Tucked in between Hwy 49 and the South Fork of the American River lies a local hiking gem. Cronan Ranch is locate just south of the small town of Pilot Hill in the lower foothills. It is hardly a secret but during the week it can be a quite and peaceful place to spend your day. This is a multi-use trail system so you will have to share with mountain bikes and horses. Or better yet use it on your mountain bike or horse as well.
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| Wide open spaces, in spring it's all green |
The park is more open space than park. Facilities are limited to pit toilets and seasonal porta-potties. Bring water since there is no potable water within miles of the park. Along the trails you will find picnic tables at some choice locations.Cronan Ranch connects to the South Fork American River Trail or SFART. With the connection to the SFART you have almost limitless mileage options for your run, hike or ride. I've done everything from 20+ mile mountain bike rides to 3 mile hikes with toddlers from this trailhead. SFART also connects this area to the Magnolia Ranch trailhead and trails to the south.
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| Every trail has a nice large sign |
Spring time is a fantastic time to explore here. The hills are green , flowers are blooming and the river is flowing high. There are however a few drawbacks to the area. Being in the sierra foothills do not expect a flat hike. Most are fairly gradual while others will test even those of good fitness. Much of the area is not shaded which certainly is a drawback in the summer. Due to the high amount of equestrian usage there is also an abundance of manure. It's a major pet-peeve of mine but needless to say watch your step.
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| The girls exploring the movie set after lunch |
Both the Cronan Ranch Trailhead as well as the Magnolia Ranch Trailheads have good maps of the surrounding trails. The area is very well marked with signs at every trail intersection making navigation very easy. This is a former ranch so the trails are former roads so are mostly graded and very wide River access is available through several trail down to the water. It is a longer walk than other parks in area so it's not your closest option to get the the American. Long Valley Trail is my daughters favorite trail in the park. It ends at an old movie set and a shady oak tree perfect for picnic. For you next hiking adventure make a day of it and explore Cronan Ranch.
Google Maps Directions from Sacramento
Via I-80
Via Hwy 50
Additional Information avalible from
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/cronan.html
http://www.coloma.com/recreation/riverside-parks/cronan-ranch-trails-park/
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