Came for my third visit during a dry spell in January. Very nice! So green and cool. Did the Down and Up trail. Came in the afternoon on a Saturday. I thought the parking lot would be full, but there were som spots. read more

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Family-friendly hiking trail! It's quite an easy 4-mile loop to the river. You see a lot of people horseback riding, walking their dogs and families having a leisurely time. It was a chilly day but it was a clean trail, not too muddy, next to a stream the entire way down to the river! The parking is also clean and has bathrooms close by. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Rolling hills - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

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I have been coming to this place for a little bit now and I love it they have so many different trails you can do around this area. The trails are marked and well paved so many different views of the river. Some of the trial can get dusty and muddy. I have been going to the one called the Gerle Loop trail it is pretty easy going loop trail kids can do it to. Part of the trial is shaded and some aren't. People are also can bring their dogs, horses, and bikes. Where I park you don't have to pay for parking and there is a bathroom you can use. The days I have come there is plenty of parking I haven't had no issues. They also have a picnic table you can use. They have small areas and you walk down and chill by the river. I love coming here to go a walk and to get outside with nature. read more

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One of our bucket list hikes. We went Saturday Sept 16th 2023 around 11am. The weather was about 82 degrees, We came from Citrus Heights it was about a 40 min drive we came up Salmon Falls Rd very curvy road. When we arrived at the parking lot there was Free Parking, big area, but with all the many trails offered and Horse trailers, could see the lot filling up fast during the cooler months. Good idea to get there early. There is one vault toilet in the far corner of the parking lot. Looking at the maps at the information board, there are many trails available to go on in this 1,414 acre park. This trip our destination was the Movie set cabin and then down to the South Fork of the American River to rest and enjoy sitting by the water and let London cool off her paws. We took the Cronan Ranch Road to get down to the movie set cabin, its very wide as it is a closed service road. The trail is along the grassy rolling hills with clumps of oak trees, it was beautiful. Along the trail there are very few shade spots by the big trees. You are mostly out in the open and exposed to the heat and sun. Make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen, if hiking in warm temperatures. The hike was mostly down hill into the valley to get to the cabin which is approx 1.5 miles. We stopped and looked around at the cabin which is gated off. Alittle about the cabin- The sole purpose of the cabin was to serve as a movie set for "Love Comes Softly". Stars Katherine Heigl, Dale Midkiff and Skye McCole Bartusiak. There are a couple of picnic tables opposite of the cabin under a huge tree which makes for a beautiful picnic spot. My husband and I will make many future trips to Cronan Ranch. Dogs are allowed off their leash, but make sure to control them around other people, horses and bikes. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Trailhead map of area - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

Cronan Ranch Trailhead is in Pilot Hill, California. There are about 12 miles of loops and trails for hiking, dog walking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, and even hang gliding. The trail can be easy, including gently sloped to difficult with serious challenging mountains. Most of the trail paths are exposed to the sun so make sure you are prepared with protective wears, hat, sunblock, and water. Cronan Ranch connects with the South Fork American River corridor trail that runs from Greenwood Creek to Salmon Falls. This place is super Epic! The best part of hiking here today was the art and seek event. I found a piece of art, a beautiful mushroom glass made by Lara. WOW. I just now have to make something and putting it back in the nature. Come, explore, experience nature, and fall inlove! read more

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Great place to go for a mild hike or aka a walk. Hard core hikers, you know those guys with hiking poles and hydration backpacks, would probably consider this a walk versus a hike. There are 12 miles of various trails. They got relatively flat ones, gentle sloping ones, and steeper ones. But all the better because the hikes (yes, I'm sticking to using the word hiking) means it's suitable for the kiddos and folks that don't hit the gym very often (I may or may not be speaking about myself). Better yet, parking and entry is free. Free! But this place is popular, the parking lot usually fills up quick especially on the weekends. Trails are shared by hikers, horses, mountain bikes, and dogs. There are restrooms in the lot and more along the river off Cronan Ranch Trail. To enter the trailheads, you have to walk over or under entry gate bars making it non-ADA accessible. I took the Cronan Ranch Trail all the way down to the river. Gorgeous views along the way. Each season will have different foliage. After all the recent rainstorms, the water run off from the hills were flowing down into the culverts by way of nature's created little streams. The sound of trickling water along the hike was relaxing. I went a bit overboard taking pics of the mini waterways. They were beautiful. The river was magnificent. However with all the recent rains and the time of year, the river is raging right now and the currents are strong. I hear in the summer, it's nice to stay in the shalllows along the river's edge for a dip. Another thing to note is that the trails aren't shaded. There are hardly any shade trees along the trails. There is no potable water sorce around. So take a note of that and plan accordingly in hotter months. There is a dilapidated wood cabin surrounded by a fence. After the hike I read some older Yelp reviews mentioning it was built in 2002 for a TV movie, "Love Comes Softly". Next to the structure were a couple of picnic tables under a big beautiful oak tree. But there are no trash cans around, you have to haul out your own trash. Another tip: don't stray to far away from the trails, there are rattlesnakes, ticks, gopher holes, and poison oak out there. read more

