Ever since moving to the Sacramento area back in 2001, I have yet to conquer all the hidden trails,…read morecreeks and nature surrounding it. This takes me to the city of Folsom where I stumbled across "Hinkle Creek Nature Area", a place I had not even heard about until making an actual visit. Located in a residential part of Folsom alongside Baldwin Dam Rd., this park/nature preserve is closest to Oak Ave and Folsom-Auburn Rd while being just west of the American River. I came here with my lady during the afternoon of Sunday 2/1/2026 at around 1:00pm. Much to my surprise, parking was free and easily accessible. What I particularly liked about this nature area was that you may enter through either a paved or unpaved trail as the entire walk stretches in just under a mile. And much to my surprise, the 36-acres that accommodates this park actually made me feel as if I was more in the open air wilderness. Since we came during a comfortable day, we witnessed a ton of fresh green grass and the absence of leaves on many of the trees. During my walk, The overall nature area is the perfect spot for relaxed, leisurely walks that even the most non-skilled person can do while it is stroller and pet friendly. I also wanted to add that the trail can also be used for mountain biking and even horseback riding even though we did not witness that on our walk. I also encourage everyone to pay a visit to the actual Hinkle Creek Nature Center that offers useful information and educational programs to children. All in all, this is an excellent and well-maintained nature center that caters to all walks of life. My rating, a unanimous five stars.

What a find! I have to say that the Hinkle Creek Nature Area is one of our most favorite suburban…read morenature areas in the Sacramento region. The one-mile loop, partially paved and all easily marked, truly makes you feel that you aren't in the middle of a neighborhood. For the most part, it's quiet, and serene -- even when homes are nearby. The only real noise is when you walk beside a road for a few 100 feet.The small creek and pond provide a beautiful setting to walk by or sit and relax. Dog are allowed, but keep in mind that if your dog is a barker or not totally canine-friendly, there are few places to let others pass when you are on the unpaved portion of the trail. Go in the spring time when the grass is green and lush. This is a gem of a find.

Hot in the summer, cool in the winter with a few water/creek crossings! Riding solo is ok, but you…read morenever know what conditions or mechanical issues could bring. Riding with a partner or a group is a lot more fun and brings opportunities for some great action photos!

I was in the area for a California state park lead height. We started at 6:00 a.m. the trail was…read moremoderate. Happy to walk through a very much carved out Trail no issues or problems. Parking is easy but I could see how parking could fill up here it's a moderate size parking lot. I was just as true if you're looking for a moderate hike it does have some areas that are not shaded of course.

We attended the first docent-led hike of the year on Saturday, 2/1/2020. It was a "history" hike,…read morefocusing on the Deer Creek Gold Rush. We learned about the gold in the area, the miners, the mining district, and the fate of the local natives. The leader, David, was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed a beautiful 3-mile hike over gentle hills. It was an easy hike, although some of the terrain was rocky and uneven, and we had to find a path through a couple of small streams. Not a problem for most, but some older folk were glad they had their hiking poles. I was glad I had my waterproof hiking shoes. The Preserve is open to the public on Saturdays from Feb - May, and then again in the fall. Check the website for access hours. You can hike on your own, or register for one of the docent-led hikes. Also, the road to access Deer Creek Hills is not paved, and there is a small stream you have to drive through to get to the hiking area, so a four-wheel drive is a good idea. Those without high-clearance vehicles parked their cars along the side of the road before the stream, and hiked to the trailhead.

Beautiful Blue Oak ecosystem. They sponsor hikes with themes: fungi & mushrooms, native Indian or…read moresettler history, yoga, geology,etc. Self guided hikes of 3 to 6 miles. SacramentoValleyConservacy.org

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.

