of the lake.
Aerial view of the trail run along Lake Natoma.
Because the area was first mined hydraulically and then dredged for gold, there are some odd landscape left overs. The dredge tailings of all the cobble rock make shallow winter pools and tall mountains of nothing but moonscape dry rock piles. Thankfully the lake and creeks have provided a enough water for lots of trees to take hold.
For either a short morning run or brisk walk, this little section of the American Bike trail offers a nice outdoor experience. A popular breakfast spot after a trail run or bike ride is Karen’s Bakery. It is usually packed so expect to wait if you are there on the weekend.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge. Folsom City History Museum