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Gorgeous area with lots of wildflowers. Hikers and horses but not too crowded. Nothing too steep

Located near Auburn Cronan offers multiple trails to hike. Our hike was about 5 miles round trip with some elavation lots of hawks and even sheep lol. The payoff was nice dip in the river before heading back. It was a bit hot on the trek back but survivable in the low 80's. There is a bathroom at the entrance and plenty of free parking. Overall a nice place for a day trip hike. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

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Some many great trails to hike with several levels of difficulty. Spacious parking. Bathrooms. You can't beat seeing the American River. You can have a picnic as they have benches. read more

Awesome hiking spot about 50 mins drive from Sacramento. I got a little nervous on the way up because all the signs said parks were closed but once I got to the site, there was an open dirt road parking lot. Parking was busy but there were plenty of people coming and going. Once inside the park, there's wide open exposed trails which make it easy to be "physically" distanced from others. It's better to go in earlier in the morning since there's not a lot of shade on the flat trails. There's easy access to the river and really peaceful spot to relax. If you want shade, there's hilly trails with nice incline for a good workout. Dogs are allowed. There's lots of mountain bikers and they tend to be respectful. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

Cronan Ranch Trails Park became a very busy trail for all the people wanted to have some exercise or just some fresh air. Many families come with their kids or their dogs. The main trail in the park is so wide and makes it easy to have the social distance. When we are there at around 11 am. The parking lot is completely full. We have to park our car on the side of the road. The trails are very easy and comfortable. Good for the whole family, any age with or without your dogs. So many kids with their families walking and they are happy. One of the good thing about this COVID-19 situation is it help families close together! read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Entrance - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

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This is review number Maestro or Maestra a few notes on the piano if you please Twenty Five. We went hiking December 27, 2020 then again yesterday of January 1, 2021. People mention a house. Yes there is a brown house. It was used in year 2003 for movie Love Comes Softly. Great movie, after yesterday hike we watched the movie. Many trails here. Think in town El Dorado Hills, California. There is an Up And Down Trail. Dogs are allowed. Many people ride their horses. There is a river, yes we picked rocks to take home and paint our "Masterpieces" or is it "Master Pieces?" Good way to spend the day, we all wore our masks. Until the enemy Mister Corona Virus permanently destroyed, please ah please WEAR YOUR MASK. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Rocks we found. In progress being painted. - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

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I'm very unhappy that the auburn location is telling me the don't have any other choice of sauce on their pizza only marinara Very disappointing will never go back again read more

Lots of different levels of trails. Good place to go for a walk and take in the scenery. Parking is free, though arrive early as the parking lot fills up quickly. read more

Easy hike that's family friendly. Short or long trails, river access, and picnic spots. The drive out there is also beautiful. Be careful about service going out and have a backup navigation system. read more

Pedro hill trail. I bet it's a nice trail, but the dog crap all along the trail is really disgusting. People...pick up after your dogs! Headed back to the car and had to take my feces covered shoes off and throw them in a bag into the trunk. read more

Beautiful and easy to access. This place is wonderful for running, hiking, or a leisurely family stroll. I even took my daughter's bob last time and made it with no problem. read more

My boyfriend and I went here at the tail-end of winter in mid February and the temperature was perfect. There was plenty of parking and there we hardly saw anyone except for the occasional horseback rider or random person walking their dog. We walked about 1.5 miles along the trail, which was very clean and peaceful. The views of the rolling hills and the sounds of the peaceful streams of water made our short hike worth it. It was only a 45 minute drive from Folsom and so it was a perfect half-day trip. However, our phone GPS did not work on the way back (I have t-mobile and my bf has AT&T) so it might be good to carry a map with you or at least memorize the general direction you've headed. Anyways, the views there are stunning and it is a great short trip away from Sacramento so it is definitely a scenic trip. read more

Beautiful day hiking with my son at a small town near by named Pilot Hill. There is ample Parking and restrooms at the parking lot and again just across from the river. The gushing river was breathtaking and very welcome on this winter day! The scenic trails were simply beautiful with numerous happy friendly hikers, doggies and horses along the way too. The only one factor I didn't like is that there are no shady areas along the trails-just open sun beams which is surely going to be too hot during the lovely summer months. If not very comfy hiking in such conditions arriving early morning or later in the cool evening hours would be a good suggestion to note. There were numerous trails to venture enter however staying in the main trail will lead you to the river. As much as I miss all the beautiful hiking trails I enjoyed over the years in the Bay Area-I am grateful we all have lovely sweet nature everywhere in this world with beautiful scenic hiking trails including my new valley home area too! read more

