Former Folsom vice mayor and Friends of Folsom Parkways president reflects on more than 55 miles of city trails and the lessons found along the way
Over 36 years ago, when Lexington Hills was just getting underway, Willow Creek and Natoma Station were still a developer’s dream, and Blue Ravine Road marked the edge of town, a group of Folsom residents became concerned about the impact all that building activity would have on Folsom’s natural areas and waterways.
Many of these areas were already home to natural trails winding their way through wetlands, along creek beds and through mine tailings. Residents moving to town found these trails to be wonderful amenities and wanted to see them protected and expanded as the city grew. As a result, the group banded together to form Friends of Folsom Parkways, an all-volunteer organization that works with the City of Folsom to maintain and improve trails throughout the community.
Walking our dog and riding our bikes with our kids on the trails has been a way of life for my family ever since coming to town in 1986. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Folsom’s trails. When I became president of Friends of Folsom Parkways in January, I decided the first thing I should do was walk every mile of the system, just to catch up on new sections. It turned out to be the most eye-opening experience of my time here in town.
The City of Folsom maintains an Adopt-a-Trail program, which Friends of Folsom Parkways coordinates for the city. Trails are broken into 47 separate sections, each about a mile in length. Adopters help keep litter down and serve as the “eyes and ears” on the trails, reporting problems such as fallen trees, large cracks, root heaves and graffiti. You’ll see the names of adopters posted at each end of their sections.
So, when I set out to walk the system, I figured I only needed to cover about 47 miles. Wrong.
It turns out there are at least 10 additional miles of trails, including all of the trails in Empire Ranch, new trails completed in the Folsom Plan Area and new sections now under construction. By my count, we’re now well over 55 miles of trails and still growing.
So what did I learn along the way? Great question. Here are some of the highlights.
First, it is truly a system, not a single trail.
While it is possible to wind your way from north to south and east to west on paved trails away from traffic, the trails are separate and distinct. For example, did you know there are at least a dozen different names for trails throughout town? Many people are familiar with the major trail that runs from Folsom Boulevard all the way to the east end of town, but in fact that route has three different names: the Humbug Creek Trail, the Willow Creek Trail and the Humbug/Willow Creek Trail.
On the north end of town, there is the Linda Creek Trail. On the new south end of town, you’ll find the Horseshoe Trail and the White Rock Trail. In the middle of town are the Rhoades Diggings Trail, the Folsom Parkway Rail Trail, the Oak Parkway Trail and even the Golf Links Trail. Then, of course, there is the Johnny Cash Trail.
Second, unlike the American River Parkway bike trails, speeding pelotons are not much of an issue.
Sure, there are a few speeders here and there — watch for the rockets coming down the hill on Folsom Lake Crossing. But by and large, Folsom’s trail users are more laid back, mostly made up of people out for daily walks or strolling with kids and dogs. While the city has posted some speed signs, they are mostly informal “watch your speed” reminders rather than formal speed limit signs.
Third, most of the trails are designed as neighborhood amenities rather than a coordinated citywide transportation system.
The longest stretch I found where you never cross a road is the Humbug/Willow Creek Trail from Folsom Boulevard to Oak Avenue, with three underpasses and one overpass that avoid busy traffic. That’s roughly five miles.
While most of the system’s trails include nearby parks, commercial centers or residential areas that provide parking access, this is not the case in some of the newer parts of town.
One of the newest trail sections, which runs through the Regency development off East Bidwell Street south of Highway 50, is a wonderful trail, especially in the spring when the grasslands are green. But try finding a parking place nearby and it’s impossible. Most of the area is within a private community, leaving one of the city’s best amenities effectively locked behind imposing gates. The major roads adjacent to the trail do not provide designated parking, and there are no completed parks, schools or commercial areas nearby. Someone dropped the ball big time.
Fourth, trail connections are often confusing.
The Oak Avenue crossing near Blue Ravine Road is a great example. While the Humbug Creek Trail continues on the other side of Oak Avenue, users have to know to walk up to the signalized intersection, cross Oak Avenue and then return to the trail. You’d think the city had learned a lesson and would avoid repeating the problem.
Wrong.
Again, in the newer area of town, the city is completing a trail that parallels Mangini Parkway. The trail runs into East Bidwell Street and continues on the opposite side to the trail within the Regency development. But there is no safe crossing of East Bidwell. If the heavy traffic doesn’t stop you, the landscaped median clearly signals that crossing is prohibited. Instead, users have to detour to one of the signalized intersections to continue safely.
Finally, despite the occasional planning hiccups, the system remains the best in the region.
Nearly every neighborhood is within easy reach of a trail and open space. Users are friendly and courteous, often stopping to chat with others along the way. Every trail offers enjoyable time outdoors, frequently featuring scenic views, wildlife and, if you pay attention, historic sites along the route.
The city has spent decades building this remarkable trail system, and it belongs to everyone. All you need is an adventurous spirit — and maybe a good pair of walking shoes.
Tom Aceituno is a former vice mayor and city council member for the City of Folsom. He is one of the founders of Friends of Folsom Parkways and currently serves as president of the organization. Additional information about the Folsom trail system is available at friendsoffolsomparkways.org.
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