American River Parkway

Nature at its best for sure and an awesome bike trail along the American river for miles and miles. I like to get early morning bike rides in before it gets hot during the summer. Will post more pictures soon.Walkers, please follow posted instructions as to the direction to walk on the correct side so as you can see oncoming bikes and traffic and pay attention to your leashed dogs so as not to cause accidents.I like to ride from my home to Karen's Bakery for breakfast along this trail on Saturday mornings. Thank you Sacramento County for maintaining such a scenic and useful part of the local infrastructure.

Another beautiful day on the American River Parkway... the sun is out and it is gorgeous...

Who wouldn't like the river.... water is clean you can see what's in the water. Absolutely beautiful!!

What's not to love about this spot! Great views, fresh air and a series of long nicely paved trails that intertwine along the river. I try to go early in the day, I like a sunrise ride, or during the week to bypass the craziness of mass humanity that flocks here on the weekends.It's popular for certain and for good reason. I often see odd characters in the morning so I would suggest a buddy up system if that makes you uneasy. Yes it can get a little contentious on weekends when you merge:Walkers (with and without dogs on those 40 foot retractable leashes) / Joggers / Cyclists (from hipster fixie boys, racers looking to keep their pace up come hell or hi water and mom and dad a couple kids riding four wide). Over the years the up keep and patrols have suffered due to a lack of funding. It's a little more spartan than it used to be but still a hard place to beat. The greater Sacramento are is fortunate to have such a great path weaving along the river. A true gem for certain.

Can't say enough about the American River Parkway. What a GEM! The world-class bike trail, the great parks, the wildlife, the rafting, swimming, & kayaking, the Nimbus aquatic center, the hatchery, Folsom Lake, the list goes on. How many Sacramento kids have jumped off of Sunrise footbridge or Rainbow bridge? Or the rope swing off El Manto Drive? Braved the San Juan "rapids" on a raft? Lay in the sun at River Park or Discovery beach? Cycled or roller bladed on the trail? The parkway is a truly great recreational resource, on par with coastal towns like or lake towns in my mind. What brought me to this review was a Father's day raft trip. Been rafting the river here for almost 40 years. It's much better lately since they restricted the partying - it was too wild for a few years around Ancil Hoffman. Here's some yelper "Rafting the lower American River" tips:Get in at Hazel or Sunrise, get out at Goethe (2 hrs from Sunrise), Harrington (2.5 hrs), Watt (3.5 hrs), or Howe (4 hrs). Hazel adds 45 minutes. You can even go down to River Park, Sutter's Landing or Discovery but people usually don't. The county has "renamed" Goethe as "River Bend Park" - and it shows everywhere except signs and maps and the internet and when you ask a local - doh. Buy your own raft - it pays for itself in three trips and saves time. I have the #5 Excursion - great raft for a great price: http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Excursion-5-Boat-Set/dp/B00177J4UC (Amazon has free shipping!) You'll need two cars though, or a friend to drop you off. Otherwise River Rat (north side off Sunrise Blvd) and AR Raft Rentals (south side off Sunrise Blvd) are great for convenience, except the "renting the raft" and later "waiting for the bus" parts. Leave your towels in the car where you'll get out. Have a small-mid sized cooler that will fit everything. Wear sandals that you can get wet and dirty, and bring a light shirt even if you don't plan to wear it. . Use plenty of 45spf waterproof sunscreen and reapply after an hour out. Bring 12oz of something to drink for every hour out, especially for from 10am-5pm May-Sept. Sunrise to Goethe is great for first timers. Try a sunrise or sunset ride sometime for some real fun. Sunrise is best for seeing nature, sunset is the most picturesque. Don't worry about the San Juan "rapids" (30-45 mins below Sunrise) they are as tame as they come, but still are a nice 45 second kick that might splash you. Jump in for a swim where the water is deep and slow enough - it's very cool on a hot day - and despite the horror stories is very safe if you aren't stupid.

Good place to go fishing and enjoy some quiet time nice area in general to walk around in and find a peace of mind and just nice place to chill

I took my hybrid bike and decided to make a long ride of this. I started out in downtown around 20th Street and D Street. That's where you can catch the beginning of the northern Trailway. Then it leads quickly into the American River Bikeway. You can park at this place for absolutely free. It seems like a reasonably safe place, and there's no problem with parking whatsoever.There are plenty of nice stops along the way, if you porta potties, and some nice picnic tables.On this Saturday, it was not very crowded. There were some people but not overly crowded.On the western part of my right I checked out Discovery Park. I was a little concerned, because I heard there was a lot of crime there. But on this Saturday, all was quiet.All in all, I would say this is a very good ride. The trail is reasonably well maintained, and there was no problems with getting in a rut or anything like that.

BEWARE OF SWIMMERS ITCH*** It was fun but yea be careful and be aware there's a chance you're going to get swimmers itch going in the water. It's not the cleanest even though water looks somewhat clear:/

One of the best things about living in this awesome city of Sacramento is the American River Parkway. We like to bike it and go out at least three times per week! We have met so many awesome, friendly and helpful bikers out there. The paths are all smoothly cemented so it's always a comfortable ride. With the river right there it's also a beautiful view. Very very fortunate to have access to the parkway!!!!

Good for running/ walking with nature. I also bring my bully dog here for training and long walks with her. It's calm and peaceful to be surrounded with likeminded people and nature. It's always clean and quiet.