Urban Trails: Sacramento. John Soares

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       Cottonwood trees shade the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail in Discovery Park.

       THE AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY

      The American River Parkway definitely deserves its appellation as the jewel of the Sacramento area. Stretching 29 miles along the American River from the confluence of the American River and the Sacramento River at Discovery Park all the way to Folsom Dam, the parkway allows residents and visitors the opportunity to escape the noise and bustle of city and suburban life to walk, cycle, picnic, and simply enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its riparian borders.

      Efforts to create the American River Parkway initially began in the early 1960s. With the cooperation of federal, state, and local governments and agencies, plus the help of organizations like the American River Parkway Foundation and the support of local voters, the parkway has grown to include seventeen different parks. This book features trails in five of those parks, but there are numerous other places you can access the American River Parkway.

      The paved multiuse Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (also known as the American River Bike Trail) winds 32 miles through the American River Parkway from Discovery Park north of downtown Sacramento all the way to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. Completed in 1985, the trail is named for the explorer Jedediah Smith (1799–1831) who led the first known expeditions of Americans to California and also traveled up the American River in 1827. The trail is very popular with walkers and cyclists and connects to many other paths, both paved and dirt.

      The American River Parkway, which contains the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, is a favorite recreation destination for the region’s walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. Speaking of cyclists, they are quite frequent on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail; regulations require you to walk or run on the dirt on the left side of the pavement whenever feasible, which allows you to see oncoming cyclists and stay out of their way.

      Walk east and quickly pass under a two-lane bicycle bridge and the route that leads to Old Sacramento and downtown. Stately California sycamore trees grow in abundance here, taking advantage of the deep, well-watered soil near the American River. You’ll also note large valley oak and cottonwood trees, which also require rich soils with plenty of moisture. Reach a large sign that explains local natural history and then pass under I-5. Initially the roar of traffic is quite loud, but it fades gradually as you continue east.

      Enjoy a view of the American River to the right at 0.2 mile as you wander through the developed portion of Discovery Park; numerous picnic tables are scattered in the shade to the left, and you’ll see lush riparian vegetation to the right. Encounter black walnut trees and extensive blackberry patches and don’t miss the California grapevines that climb up to forty feet into the trees.

      At 0.3 mile, you’ll find restrooms on the left. Wander under majestic valley oaks and in the spring pass a wildflower display that includes mustard and California poppy. Leave the developed portion of Discovery Park behind at 0.6 mile as the noise from I-5 fades. Thick vegetation borders both sides of the path while numerous cottonwood trees provide shade.

      At 1.0 mile the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail swings north and away from the American River. At 1.3 miles it turns east and crosses a paved road. You now pass between Bannon Slough on the left, which is lined with riparian vegetation, and a large wetland on the right that shrinks considerably over the course of summer but is always an excellent place for bird-watching.

      Continue east between Bannon Slough and the wetland, with powerlines overhead and a bit of traffic noise from Garden Highway to the north, as you enjoy the intermittent shade of cottonwoods and valley oaks. At 2.2 miles reach a trail junction just before Northgate Boulevard, your turnaround point. From here, return to the trailhead the way you came.