Jedediah Smith Memorial Bicycle Trail/American River Parkway
add photosThe American River Bike Trail is 32 miles in length.
The American River Parkway is 23 miles in length and is designated both a State and National Wild and Scenic River.
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"My Happy Place"
The American River Bike Trail is one of the highlights of living in Sacramento. For the most part it is very safe, but I wouldn’t run it without a buddy. Some parts of the trail, like the Discovery Park part, are secluded and there are homeless people that live along the river. It can get a little creepy if you’re running alone on foot. I know because I’ve made that mistake before.
Not to scare anyone off, I’ve honestly never heard of anyone being attacked on the trail and for the most part it is full of outdoor enthusiasts.
I run along the trail every chance I get. It is truly beautiful. The American River runs along the trail for 23 miles and I often see deer, rabbits, rattlesnakes, and butterflies. I’ve even seen a coyote before!
This is the ideal place for cyclists and families to ride their bikes. The people who use this trail are sticklers for the rules of the road so no matter what remember these things:
Bike Riders
•Pass on the left - Be sure that when you are passing someone, stay on their left side and move to the right after you have passed them. Call out "passing on your left" so you don't startle the person you are passing.
•Pull completely off the trail if you need to stop - By pulling off the trail, you are less likely to get hit by bike trail traffic and cause an accident.
•Wear a helmet - It's required for children under 18 years of age and it's a good idea for adults as well.
•Obey all traffic signs - Be sure to yield to traffic signs and follow any detour signs. Make sure you watch for car traffic, particularly where it crosses the bike trail.
•Pay attention when you ride - Don't wear headphones and make sure you keep your eyes on the road to look for potential hazards. Stay in your lane.
•Ride in single file - Even if you are in a group, riding single-file helps keep the trail clear of congestion and reduces the chances of an accident.
•The speed limit is 15 mph - The trail is not designed for extreme biking and too much speed can be a hazard to you and those around you.
•Stay on the paved trail - Bicycles are not allowed on non-paved trails on the Parkway.
•The trail is best used by experienced riders - While there is no age limit for bike riders, the bike trail is probably not the best place for someone to learn how to ride a bike. Children and adults who visit the trail should know how to ride.
•Riding in the dark - When riding in the dark, bicyclists are required to wear a forward-facing white light that is bright enough to be visible from 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.
Pedestrians
•Use the left shoulder when it is accessible to you - Joggers and walkers should stay on the dirt shoulder off the pavement to minimize the chance of an accident.
•Stay single file - This reduces the chance of people straying onto the paved trail and potentially being involved in an accident. If you want to walk with a group of people, it is recommended that you either walk along the levee or move away from the bike trail.
•Keep your dog on a short leash - Dogs are not allowed to be off-leash within the American River Parkway. Keep them completely off the pavement and on a leash that is no more than six feet. Do not use an extended leash, as the dog can run out across the trail and potentially cause an accident.
Other Parkway Traffic
•Equestrians - Horses are only allowed on the horse trails. Be sure to let people know when it is safe to pass your horse when you encounter others. It is recommended that equestrians wear helmets and only use the trails during the day to avoid potential hazards or obstacles that may be hidden from view in the dark.
•Skaters - Both roller skating and rollerblading are permitted on the trail, and all skaters must obey the same rules as bicyclists. Skateboards are not permitted on the Parkway.
•No motorized traffic - No motorized traffic is permitted on the trail.
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"Fun with the Family"
A paved biking and walking path follows the river for 26 miles, from Old Town to Folsom Lake, in the foothills of Gold Country. Guided walks on the parkway are available through the Effie Yeaw Nature Center (916–489–4918). For a trail map contact the Parks Department (916–875–6961). Summer temperatures on the trail are often one
hundred degrees or higher, with balmy evenings.
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