Recreate like a local – ask the front desk for a handy guide to safe, respectful enjoyment of our outdoor spaces! The adventurous traveller will find no shortage of activities.
HIKE
Insider Tip:
The forests and woodlands surrounding Nevada City are full of awe-inspiring hiking, biking and equestrian trails. From right here in the downtown district to the far mountain peaks, the Bear Yuba Land Trust helps inform our recreation needs with their online Trails Portal—full of interactive and downloadable maps and in-depth descriptions of our communities’ most beautiful trails—all while protecting our local meadows, watersheds, forests, trails and parks.
Deer Creek Tribute Trail
Walk from the National Exchange Hotel through charming neighborhoods and connect with the Tribute Trail. The trail features a beautiful suspension bridge over Deer Creek and arguably the best vista for enjoying seasonal foliage in spring and fall.
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
A quick one mile out-and-back trail provides a bird’s-eye view of downtown Nevada City. A perfect place for a sunset picnic!
South Yuba Trail
Walk as far as you like enjoying vistas of the Yuba River below, or tackle the full 19.8 mile point to point hike if you’re feeling ambitious!
BIKE
Insider Tip:
Don’t have a bike, but want to try some of the local roads and trails? Rent a bike at Tour of Nevada City
Pioneer Trail
A popular 24-mile trail for mountain biking. A 3,400 foot elevation gain makes the full trail challenging for beginners – but even the most inexperienced bikers can park just north of the historic Five Mile House and explore shorter rides.
Hoot Trail
A 4-mile side trail (off of the main Pioneer Trail), the Hoot Trail is a super fun ride full of jumps and berms. Suitable for more daring novice riders with loads of fun add-ons for more experienced bikers!
Scotts Flat Trail
A 7-mile trail for hiking or mountain biking takes you to the shores of Scotts Flat Lake. A lovely, shady ride through the ponderosa pines in the quiet of Tahoe National Forest.
RIVERS, CREEKS & LAKES
South Yuba River at Bridgeport
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge is the longest single-span wooden covered bridge still in existence in the US. Learn more about the wagons that crossed it, pan for gold, enjoy a refreshing swim and roam the trails along our precious Yuba River!
Scotts Flat Lake
Nine miles east of Nevada City is this lovely lake, with a day use area suitable for swimming, fishing, sunning, boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Deer Creek
A scenic year-round creek that runs right through town, with trails that are accessible from downtown Nevada City.
HISTORIC PLACES
Uba Seo Cultural Education and Gallery Space
Learn about the native inhabitants of the Grass Valley and Nevada City area and support the local Nisenan people in their efforts to preserve their language and culture while seeking federal recognition.
Empire Mine
One of the oldest, largest, and richest hardrock gold mines in California. From 1850 until its closure in 1956, an estimated 5.8 million ounces of gold were extracted from its 367 miles of underground passages. Today this State Park contains original mine buildings, a visitor center, museum, ore samples and the owner’s grand “cottage” with 13 acres of restored scenic gardens and 845 acres of forested back country, containing 12 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
10791 E. Empire St, Grass Valley, CA 95945 | (530) 273-8522
North Star Mining Museum
One of the ‘gems’ of Nevada County, the North Star Mining Museum exists to preserve and protect our area’s mining heritage. Educates and informs not only about the mining process, but also about the impact the industry had upon the humanity of the people who built the mines and those who toiled there during their operation.
933 Allison Ranch Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945 | (530) 273-4255