8 Great Fall Hikes Near Sacramento

Fall is one of the better seasons if you live in Sacramento. Temperature starts to drop, (low 50’s to high 70’s), the crowds have thinned out a bit, and best of all, leaves are beginning to turn, providing for spectacular scenery. So, if you’re looking for a great fall hike, you don’t have to travel far. There are plenty of hiking trails of different levels near the greater Sacramento area that offer stellar views and a bit of solitude in the autumn months. So, lace up those hiking boots and check out one of the following hiking trails perfect for an easy fall outing.

Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail/ Sly Park | Pollock Pines
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 62 Miles

This is a 9 mile loop trail with 160 feet of elevation (relatively flat). The scenery is beautiful and it includes a waterfall. Trail is well maintained and there is paid ($11) parking as well as limited free parking available along Mormon Emigrant trail. The trail runs along Jenkinson Lake and is easy, shaded and well-marked that the entire family may enjoy. The full loop is 8 to 9 miles, but it may be modified into a shorter trip as well. The lake is used for such activities as fishing, kayaking and canoeing. At around 3 miles in, you can start looking for the sign to guide you to the Park Creek Waterfall (33 feet). Important: Dogs 🐶 are allowed but they have to be kept on leash and they must stay away from the lake as it serves as a drinking water reservoir. (Parker rangers do monitor it. Ask me. I know from experience)

Quarry Trail | Auburn
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 37 Miles

The Quarry Trail is a part of Auburn State Recreation Area, located just 4 miles from city of Auburn. It is a super easy and almost flat trail which makes it a favorite for anyone who wants to simply get outside for a day. It is basically a service road for the Park Rangers, running along the middle fork of American River. This trail is not shaded so, check the weather. I have come across rattle snakes and during the winter I once saw an interesting looking reddish salamander. (Sierra Newt) Parking fee is $10 and there is a good number of free parking available as well. Dogs are allowed.

Training Hill | Auburn
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 37 miles

If you have been to  Quarry Trail, you have already driven/walked by the starting point of Training Hill. Unlike Quarry, Training Hill is challenging. It is 4.5 miles with 1126 ft of elevation gain with a steep uphill climb for the first mile or so, hence “Training” Hill. Once you got the hard ascend behind you, you’ve got meadows and relatively easy downhill walk ahead of you. Most of the time free street parking is available, depending on time of day. Watch for snakes and other wildlife and take your dog too.

Hidden Falls Regional Trail Park | Auburn
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 39 miles 

Hidden Falls Regional Park offers over 30 miles of multiple-use  trails. It is near Auburn and you can expect to hike in oak forest and see 30 foot water falls. Hidden Falls Trail (loop) is only 3.2 miles long with 515 ft of elevation gain. This is a moderate hike and definitely more challenging that the Quarry Trail, which is pretty much a flat service road. If you are just starting to hike, I suggest you start with Quarry Trail first. The link above, has a video of the hike which may show you what to expect. In autumn, you can expect falls not to be in full capacity but with the summer crowd gone and weather being “sweater weather”, this is a fun hike for the family. Dogs are allowed but as usual, must be on leash. Watch for snakes, poison oak and ticks.

Gerle Loop Trail (Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park) | Pilot Hill
Distance to downtown Sacramento: 49 miles

Gerle Loop is only one of the 16 great trails in Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park. You can find a total of 16 of them on Alltrails.com. This one is easy: only 2.4 miles and relatively flat, with about half of the trail running along the South Fork of the American River. Great place to take the dogs, go for a run or take the whole family. Just like the rest of the hikes, watch for rattle snakes and poison oak. Shade may be limited in this general area and that is exactly why I think it’s a good place to hike in fall/winter. Fun fact: A young Charles Gerle allegedly won the land from his older brother, Christopher, in poker.

Cascade Canal Trail | Nevada City
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 62 miles

This is yet, another almost level walk along a peaceful canal through a forest with many Douglas firs and dogwoods. Since you are at 3200′ elevation, you can expect a cooler temperatures than many local trails. (Not a bad choice for a summer hike as well) There’s a nice viewpoint at 0.2 mile, where you can see downtown Nevada City and distant Ridges.
American Canyon Trail | Cool
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 48 miles

American Canyon Trail is one of my favorite hikes. It takes about an hour to arrive from downtown Sacramento. You will be going through city of Auburn and town of Cool. There is paid as well as free parking. To hike all the way down to the river (Called Poverty Bar) it will be about 7 miles and 1500 feet of elevation gain. It takes about 4 hours to complete (swim included) Great swimming when you arrive to the river which is the Middle Fork of American River. During the cool season, one has to be on the look out for ticks as well as poison oak year round.

Cosumnes River Walk Trail | Galt
Distance from downtown Sacramento: 27 miles

This 3.1 mile, only 16 ft elevation gain loop, makes a perfect easy afternoon hike for anyone. You may add the Wetlands Walk Trail (1 mile) and the Boardwalk Trail (0.5 mile outlook) to make it a bit longer. This trail is particularly popular with bird watchers and photographers. Since it is a preserve (no dogs or firearms allowed) lots of migratory birds choose to winter there. I have seen whooping cranes, all kinds of waterfowl, raptors and quail there. If you head over there around Golden Hour, it makes for a beautiful photography backdrop for family photos, engagement shoots, etc.