News Release Archive

Construction to begin on American River Bike Trail along Lake Natoma

Media Contact: Jeff hawk, 916-978-5100, jhawk@usbr.gov
Richard Preston, 916-988-0205, rich.preston@parks.ca.gov

For Release: August 16, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation and California State Parks will temporarily close a segment of the American River Bike Trail, also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, beginning Monday, August 19, to remove debris and enhance public safety near the Orangevale Bluffs.

The segment of the trail by the northern shore of Lake Natoma and Nimbus Dam will remain closed from August 19, 5 a.m. until trail repairs are complete later this year. Reclamation and State Parks will announce the trail opening once construction has been completed.

A large landslide covered portions of the trail, located between Nimbus Dam and the Negro Bar recreation area of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, during the winter storms of January and February 2017. Heavy equipment will be used to remove the fallen debris from the trail. Additional loose material will be removed from the bluffs directly above the trail. Reopening this section of trail will be a major asset to the recreating and commuting public.

This closure will begin at American River Call Box #28, approximately 3.25 miles upstream of Hazel Avenue and continue to the southern end of Negro Bar. People using the bike trail access points located at the Hazel Avenue overpass, Sunset Avenue and Main Avenue intersection, the Mississippi Bar area, and the Negro Bar area, are advised that trail traffic will not be permitted through the closure area.

Visitors are advised to use other area trails; the south side of Lake Natoma will not be affected. Signage will be posted at each end of the trail closure. The public may encounter construction equipment and the public is strongly advised to keep out of this area.

For questions on the closure please contact California State Parks at (916)-988-0205 or visit the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area website at www.parks.ca.gov/FolsomLakeSRA

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.