Planning a family hike but want options your kids can keep up with? Sacramento has plenty of trails with beautiful scenery and opportunities to connect with nature, all at a pace the whole family can enjoy. From the cool, winding trails along the American River in the Sierra foothills to the marshy wetlands in the Sacramento Valley, the youngest members of your family will enjoy exploring Northern California’s diverse ecosystems. To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, here are a few family-friendly hikes to check out in and around Sacramento.
American River Bike Trail
Great for older kids
Distance: 32 Miles
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Accessibility: ADA-accessible trails and facilities
The crowning jewel of Sacramento, the American River Parkway offers an easy escape into the outdoors within arm’s reach. This multi-use park provides families with endless outdoor activities, from bike riding to canoeing. Discovery Park is a great place to start, but with 32 miles of paved trails, there are more than a dozen access points to choose from. No matter where you start, nature hugs every inch of this trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as some sections offer limited shade.
North Laguna Creek Wildlife Area
Great for little and older kids
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Accessibility: ADA-accessible trails and facilities
Tucked away in South Sacramento are several scenic trails surrounding the North Laguna Creek Wildlife Area. With a variety of flat and shaded trails, this park is the perfect place for families to do some birding and admire the diverse wildlife that calls the area home. You’ll want to begin at the park just north of the wildlife area, there you can loop back around and let the kids burn off any remaining energy on the swings and slides.
Cosumnes Nature Loop
Great for little and older kids
Dogs Allowed: No
Accessibility: ADA-accessible trails and facilities
Located just outside of Sacramento, the Cosumnes River Preserve is home to four miles of trails that take you through pristine wetlands, grasslands, and ancient forests. While this trek offers several miles of natural beauty, families can choose how short or how long they want their hike to be with several trails that crisscross throughout the preserve. Kids can also learn more about the preserve and local conservation efforts back at the visitor’s center, making it the perfect place to take a well-earned rest.
Johnny Cash Trail
Better for older kids
Distance: 2.75 Miles
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Accessibility: ADA-accessible trails and facilities
Named after the Man in Black, the Johnny Cash Trail in Folsom offers families not only a more challenging hike, but a history lesson of one of country music’s biggest stars. This relatively flat trail is a more than four-mile out-and-back trek marked by several large art installations along the way that kids will want to keep an eye out for. You’ll want to start at Folsom Rodeo Park, then head north, where you can catch glimpses of Folsom Prison, cross the Johnny Cash Bridge, and take in views of Folsom Lake. This trail offers little shade, so be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good hat.
Quarry Trail
Great for little and older kids
Distance: 5.6 Miles
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Accessibility: ADA-accessible trails and facilities
Deep in the heart of Gold Country, the Quarry Trail is located within the Auburn State Recreation Area, offering families both a sense of adventure and a glimpse into California’s famed Gold Rush history. This easy and level gravel trail was once the site of gold mining operations, with notable sights like a closed mine entrance to keep an eye out for along the way. Since this is an out-and-back hike, families can choose how far they’d like to go before turning back. Be sure to go early so you can take advantage of the canyon’s shade.
