This area makes for a lovely walk, hike, bike, or even fishing outing! A couple of bridges and nice…read morenature with plenty of shade is great anytime

There's a trail here which can be found a bit to the right after you cross over the Fair Oaks…read moreBridge; it's on the side opposite from the Sunrise Recreation Area. While there isn't any parking on the side of the bridge where the trail is, there is some which costs $10 at the Sunrise Recreation Area. Once you reach the trail, it takes about five minutes to get to the top, and then maybe another ten minutes to hike to the fence at the end of the trail. The views once you get to the top are pretty good :-) Tip: Each of the lookouts from the top are on a very steep cliff-edge, with an unprotected drop to the river down below. It isn't possible to see straight down the cliff because of deep errosion at the bottom, but you can see both the bridge and the river. Note that this area seems fairly safe during the daylight hours, but there are a lot of homeless people around the bridge and in Sunrise Park, so I'd suggest avoiding the area when it's dark.

Small parking lot at the beginning with restroom. Nice grassy field to picnic. Once you head out…read moreyou have three choices when you get about a 100 yards down the paved bike path. (1) Stay on the bike path (2) take the dirt trail towards San Juan Rapids which is what me and the fur baby do or (3) take the dirt trail on the left. All three choices end up at a nice picnic area with tables and benches. You can cool off in the river or cross Jims Bridge and continue the trail. Its fairly level on all three paths. There is some shade but be aware of occasional rattlesnake in the brush on hot days and coyotes.

I grew up near bannister park! It's a wonderful place to play with your kids or bring friends to…read morespend time together. You can ride bikes along the path or take a long walk to enjoy the scenery. There river access for you to float on the river or go fishing. There's tons to do at bannister park!

Love this park! Especially with the zip lining. This is a…read morevery fun park for the kids and adult. The park came with some kids workout fun equipments. The workout equipment is very fun for kids and adult to play together. Then they also have a playground that kids can switch around. When u walk to the other side of the playground they have zip lining! It's super fun, The only down side is there is lots of poop, probably from people walking their dog and didn't clean up after. So make sure watch your step! Wish they can help keep the park clean. This is a very fun park ! Will be back if in the area. This is definitely hidden gem.

The parking is horrendous. There's less than 10 spots for a park & nature preserve. We've tried to…read moretake our kids twice & had to leave due to inadequate parking. It's pure luck that anyone is able to find a spot & is ever able to actually enjoy this place.

I have been to this park a few times. I have walked the trails and seen deer, turkeys and a coyote…read moreas well as using this as a place to stage a second car when kayaking from Sailor Bar.

Great location, not a lot of people, lots of walking paths. Lots of animals. Interesting to visit…read morewith children.

Great multi use park!…read more Location: Located in Carmichael off cozy side streets is this great little park with connections to the American River Bike Trail. For the longest time I did realize how extensive the roads and parking is into this area as generally my entrance into this park is off the Bike Trail. It makes a great stop for picnics or for a quick restroom breaks. Activities: There are a lot of open fields, picnic areas, and water areas to explore off the river. One thing is that I would caution exploring the waterways around here as they can be deceptively fast and dangerous. There is also a great handicap accessible fishing areas off the farthest parking lot. Great for working and watching the waterway from the Harold Richy memorial bridge. Cons: It is a self-pay park so important to keep in mind. Can be a little hard to find but is straight down Arden Way.

I recently started biking and had been researching long paved trails to try out. The American River…read moretrail runs from Sacramento to Folsom and William B Pond seemed like a convenient and safe place to embark from and park (I had hitched my bike to my car & drove out here from the East Bay.) The kiosk was staffed on a Saturday and the entry fee is $7 (cash only.) Lots of parking and the trail is easy to spot from the various lots they had available, There were a variety of picnic areas, bathroom facilities and walking trails. It's close to neighborhoods in Carmichael, which is nice for people who live nearby and can walk right over. Access to the bike trail was my main reason for visiting and the trail itself warrants its own review. Minus one star, as having an option to pay entry by credit card would be nice. I mean, who has $7 exact change that they carry with them these days? Anyway, I would likely use this park again for a jumping off point for trail rides. Nice, clean, scenic suburban park.

Beautiful, family friendly park with shade trees and stuff for kids to climb on. Paved trail along…read moreseasonal creek. Information on how to care for our environment.

The map here on Yelp shows the directions to Rusch park instead. The correct address is 7000 Auburn…read moreBlvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610 as all the other reviews say it's behind Costco.

The trails in this area can be as easy or hard as you make them. The particular trail i took had…read morealot of rock. This area is near the bike trail.

Super busy but it was Fourth of July weekend. We got there around 9am and the rangers had closed…read morethe parking lot by 10am. The trail is nice with separate lanes for bikes and pedestrians. I think this is fantastic since there are always rude cyclists speeding on the American River Trail.

If you have never been to the Lake Natoma Recreation area, you are missing out on a very beautiful…read morelake. It is the place to Paddle board, swim in the water, look at sailboats big & small. There are kids learning to kayak in classes, families setting up day tents and people just enjoying a beautiful lake. The geese just paddle in the water and ducks fly low to the water as you paddle by. Right off of highway 50. This is my first paddle boarding experience. You take out the paddle board out of the bag, Lay it out. Blow it up, put on 3 fins on the bottom and you your paddle are ready to go. Have your life jacket, hat, water and a camera. I met really great people just floating and paddling today. This lake is really big. I stayed close to the main recreational area since I am new. I heard there is a cave you can explore. Natoma recreational park is a place for picnics, families, water sports, paddle boarding, sailing and fun in the sun. I am hooked on paddle boarding now. I love this lake! See you again. Bring the family or just yourself. Have an adventure. Julie A

Love Lake Natoma. Lots of water loving options for fun. Beach, picnic areas, connections to trails,…read moreand shade. No current is family friendly swimming for all. Love to take in a sunset on our stand up boards. You've got to check this place out for yourself. I am eager to return soon. Great place to beat the heat.

Visited a couple weeks ago and launched some kayaks from here for a trip down the American River to…read moreAcil Hoffman Park. Nice small boat ramp and was not over crowded.

Such a lovely place to relax Clean, well-maintained, and…read morethe fresh air feels amazing. The river adds a special peaceful atmosphere, and the sweetest little ducks even swam right up to us Perfect for a quiet walk, sitting by the water, and recharging. We'll definitely be back!

Just did our ride with our guide Travis and it was amazing!!!! We had a wonderful time and a great…read moreexperience. He was patient, knowledgeable, and very helpful. Equipment worked well, worth every penny.

Got there and it said it's closed Wednesdays ! :( not from here and trying to have a good day but…read moreended up wasting an hour driving here for it to be closed and it says open ! Not deducting too much since I do want to come back and have a good time in the mountains like I used to with my dad. So bummed out man ! Will be back though !