01
Best easy-going outing
Almanor Rail Trail
West Shore Of Lake Almanor • Quiet Forested Rail Trail • Laid-Back Lakeside Escape
A gently graded former rail line tracing the west side of Lake Almanor with easy walking and big-water views.
If you want a low-stress outing close to Iron Horse, this is the go-to trail. The nearly level path winds through pines and meadows, with frequent peeks at Lake Almanor and plenty of spots to pause for photos or a picnic. It’s ideal for casual walkers, mixed-ability groups, or a leg-stretcher before or after time on the water.
02
Best for families
Lake Almanor Recreation Trail
Southwest Lake Almanor Shoreline • Lakeside Pine Forest Path • Family-Friendly Half-Day
A rolling multi-use path that follows the lake’s edge through tall pines, with frequent access to shorelines and viewpoints.
This trail feels like a classic Sierra lakeside walk, with filtered water views, shady stretches, and the scent of warm pine needles. Short sections work well for kids or visitors adjusting to the elevation, while stronger hikers can link segments for a solid half day outside. Expect a relaxed vibe, birdlife, and easy in-and-out parking at multiple trailheads.
03
Best long-distance adventure
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Rail Corridor Between Westwood And Susanville • River Canyon Rail Trail • Scenic All-Day Excursion
A 25-mile rail trail following the Susan River through tunnels, trestle bridges, and colorful canyon walls.
For a bigger day out, locals head to the Bizz Johnson to walk or bike long, quiet stretches along the river. The packed-gravel route threads through a series of bridges and short tunnels, with fall colors and spring wildflowers adding extra payoff. You can sample a short section near a trailhead or plan a shuttle for a point-to-point outing that feels pleasantly remote.
04
Best close-to-town network
Susanville Ranch Park Trails
North Edge Of Susanville • High-Desert Foothill Network • After-Work And Weekend Staple
A web of singletrack and wider paths looping through open hillsides, oak draws, and seasonal creeks just outside Susanville.
Susanville Ranch Park is where locals go for quick hikes, evening loops, and shoulder-season walks when higher elevations are still snowed in. Trails range from mellow valley-floor circuits to steeper hillside routes with wide views back toward town and the surrounding ridges. It’s easy to tailor your outing on the fly, making this a flexible pick when you’re not sure how much time or energy you have.
05
Best high-country escape
Lassen Volcanic National Park Trails
High Country Southwest Of Iron Horse • Alpine Volcanic Park • Iconic Day-Trip Destination
A cluster of classic Sierra-Cascade hikes, from bubbling geothermal basins to summit routes with sweeping volcano-country views.
When you’re ready to trade forests and rail grades for big mountain scenery, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the logical step up. Signature trails like the Lassen Peak or Bumpass Hell routes deliver dramatic vistas, geothermal features, and cooler high-elevation air in summer. It’s a longer drive from Iron Horse, but the combination of volcanic landscapes and varied trail options makes it a standout day trip.