01
Best overall pick
Clikapudi Trail
Jones Valley On Shasta Lake • Lakeside Singletrack Loop • Closest Big Hike To Jones Valley
A rolling lakeside loop linking Jones Valley to quiet coves and piney ridges above Shasta Lake.
Starting near the Jones Valley Boat Ramp, Clikapudi forms a satisfying loop of mixed forest, open slopes, and glimpses of the lake below. The grade is mostly moderate but adds up, so it feels like a real outing without requiring technical skills. Expect a mix of hikers and mountain bikers, and plan for hotter, more exposed stretches in midsummer.
02
Best mellow loop
Bailey Cove Trail
Near Bridge Bay, West Side Of Shasta Lake • Easy Lakeshore Loop • Best Relaxed Stroll
Gentle shoreline path that traces a deep blue arm of Shasta Lake with near-constant water views.
Bailey Cove is a go-to when you want a pretty walk without a big commitment, thanks to its mostly level tread and short distance. The trail hugs the shore and wraps around inlets and points, giving you changing angles on the lake and surrounding hills. It’s a particularly nice choice for mixed groups, casual hikers, or an evening leg-stretcher after time on the water.
03
Best short workout
Waters Gulch Trail
Shasta Lake, Just North Of Bridge Bay • Steeper Forested Loop • Good Quick Workout
Compact loop that climbs from lake level into a shady creek canyon with surprisingly varied terrain.
The Waters Gulch loop starts near the shoreline but quickly leaves the marina scene behind as it winds into a wooded drainage. Short, steeper climbs get your heart rate up, while stream crossings and pockets of shade keep things interesting. It’s a smart pick when you want something more vigorous than a lakeside stroll but don’t have time for a long backcountry hike.
04
Best urban-adjacent route
Sacramento River Trail
Central Redding Riverfront • Scenic Multi-Use Path • Best In-Town Option
Paved riverfront path with broad views of the Sacramento River, footbridges, and easy access from Redding.
Roughly a half-hour from Jones Valley, the Sacramento River Trail offers a very different feel from the lake—wide water, bridges, and city-backed greenbelt. The main path is paved and gently graded, making it suitable for walkers, runners, strollers, and bikes, with dirt spurs for those who want a rougher surface. Go early or near sunset for cooler temperatures and calmer traffic on busy days.
05
Best escape from the heat
Brandy Creek Falls Trail
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, West Of Redding • Shaded Waterfall Canyon Trail • Best Hot-Day Escape
Cool, tree-lined climb along Brandy Creek to a tiered waterfall tucked into the Whiskeytown foothills.
When it’s baking around Jones Valley, the Brandy Creek Falls trail rewards the drive with dense shade and a lively creek. The route climbs steadily but not brutally, crossing the stream and weaving among ferns, mossy rocks, and big trees before reaching the cascades. Allow extra time to explore different viewing angles at the falls and to linger in the cooler air of the canyon.