Daytripper
American River Parkway
A place to run, walk or ride
Date Published: March 2007
[Susan Jameson/Granite Bay View]
Discovery Park is the furthermost access park from Granite Bay along the American River Parkway, a 23-mile system of trails and paths that follow the American River.
[Susan Jameson/Granite Bay View]
Sutter's Landing alows access to the American River Parkway as well as a skate park.
| Available services |
Recreational
Archery: Discovery Park
Bicycle Trails: Campus Commons, Discovery, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Rossmoor Bar, Sacramento Bar, Lower Sunrise, Upper Sunrise, Watt Avenue, William B. Pond
Golf: Ancil Hoffman, Campus Commons
Hiking or walking trails: Ancil Hoffman, Discovery, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Paradise Beach, Rossmoor Bar, Sacramento Bar, Sailor Bar, SARA Access, Sarah Court, Lower Sunrise, Upper Sunrise, Waterton, Watt Avenue, William B. Pond
Horseshoes: Discovery, Lower Sunrise
Playground: Goethe Park
Soccer/Turfed Playing fields: Ancil Hoffman, Discovery, Goethe Park, William B. Pond
Horse Trails and/or facilities: Ancil Hoffman, Discovery, Goethe Park, Sacramento Bar, Lower Sunrise, William B. Pond
Leisure
Food: Ancil Hoffman
Nature area: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Goethe Park
Water related
Fishing: Ancil Hoffman, Discovery, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Paradise Beach, Rossmoor Bar, Sacramento Bar, Sailor Bar, SARA Access, Sarah Court, Lower Sunrise, Upper Sunrise, Waterton, Watt Avenue, William B. Pond
River Access: Ancil Hoffman, Discovery, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Paradise Beach, Rossmoor Bar, Sacramento Bar, Sailor Bar, SARA Access, Sarah Court, Lower Sunrise, Waterton, Watt Avenue, William B. Pond
Boat Ramp: Discovery, Howe Avenue, Sailor Bar, Upper Sunrise, Watt Avenue
Small Watercraft Access: Ancil Hoffman, Discovery, Goethe Park, Howe Avenue, Paradise Beach, Sacramento Bar, Sailor Bar, Upper Sunrise, Watt Avenue
From Folsom Lake to where it joins the Sacramento River, the American River Parkway and series of parks that lie along it, offer locals a scenic way to get some exercise.
Whether your passion is bike riding, kayaking, walking, horseback riding or fishing, the American River Parkway has something for everyone.
More than 15 parks, two golf courses and a nationally-renown nature center are connected through the 23-mile long American River Parkway system. Between them miles of bike, horse and walking trails; water access in the form of boat launches, fishing areas and beaches; and historical sites are among the opportunities.
In addition, many of the parks have indoor, covered and open-air facilities for rent and facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas and playing fields for leisurely or sports activities. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash and owners are expected to clean up after their pets.
Here's a look at some of what's offered:
Jedediah Smith Trail
Discovery Park
Located at the farthest end away from Rocklin, Discovery Park might be the destination to reach on a two- or three-hour bike ride or it might be worth a day of fun on it's own. Discovery Park is located just off Interstate 5 - follow the signs and then turn right on Jibboom (there is currently no sign for this right turn).
As the place where the American River meets the Sacramento River, Discovery Park is a great place to watch the water, have a picnic or take a stroll. It's also a great place to launch a boat or fish. In addition, horseshoes, archery and playing fields are available.
Sutter's Landing
What started off as an old Sacramento landfill is becoming a regional park. Off A and 28th streets, Sutter's Landing includes access to the American River Parkway trails as well as a skateboard park. It's still not finished, but if skating's your thing, it's worth checking out.
C.M. Goethe Park
Pronounced "gah-tee," Goethe Park is one of Sacramento's oldest county parks. At about the midpoint of the American River Parkway, near Carmichael and Rancho Cordova off Highway 50, Goethe Park offers horse and hiking trails as well as river access for small watercraft. Across from the William B. Pond Park via the Harold Richey Bicycle Bridge, the bridge boasts a spectacular view of the American River.
William B. Pond
Across from Goethe Park to the southwest, the William B. Pond Recreation Area features a handicapped accessible fishing pier on the man-made fishing pond and gently sloped walking trails. The pond is stocked with trout and catfish, but bass, bluegill and tule perch can also be found there.
Ancil Hoffman Park
Home of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael is located on the northeast side of Goethe Park. In addition to picnic areas and trails, visitors will find reconstructed Maidu Indian homes and a golf course.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center boasts a number of interpretive, self-guided trails, weekend programs and activities, and camps. Guided tours are also available on the 77-acre nature preserve.
Sacramento Bar
Providing one of the closest access points for Rocklin residents, Sacramento Bar is located just off Fair Oaks Boulevard across from the Lower Sunrise Recreation Area. Although it might be a good location to start a bike trek to Discovery Park (for those who don't want to do the full 32 miles from Folsom Lake), it is also one of the best places to fish. The Jim Jones bridge, which connects Sacramento Bar to Lower Sunrise, is often crowded with anglers, especially in the early fall. There are also a number of fishing ponds west of the park entrance.
