independence trail

The Independence Trail is a great walking path above the Yuba River. Parking can be a little tight- there are limited spots -but there are bathrooms available right there. Hikers have the option to head off either East or West. I prefer to walk West because there are picnic spots and a lovely bridge that leads to a waterfall (Rush Creek). Very nice area

If you are looking for some easy exercise, the Independence Trail is a great place to go. The trails are very flat, and apparently this is one of the only completely handicapped wheelchair accessible hiking spots in northern CA. Park near the bathrooms, and choose if you are going to go to the left or right trail. The left trail is pretty short. The trail to the right is quite long (we usually walk in a mile or so and then turn around and come back out the same way) as we have heard this trail goes on for a really long time. If you take the trail to the right you will have to go through a very short tunnel that runs under the road to get to the main trail. You will have to bend down as the tunnel is only about 4-1/2 feet high, but don't let this deter you as the hike is worth it. Nice views and vistas all during the hike. Bring a bottle of water as the only facilities are the bathrooms. The views of the Yuba River are nice. If you want to swim you'll probably have to go past Independence Trail down to the Yuba Bridge. The hike from the parking lot at the bridge down to the river is pretty steep, but people swim there all summer. BEWARE: do not attempt to swim there in the spring when the water is cold or fast as every year several people drown attempting to swim too early in the season (safe to swim there in late June, July and August though if you use common sense.)

This wheelchair accessible grail is great for all ages. It runs along the South Yuba River and is just beautiful.

We have hiked the trails and love this area. There is a wheelchair accessible trail so it was great for me to be somewhere so breathtaking.

We hiked the West Trail, which was beautiful! A word of warning though- if you take the Jones Bar Spur, expect some steep inclines and lots of rocks...

Perfect for all visitors. You can hike up the trail from the road for great view or down the trail from the road for view of waterfall. All beautiful. Stay on the trail or the poison oak will get you. Go up trail in early spring to see the newts in vernal ponds.

Amazing trail through the forest outside Nevada City. The trail is accessible, and gorgeous as you pass over bridges and look over the Yuba River. Easy parking and a restroom available.