Discovering key features of the American River Parkway

The trails often offer a variety of views including little vistas through the trees, glimpses of bridges, riverside homes, and wild animals such as deer and squirrels. Tree canopies offer variances of sun and shade.Numerous bridges cross the American River but the parkway is the official home of an extensive bike trail that includes bridges constructed solely for foot and bike traffic. These bridges allow visitors to move from one park to another, like from Arden Pond to Riverbend, and also offer beautiful views of the river for admirers to gaze upon or photograph.While some areas are prime walking spots, locations like Arden Pond offer expansive park grounds that are great for group gatherings. The parks are usually well maintained and are known to be appreciated by millions annually.View the list ยป
Park benches and picnic tables can be found throughout the American River Parkway and offer great props for photography as well as relaxation or a picnic. A variety of benches from wood to concrete are available and welcome visitors from across the Sacramento counties and California.

Arts & Exhibits newsletter

The American River Parkway flourishes with life and opportunity. Sacramento area residents are extremely lucky to have such immediate access to the grounds that offer extensive pleasures from Folsom to Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Sacramento and beyond. For a few dollars a day passes can be purchased at all times throughout the year. Annual passes are also available and can provide considerable savings to those who frequent the parkway more than a dozen times a year.

Related topics

Advertisement

The following official access points follow the river from county to county: Ancil Hoffman Park, Discovery Park, Howe Avenue River Access, Paradise Beach, River Bend Park, Rossmoor Bar, Sacramento Bar, Sailor Bar, Sarah Court, Upper and Lower Sunrise Recreation Areas, Waterton and S.A.R.A accesses, Watt Avenue Access, William B. Pond Recreation Area, and Effie Yeaw Nature Center. These river access points represent the "jewel of Sacramento" and a 23 mile stretch of the American River where more than five million people visit annually. Sacramento treasures its jewel and uses it with joy for a variety of reasons.

Bike trails, fishing, boating, walking, dog walking, horseback riding, photography, picnics, education, guided tours, swimming and even golfing are all activities that can be enjoyed in the extensive regional park lands primarily accessible off of Highway 50. A visit on sunny days can often find families having their portraits taken with beautiful blue water and skies or natural tree and plant life that grows along the riverside and between the trails and bike paths. Every season has its special joys and beauties. You can discover some of the top expected encounters on the American River Parkway at the list with photos below.

View the list
  • Park benches and picnic tables can be found throughout the American River Parkway and offer great props for photography as well as relaxation or a picnic. A variety of benches from wood to concrete are available and welcome visitors from across the Sacramento counties and California.
  • While some areas are prime walking spots, locations like Arden Pond offer expansive park grounds that are great for group gatherings. The parks are usually well maintained and are known to be appreciated by millions annually.
  • Numerous bridges cross the American River but the parkway is the official home of an extensive bike trail that includes bridges constructed solely for foot and bike traffic. These bridges allow visitors to move from one park to another, like from Arden Pond to Riverbend, and also offer beautiful views of the river for admirers to gaze upon or photograph.
  • The trails often offer a variety of views including little vistas through the trees, glimpses of bridges, riverside homes, and wild animals such as deer and squirrels. Tree canopies offer variances of sun and shade.
  • The American River Parkway also offers everyone a chance to examine their values and ethical codes. While the disregard of some may offend many, it can also hint to true park lovers that its time to look into volunteer efforts. There are those who carry bags for the sole purpose of carrying out the lazy man's remnants. The litter bug is surely a joy buster but we can all rise to the occasion.
  • In many years prior, the American River Parkway had areas of bike trail that were not as well maintained as they are today. In current times, the numbers of bicyclists using the two-way lane has multiplied immensely. These bike lanes are also another feature that can offer great photography images.
  • The parkway is a prime destination for photographers who can inevitably be seen during outings throughout the seasons. The native trees are glorious and a testament to the magnificence of organic, natural art. It is rare to spend a day in one of the parks without witnessing numerous admirers with cameras of all kinds and even plein air artists with easels, paints, and brushes.
  • The woodlands of the American River offer ample opportunities for informational moments with children. Mushrooms, fungus, grasses, trees, rocks, birds, lizards, changes in season, moss and more can often be seen and identified by knowledgeable visitors. 
  • Dogs, usually on leashes as required, are another site to be expected and enjoyed in the American River Parkways. Pooches of all breeds and sizes are walked daily on the trails and paths. Somehow both owners and pups seem to have an extra wag as they revel in the delights of the parks.
  • The trees that cover the paths often create the most outstanding visual pleasures as one winds around the bends and corners of the park. The combination of natural and man made beauty make for a refreshing balance that is often too rare in the world.
  • The unpaved paths are often designated for foot traffic only. These feet might carry horseshoes or tennis shoes. Riders tend to appear thoroughly happy in their outings and, again, the encounters also make for great photography opportunities or merely enjoying the site of beautiful animals like these.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Sacramento Events Examiner

Susan Raines is a graduate of CSUS with a BA in English but her real passion is people and the celebration of life and culture. Her articles and poems have been featured in a variety of publications and her photo-digital art can be seen in regional galleries and cultural centers. As a connoisseur...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...