Upper and Lower Sunrise
Upper Sunrise has river access for both motor and sail boats via a boat launch and kayaks, canoes and rafts. It is also home to the historic Fair Oaks Bridge, which has been featured in a few films.
Lower Sunrise features trails, picnic areas and nature walks as well as an equestrian staging area. It also has horseshoe facilities and barbecues for a full day or activities.
Fishing is allowed in either park and the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail passes through both.
Most parks connected by the parkway are open sunrise to sunset and there is a small fee ($4 per car) collected upon entrance. Additional boat launch fees apply where applicable.
An extensive American River Parkway Plan was adopted by Sacramento County in 2006 to preserve and protect the environmental resources, while providing enhanced public access for recreational and educational purposes.
Visit www.sacparks.net/our-parks/american-river-parkway/ for more information.
Whether your passion is bike riding, kayaking, walking, horseback riding or fishing, the American River Parkway has something for everyone.
More than 15 parks, two golf courses and a nationally-renown nature center are connected through the 23-mile long American River Parkway system. Between them miles of bike, horse and walking trails; water access in the form of boat launches, fishing areas and beaches; and historical sites are among the opportunities.
In addition, many of the parks have indoor, covered and open-air facilities for rent and facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas and playing fields for leisurely or sports activities. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash and owners are expected to clean up after their pets.
Here's a look at some of what's offered:
Jedediah Smith Trail
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The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is a 32-mile path between Folsom Lake and Old Sacramento. The trail follows the American River and can be accessed from most parks on the American River Parkway as well as Granite Bay or Beal's Point on Folsom Lake. A smooth bike path, it is also used for walking, jogging, inline skating and horseback riding (though horses aren't allowed on the paved trail surface). For safety, a 15 mph speed limit is enforced. Discovery Park
Located at the farthest end away from Rocklin, Discovery Park might be the destination to reach on a two- or three-hour bike ride or it might be worth a day of fun on it's own. Discovery Park is located just off Interstate 5 - follow the signs and then turn right on Jibboom (there is currently no sign for this right turn).
As the place where the American River meets the Sacramento River, Discovery Park is a great place to watch the water, have a picnic or take a stroll. It's also a great place to launch a boat or fish. In addition, horseshoes, archery and playing fields are available.
Sutter's Landing
What started off as an old Sacramento landfill is becoming a regional park. Off A and 28th streets, Sutter's Landing includes access to the American River Parkway trails as well as a skateboard park. It's still not finished, but if skating's your thing, it's worth checking out.
C.M. Goethe Park
Pronounced "gah-tee," Goethe Park is one of Sacramento's oldest county parks. At about the midpoint of the American River Parkway, near Carmichael and Rancho Cordova off Highway 50, Goethe Park offers horse and hiking trails as well as river access for small watercraft. Across from the William B. Pond Park via the Harold Richey Bicycle Bridge, the bridge boasts a spectacular view of the American River.
William B. Pond
Across from Goethe Park to the southwest, the William B. Pond Recreation Area features a handicapped accessible fishing pier on the man-made fishing pond and gently sloped walking trails. The pond is stocked with trout and catfish, but bass, bluegill and tule perch can also be found there.
Ancil Hoffman Park
Home of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael is located on the northeast side of Goethe Park. In addition to picnic areas and trails, visitors will find reconstructed Maidu Indian homes and a golf course.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center boasts a number of interpretive, self-guided trails, weekend programs and activities, and camps. Guided tours are also available on the 77-acre nature preserve.
Sacramento Bar
Providing one of the closest access points for Rocklin residents, Sacramento Bar is located just off Fair Oaks Boulevard across from the Lower Sunrise Recreation Area. Although it might be a good location to start a bike trek to Discovery Park (for those who don't want to do the full 32 miles from Folsom Lake), it is also one of the best places to fish. The Jim Jones bridge, which connects Sacramento Bar to Lower Sunrise, is often crowded with anglers, especially in the early fall. There are also a number of fishing ponds west of the park entrance.
Upper and Lower Sunrise
Upper Sunrise has river access for both motor and sail boats via a boat launch and kayaks, canoes and rafts. It is also home to the historic Fair Oaks Bridge, which has been featured in a few films.
Lower Sunrise features trails, picnic areas and nature walks as well as an equestrian staging area. It also has horseshoe facilities and barbecues for a full day or activities.
Fishing is allowed in either park and the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail passes through both.
Most parks connected by the parkway are open sunrise to sunset and there is a small fee ($4 per car) collected upon entrance. Additional boat launch fees apply where applicable.
An extensive American River Parkway Plan was adopted by Sacramento County in 2006 to preserve and protect the environmental resources, while providing enhanced public access for recreational and educational purposes.
Visit www.sacparks.net/our-parks/american-river-parkway/ for more information.
Susan Jameson is the editor of the Granite Bay View. She can be reached at susanj@goldcountrymedia.com.
