Escape the heat while getting your hike on with Knight's Ferry. It is a approximately 2 hours north of Fresno. However it is well worth the drive. The drive begins on Highway 99 for approximately 83 miles followed by approximately 2 miles on the exit number 217- Taylor road. When you take this exit turn to the right onto Taylor road. Then turn to the left onto Geer road for approximately 7 miles and then turn right onto Highway 108. Turn on Kennedy Road, there is a sign for Knights Ferry. As of January 22, 2013 party was free as was the park. If you have younger children there is a visitor center that they can enjoy and learn about nature.
Reach the trail head by following the trail to the left of the visitor center. Enjoy a few plaques giving the history of the Indians that lived in the area and the area in general. Pass the mill site and go up the rock steps on the right side of the path. Follow the dirt road up the hill past the covered bridge. Please note approximately 2 miles up the hill is a bathroom with running water. It is recommended that you take advantage of this because this will likely be the nicest, and potentially only, bathroom on your route. Periodically along the trail are side trails that alow you to mix a swim into you hike. These are very well marked and from most areas along the river the trail remains visible. If you continue along the mail trail you reach the park boundary sign and a barbed wire fence. Walk around the fence along the narrow path to enjoy amazing views of the river below and continue on the Northern Loop. Watch your step as there are several areas with loose gravel. If you have youngsters or are afraid of heights you may want to turn around and take the lower side trail towards the river. However if you are brave the upper narrow trail gives amazing views.
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