Folsom South Canal Recreation Trail – Road Bike Trail

The Folsom South Canal Recreation Trail is a famous paved biking path that parallels the canal. The 15.5-mile biking route is easy, and anyone, including cycling beginners, can handle it. It is open throughout and is popular for birding, running, and biking. It is one of the few trails in California that are family-friendly. You can bring your kids and dog and combine biking with other recreational activities. The bikeway is an excellent long stretch of flat riding without interference from crowds or animals. Keep reading for its feature details.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Folsom South Canal Recreation Trail parallels the Folsom South Canal, which is an aqueduct that diverts water from the American River. The trail runs from the canal’s northern end, close to Nimbus dam all the way to Sloughhouse Rd. It is a great connection to the American River bike trail.

The bikeway is open year-round and you can access it from various points. It has various entry points but all of them are unmarked. The open gates are the only indication of a trail’s path. What’s more, the trail has various street crossings that are unimproved. Except for the pedestrian sign at Sunrise Boulevard, you have to be keen on the high-speed traffic on the street crossings.

The trail’s estimated average grade category is easy; therefore, less experienced riders would easily ace it. Moreover, it is paved smoothly with asphalt. Generally, it is in good condition for road bikes, and we recommend it for new riders looking to get used to their bike without getting stuck on a hill in the wrong gear. The only climbs you may encounter on the trail are the few areas where you have to go up an overpass and then back down on the canal.

The trail’s southern end is not accessible to the public. The part that is accessible to the public is about 13 miles from one end to another. Unlike other popular trails in the area, the Folsom South Canal Recreation Trail has less traffic, thus ideal for fast riding. You can get up to 50 miles of riding from the trail.

Additional Trail Features

There are two parking lots:

• At the Fish Hatchery on Nimbus Road;
• Park and Ride lot on Jackson Road west of Sunrise Boulevard.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

The Folsom South Canal Recreation Trail is not conventionally beautiful or scenic, but you may enjoy the suburban and industrial landscapes. You will spot various bird species and have the water alongside the whole way. You may be bored in terms of scenery, but the trail’s flatness and little to zero traffic make the ride worthwhile.

Recommendations

• The bike path has no shade. Therefore, carry sunscreen and enough drinking water on a hot day.
• The route does not have proper signage. Pay extra attention to avoid losing your way.
• Trespassing on the canal and all the fenced areas is illegal.
• The parking lot at Fish Hatchery has a gate that closes at 3 pm.
• The trail can get windy, especially in the afternoons.