2019-2020 Nevada County Gold Digital Edition

TRAILS, PARK,
SOUTH YUBA RIVER
Trails
DEER CREEK TRIBUTE TRAIL: Easy to moderate.
Popular segment from Nevada City to
the Chinese Bridge on Deer Creek is 2.2
miles and includes a residential section with
unique homes. Go down Bridge Street
beside the Nevada Theatre on Broad Street,
pass Miners Foundry Cultural Center on the
left (do not continue down Bridge Street),
turn right on Factory Street which becomes
Wyoming Street and then Downieville Hwy.
Bear left on Champion Road. There is some
parking here. Go down winding trail to
“road” along Deer Creek, follow signs. Be
sure to stop at the Angkula Seo suspension
bridge which crosses Deer Creek.
HIRSCHMAN TRAIL: Easy, 2.4 miles. The 0.4
mile part from trailhead to the pond is constructed
to Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) standards. Named for the Hirschman
brothers who were pioneer miners and merchants,
the pond is at the foot of tall cliffs
carved by hydraulic mining in the 1800s.
Beyond the pond, the trail narrows and
meanders through oak woodlands, pines
and grasslands for 2 miles. The trail is one
mile from downtown Nevada City. Take
Hwy. 49 toward Downieville past County
Government Center, turn right on Cement
Hill Road, take first left (looks like private
drive) to parking.
Must Do!
South Yuba River Bridge
ANDREW WRIGHT / LIGHTHAWKPHOTO
CASCADE CANAL TRAIL: Easy, 4.5 miles, a
short distance from Nevada City. Level walkway
along a canal through a forest with
some views. Good for joggers and bicyclists.
Main trailhead accessible from two parking
areas at or near the intersection of Gracie
Road and Banner Lava Cap Road. Look for a
“Cascade Canal Access Trail” sign. A 0.3
mile trail leads to the main trail, go left.
INDEPENDENCE TRAIL: Popular, historic trail
only six miles from Nevada City. The east
section follows an old mining ditch and is
wheelchair accessible for 1 mile. Offers
views of the South Yuba River Canyon and
passes seasonal streams and bogs. The easy
trail is 2.2 miles, but short trails to the river
are moderate to difficult.
The west section is 2.5 miles and is oriented
around the Canyon of Rush Creek that runs
into the South Yuba. Interesting for its mining
history, trail includes several flumes.
Most popular section is the first mile which
features a view point and waterfall.
Wheelchair accessible in dry months for
about 1.1 miles. Picnic tables and benches.
Trailheads for east and west sections accessible
from parking area shortly before bridge
across river on Hwy. 49. From Nevada City,
head toward Downieville. East trail is left of
the display case, the west trail is to the right.
A tunnel takes you under the highway.
Public Park/Tennis
PIONEER PARK: Picnic areas and barbeques,
playground, swimming pool, bocce,
horseshoe and tennis courts, ballfield.
Nimrod and Nile Streets, not far from
downtown Nevada City. (530) 265-2496
Information / Maps
Bear River Land Trust: bylt.org
State Park:
southyubariverstatepark.org
More Recreation Pages 86-95
The parking lot on Hwy. 49 at the South Yuba River provides great views of the river
from a bridge no longer in use by cars. Cross bridge to picnic area on other side. You
will also find access to a popular portion of the river and a map of the South Yuba River
State Park including its trails.
KIAL JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
NEVADA CITY
R E C R E A T I O N
Deer Creek Tribute Trail
NEVADACOUNTYGOLD.com 43