01
Best overall pick
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Along The Susan River West Of Susanville • Graded Rail-Trail Through A Wooded River Canyon • Signature Susanville Hike
A gentle riverside route with trestle bridges, tunnels, and plenty of spots to stop and listen to the Susan River.
The Bizz Johnson is a 25-mile converted rail line, but most hikers tackle it in manageable out-and-back segments from the Susanville trailhead or Hobo Camp. The mellow grade and wide gravel surface make it a good choice for mixed groups, strollers with big tires, and anyone easing into longer distances. Expect cooler air and fall colors in the canyon, plus the option to turn around at any point if you just want a short leg-stretcher.
02
Best close-to-town escape
Susanville Ranch Park Trails
North Edge Of Susanville Near Paiute Creek • Rolling Foothill Singletrack And Ranch Roads • Go-To After-Work Loop
A web of loops through open meadows and pine pockets just a few minutes from town.
Susanville Ranch Park offers a surprisingly big-feeling trail network, with options ranging from mellow meadow strolls to punchier hill climbs and ridge traverses. Locals link trails like Ranch, Coyote, and Heart Attack Hill into 3–6 mile circuits that can be hiked almost year-round, aside from the muddiest winter spells. Watch for mountain bikes and horses, especially on weekends, and time a late-day hike for golden light on the surrounding hills.
03
Best lakefront hike
Eagle Lake Recreation Trail
South Shore Of Eagle Lake Northwest Of Susanville • Lakeside Path Beneath Basalt Bluffs • Best For Water Views And Sunsets
A shoreline route that trades elevation gain for big open-water views and breezes off Eagle Lake.
This mostly level path follows the south shore of Eagle Lake, winding in and out of coves with frequent spots to duck down to the water. You can start from various recreation areas and tailor the distance, making it easy to fit a shorter family outing or a longer point-to-point hike using two cars. Shade is limited and the afternoon wind can pick up, so many hikers aim for morning calm or a sunset walk when the light is at its best.
04
Best high-country adventure
Lassen Peak Trail
Lassen Volcanic National Park, Southwest Of Susanville • Steep Volcanic Summit Hike Above Treeline • Bucket-List Climb For Strong Hikers
A short but stout ascent to one of the southernmost active volcano summits in the Cascades, with huge views on clear days.
From the high trailhead on the park road, the Lassen Peak Trail climbs steadily via switchbacks over loose volcanic rock to the broad summit. The hike is only a few miles round-trip but gains significant elevation at altitude, so it feels demanding even for fit hikers. Expect lingering snow early in the season, strong sun and wind above treeline, and bring layers and plenty of water—this is one to tackle on a clear, stable-weather day.
05
Best quick viewpoint
Skyline Trail (Skyline Loop)
Ridge Above The West Side Of Susanville • Singletrack Along An Open Sagebrush Ridge • Sunrise And Sunset Favorite
A moderate ridge loop that keeps Susanville in view almost the entire way.
The Skyline Trail climbs quickly from the edge of town to a broad ridge, where you can make a variety of loops that stay high above the valley. It is exposed and can be windy, but that openness is what delivers big views over Susanville, the Susan River canyon, and distant ranges. Locals like it for a brisk pre-work outing or an evening walk when the lights in town start to come on below.