2019-2020 Nevada County Gold Digital Edition

R E C R E A T I O N
Must Do!
WHERE THE LOCALS HIKE
If you’re visiting for a short time, these popular trails
with easy access won’t disappoint!
BLACK SWAN PRESERVE: Located in
far western Nevada County near the town
of Smartsville, you can explore Gold Rushera
townsites, great hardrock tunnels and
hydraulic-eroded bluffs of Blue Point Mine.
Long before the miners altered the landscape
with water cannons and ditches,
Native Americans fished for salmon in Deer
Creek. bylt.org l Easy–2 Mile Loop
LARRY MILLER
EMPIRE MINE TRAILS: Hiking, trail
running, bicycling, horseback riding at
Empire Mine, one of oldest, largest, deepest,
longest and richest gold mines. Gravel
roads and dirt paths wind through coniferforested
scenery with historic points of interest.
empiremine.org
l Easy–3.5 Mile loop
ERIN THIEM, OUTSIDEINN.COM
DEER CREEK TRIBUTE TRAIL:
Hiking, picnics, bicycling, swimming, fishing,
horseback riding. Posts along a 1.5-mile
loop from the suspension bridge memorialize
the history of the Nisenan tribe as well
as the Chinese. Some portions ADA
accessible. bylt.org l Easy–Up to 8.6 Miles
TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL:
Ride bikes, walk, or roll safely along this
paved, handicapped accessible trail. Also
suitable for inline skating, cross country skiing,
the trail follows the south side of the
beautiful Truckee River, allowing views of
historic features. tdlandtrust.org
l Easy/Moderate–4.7 Miles
DONNER LAKE RIM
TRAIL: Hiking, trail running,
mountain biking, horseback
riding with stunning views of
Donner Lake, Mount Rose
and the Pacific Crest. Trail will
eventually encircle entire lake
on the mountains and ridges
surrounding Donner Lake.
tdlandtrust.org
n Moderate–Up to 23 Miles
BOCA TOWNSITE
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL: Signs
illustrate the history of Boca
Townsite, the former site of a lumber
and ice-production town. At
the top of the short, paved trail is a
small cemetery.
l Easy–.5 Mile loop
SAGEHEN CREEK TRAIL: Hiking, trail
running and biking are ideal for this flat
hike along the creek with views of meadows,
aspen, lots of wild flowers in season
and lake view at the end. Return on meadow
creek side for shade. tdlandtrust.org
l Easy–4.7 Miles out and back
90 NEVADA COUNTY GOLD
90 NEVADA COUNTY GOLD