There is one upside to the lack of rain we’ve been experiencing over the last few years – an earlier arrival of the brilliant gold and amber foliage that lights up our beautiful home in the forest every fall.
And who better to help you enjoy the seasonal color of the centuries-old maples, birch and liquidambars in town or on the trail than a fur friend or two? If you’re looking for a change of scenery, here are a few of my favorite hiking paths:
There’s no better time than autumn to enjoy the dramatic views of the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, located just on the outskirts of downtown Nevada City. This trail is a 3.1 mile path, which at its centerpiece, lies an iconic suspension bridge that crosses Deer Creek and offers the perfect backdrop for a beautiful holiday portrait with your pet.
If, however, your fur friend isn’t up to the challenge of crossing the 150-foot-long, four-story-high span over water, just up the road from downtown Nevada City you’ll find Hirschman’s Trail, popular for its peaceful, idyllic pond, a historic landmark that was once the site of a hydraulic mine and is now home to ducks, geese and an occasional heron.
Down the road in Grass Valley, both horse and dog lovers will appreciate the shaded, leafy paths meandering through the well-preserved 800 acres of Empire Mine State Historic Park. The flat trails offer an easy walk (or trot) through the woods with fantastic views and an optional side visit to Grass Valley’s world-famous gold mine. Horse owners will want to head to the Penn Gate for the park’s staging area.
For more leaf peeping tips around town, check out the joint Nevada City/Grass Valley Chambers of Commerce fall colors self-guided tour maps.