01
Best easygoing river mileage
Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (American River Parkway)
Along The American River Through Sacramento • Paved Riverside Multi-Use Path • Best For Long, Mellow Miles
A flat, scenic paved trail that shadows the American River for miles of easy walking, running, or cycling.
If you want to stretch your legs without driving far, this is the go-to route for Sacramento locals. You can hop on from multiple river access points, stitch together anything from a casual sunset stroll to a full-day out-and-back, and still be close enough to grab dinner in town afterward. Expect river overlooks, shady oak groves, and plenty of people out enjoying the water on a nice day.
02
Best waterfall-focused day hike
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Foothills Near Auburn • Waterfall And Foothill Canyon Network • Scenic Waterfall Day Hike
Rolling foothill trails lead to multiple overlooks of Hidden Falls and Bear River cascades, with options for short or longer loops.
Hidden Falls is the place you suggest when someone says they want 'a real hike' but not something extreme. The network of signed trails makes it easy to tailor the day, whether you’re chasing waterfall viewpoints, creekside shade, or a bigger cardio push on the outer loops. In spring, wildflowers pop across the grassy hillsides, making the views from the bridges and overlooks especially good.
03
Best open-views foothill ramble
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
South Fork American River Corridor • Open Ranchland And Riverfront Trails • Rolling Terrain And Big Views
Wide, mostly gentle trails wind through old ranchland to long river views and broad foothill vistas.
Cronan Ranch feels wide open, with grassy hills, scattered oaks, and long sightlines down to the South Fork American River. It is ideal for hikers who like to wander, link loops, and stop often to take in the scenery rather than push up a single steep climb. Go early or in cooler months, as the sun exposure can be intense once the day warms up.
04
Best canyon workout close to town
Auburn State Recreation Area – Confluence Trails
River Canyon North Of Folsom • Steep Canyon And River Gorge Routes • Classic Foothill Challenge
Steeper, rockier trails climb and contour above the American River, delivering big canyon views and a solid workout.
When Sacramento hikers are ready for more elevation, they head to the canyon above Auburn. Trails around the confluence area—like the Cardiac or Stagecoach routes—offer sustained climbs, narrow singletrack, and rewarding views down to the river and bridges below. It is a great spot for training hikes, with enough route options to keep regulars from getting bored.
05
Best lakeside escape
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area – Beeks Bight & Granite Bay
North Shore Of Folsom Lake • Lakeside Granite And Oak Woodland • Close-To-Town Lake Ramble
Gently undulating shoreline trails wander past coves, boulders, and oak groves with constant views of Folsom Lake.
For a quick nature reset without committing to a big drive, the north side of Folsom Lake is hard to beat. Trails near Beeks Bight and Granite Bay let you pick your own adventure: rock-hop along the shore, find a quiet cove for lunch, or loop inland through oaks for a bit more mileage. Water levels change the feel of the shoreline, so the same route can feel like a different hike from season to season.