LOVE! Glorious gem of Folsom! I start my trek here, loop around and across, down along creek. So…read moremuch green! Great picnic area, lovely ball fields! Can't wait to add more photos from our POWER WALKS! Love this neighborhood and trails that wind in and around up to Riley and Blue Ravine trail. GLORIOUS afternoon for EXERCISE. I can't WAIT for this to become part of my weekly routine, as I meet up with friends in Folsom. My "Second Home" has some of the most glorious walking trails and parks. Make SURE to put this stop on your map of "to dos!"

We stopped at Amos P. Catlin park for a little picnic and walk with our dog after picking up food…read morein the area. There's plenty of parking available and the park is really clean and welcoming. They have a nice covered area with picnic tables, a play area, a paved walking path that goes up to the neighboring homes, and a baseball field. They also have a restroom at the park. This was a convenient and fun spot to stop for lunch and a walk and we're so glad we chose to spend some time here.

Beautiful scenery - hike was a pretty steep one about 5 miles but hopping in the lake after is…read moresomething to look forward to . Paddle boarding here is also a MUST

I bike on Salmon Falls Trail normally and was pretty excited to read about this trail opening and…read morewas finally able to try it on 05/01/11. This trial is an ass kicker. It starts you off with climbing then when your legs are about to fall off....you climb somemore. About an hour of climbing you finally reach the top and you are rewared with a nice view of the South Fork American River with the happy rafters riding down it. Look to your right and you get a really nice view of Salmon Falls bridge and Folsom Lake. Unlike the Salmon Falls Trail you share this one with equestrians so look out as you're flying down that hill. Definitly an advanced trail for mountain bikers. I couldn't find a good website for this trial so I linked the Sacbee article please feel free to update that if you find something better. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/30/3066300/south-fork-american-river-trail.html I want to thank American River Conservancy and the federal Bureau of Land Management and all those that donated for all their time and hard work and for providing us with this new trail for our recreation.

It's hard to give anything in nature less than five stars, but there is literally nothing to see on…read morethis trail. If you are not a cyclist who lives in/near Folsom, then there is basically no reason to see this trail. If you skip it altogether, you won't be missing out. That being said, if you ARE a cyclist who lives in/near Folsom, then you NEED to know about this trail. These days, the Oak Parkway Trail mainly serves as a connection between the Johnny Cash and Willow Creek Trails. Many miles can be saved, and many roads can be avoided by utilizing this trail. Unfortunately, it is not shaded at all. There is not a good chance of seeing any interesting fawna or flora, as this is essentially just a sunny path crammed between backyards on both sides. The exceptions are bunnies, turkeys, and deer, but you can see those on any trail in Folsom, especially right now, in spring. There is a cool cherry tree near the disc golf park, but it finished blooming a few weeks ago. B.T. Collins Park and disc golf park are located just off of the trail, near the intersection of Oak Avenue Parkway and Willow Creek Drive. Again, these are not much to see, and are not worth going out of your way to see unless you live close by. On the edge of the disc golf course, there is a very small parking lot with an outhouse and single picnic table. Overall, I appreciate the fact that this trail functions to connect two of the other major bike trails in Folsom, but there's nothing special about it.

Oak Parkway Trail is located in the City of Folsom , California. This is an 2.2 mile asphalt trail…read morethat runs East to West. It runs through a electric utility corridor with huge power lines and towers, crossing streets in residential neighborhoods/ and connecting to a neighborhood park(B.T. Collins Park). The trail is relativity flat but does have some areas with moderate rise in elevation as it winds through rolling hills. I did notice very little shade along the trail so be prepared with a hat and plenty of water. There are two main entry points on the trail. One being on E. Natoma Street and the other on Blue Ravine . Also there are many neighborhood connecting points along the trail. I would suggest parking at Elvie Perazzo Briggs Park off of Blue Ravine , and walk a short distance on Arrowsmith Drive to one of the trail entrance. The trail can be walked/jogged/bicycle/ and is wheelchair accessible. Enjoy !

I have been coming to this place for a little bit now and I love it they have so many different…read moretrails 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.

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