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"The land for this park and river trail corridor was purchased by the American River Conservancy, BLM and other partners over a period of 16 years and placed into public trust to be used for recreation and wildlife conservation. " Beautiful rolling green hills, 16 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking, picnic tables down on the American River, watch the rafters go by, and an old rustic movie set. There is lots of Poison Oak, so don't touch the 3 leaf bushes! There are rattlesnakes here, but they prefer not to tangle with you, keep your eyes open, and prepare to give them the time and space to move along. read more

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A great place to explore when weather is cooler. I've taken a few different trails here lately & feel there just isn't enough shade for a summer hike. It is really pretty & a good workout, though I wouldn't consider any of the trails I've taken so far to be strenuous. There is an old looking structure that apparently was built for a Hallmark movie called Love Comes Softly. And it's none of your biz if I've seen the movie & liked it. (I did.) There are also a couple good spots to access the river & enjoy a picnic. As another reviewer mentioned, the trails are east of the hills so if you're hiking with only an hour left before sunset (like I did last I was there), you will run out of light & warmth sooner than you think. read more

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Great trails but be prepared if it's hot. There is little to no shade and can get very hot. We walked down to the river bed and it was beautiful. Lots of people riding horses, riding bikes and hiking. I only wish we would have gone early in the day before it started to heat up. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Down the trail - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

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Beautiful terrain, hard hikes with big hills and valleys but worth the effort. There are areas that intersect the river and areas that go by old western movie sets. Trails for all types of that enjoy the outdoors: horses, bikers, runners, hikers, etc. Parking is free off of Pedro Hill entrance and there is a bathroom there. There are portajohns inside the park as well. Clear signage and there is a giant map at the start. Make sure you bring water, sunscreen, food and whatever else you might need out there as the place is huge! Definitely go with a buddy - don't get lost! read more

This is an easy spot for a solid days hiking, several trails and elevations to choose from. Horses, Biking or hiking, lots of room on each trail to accommodate all. Great access to the river and higher elevations with a gorgeous view of the snow caps in the East. Parking is FREE!!! read more

Probably one of my favorite hikes. Not a ton of shade, so don't go in the middle of the afternoon. Also, make sure you take the trail down to the river. Beautiful. read more

Cronan Ranch Trails Park - Hiking Near Me - Pilot Hill, California

Gorgeous. Came here for an early evening stroll on a Saturday in November. Took a path through the hills instead of by the river, but I'd love to try a different route sometime if we ever get back to Gold Country. Be warned that the paths are to the east of a fairly sizeable hill range, so the western sunset means it got darker and shadowy sooner than we were expecting. read more

Nice wide trails!! Beautiful rive access for picnics! Went through the old movie set and found a beautiful spot for lunch by the river read more

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This is a wonderful place to hike in the winter. The rolling green hills, oak trees, shady ravines and vistas across the river and to the mountains are splendid. I've explored most of the trails here and there's a lot to offer. Cronan ranch is a great place to take dogs, my dog Roco loves to explore and sniff around. Lots of people here but it's big enough that it doesn't feel crowded. Not much shade so in the summer go early or try the magnolia ranch trailhead which is down the road. That trail has more shade and river access. The south fork American river flowing through here is absolutely beautiful. read more

I'm excited about this place. My son and I have had he opportunity to mountain bike this area a couple times and we haven't really scratched the surface. Parking and trail heads are easy to find and, from what I can tell, free of charge. My favorite price! There's plenty of dirt road miles to be had along with a lot of single track. If you're looking for gnarly jumps and hairy descents, this may not be your place, but the scenery is gorgeous and you really get the feeling that you're in the middle of nowhere. Beautiful countryside. Keep riding and you'll make your way down to the American river where you can take a breather or soak your feet and prepare for the ride back. If you're from this area, you'll understand that we have some real heat; so be prepared with appropriate clothes and some cold water. Nice place to ride! read more

Horseback riding, mountain biking, off leash dog hiking, river access and upland game hunting all at the same time. Great example of how mixed use land can work. read more

Great winter hike or run. Wide trails but few trees where you want them. I imagine kids would hate it. I ran 3 miles down the South Fork American River Trail on a 6 mile loop. I may check out the maps and plan a through run next time. read more

Gorgeous are and many, many trails and loops to take. We went in the later afternoon and came back up the hills in the early evening when it was still light out. We saw a deer, gopher snake and a rattlesnake. And FYI, there are snakes everywhere this time of year, and I mean everywhere! I grew up hiking around here frequently, so I have seen my fair share of snakes, but be aware of where you are putting your feet here, and stay away from the sides where there is tall grass. read more