Location: Folsom, CA
Distance: 2.5 miles one way; 5 miles total
Type: Day-hike; Out-and-back
Rating: Easy
Permits & Fees: There is no parking fee. There are several options for parking, but I recommend parking at the Folsom Library/Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary parking lot:
As seen above (the bottom left corner of the map) is one end of the Johnny Cash Trail. I walked from the parking lot to the end of the trail, then back-tracked to the other end of the trail to make sure I was able to see the trail in its entirety. Another option is walking from the parking lot towards the trail via Stafford Street and taking a right on the Johnny Cash Trail. Directions can be found here.
Preparation: Water, sunscreen and warm clothing (if hiking during the winter months) are required. I completed this trail on President’s Day during the afternoon. There were several bikers, but it wasn’t as busy as I anticipated. I recommend going earlier in the day to beat the crowds.
The Hike:
After parking and making my way towards the trail via Stafford Street (directions above), I took a left and made my way to one end of the Johnny Cash Trail, which runs directly into the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. From here, I “started” the hike and began making my way along the 2.5 mile-long trail:
The first site on the trail was the Robber’s Ravine Bridge, prior to reaching the border of the Folsom State Prison Yard:
Note: This trail is still a work in progress. All along the trail are signs marking sites of where art installations of Johnny Cash will be placed. I’ll definitely be making my way back out to Folsom to check out the art!
The majority of the trail follows the border of the Folsom State Prison yard. This portion of the trail was especially peaceful, but with all of the turns, it’s important to watch out for bicyclists:
Towards the other end of the trail is the Johnny Cash Trail Bridge. After crossing, it is a short walk to the “end” of the Johnny Cash Trail:
The Johnny Cash Trail runs directly into the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail that runs along Folsom Lake:
The Folsom Lake Crossing Trail turns into the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail which eventually leads back to the other end of the Johnny Cash Trail (where I first started).
Note: This post ONLY reflects the Johnny Cash Trail and not the loop mentioned above.
After walking along the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail for a quarter mile, Milo and I made our way back to the parking lot. Overall, this was a very simple trail, but it made for a great day out in nature. I would recommend this hike for anyone wanting a day outdoors or families with small children and puppers!
