Looking for an outdoor adventure?  Check out Malakoff State Historic Park, the park has many miles of trails to compliment the rich mining history it offers visitors.  The stark, moonscape land formations are the result of hydraulic gold mining from the 1850′s to the 1880′s.  After a visit to the town of North Bloomfield, you have choices of walks from 1/4 mile to nearly three miles.  This Diggins Trail Loop is 2.7 miles long and it feels exotic and other worldly.  The day’s adventure is well worth the drive from downtown Nevada City.  The winner from last week’s Schad Studios greeting cards is Cathy.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

If you’ve been to look at the wildflowers at Bridgeport, but would like a slightly more challenging hike, check out the Point Defiance Loop Trail, which starts at the historic covered bridge and heads downstream.  Not as well known as the Buttermilk Bend Trail, and a little harder trail to walk, this three mile loop goes along the South Yuba River downstream until you reach Lake Englebright.  The hike then winds up to the top of a grassy wooded knoll, which is spectacular and offers a large selection of wildflowers.  Bring a picnic and eat lunch at the picnic tables.  The trail winds down until you reach the parking area for South Yuba State Park.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

Contributed by Katy Spoto

Here are my top five things to do with kids in Nevada County on a sunny day.  First up, pull on your cowboy boots and gallop over to Purpose Ranch.  Wranglers welcome visitors to make friends with 26 rescued horses. Call for best time to visit.

Get on your bike and ride at Nevada County Fairgrounds.  Hilltown living makes learning to ride a bike challenging; but, the benefits extend into your child’s problem-solving abilities. Enter at gate four and bring a helmet.

Commune with nature on Rock Creek Nature Trail. Strap on baby and peace out on this ¾ mile loop of forested bliss.

Be a tourist at the Empire Mine. Take in the century-old gardens while kids toddle along paths. Listen for frogs at the reflecting pool, explore machinery and find the moon rock in the mineral exhibit.

All aboard the NCNG … Read More »

If you are looking for a different trail to hike, try the Humbug Trail, a three mile gradually descending trail which goes from Malakoff Diggins down to the South Yuba River.  It is forested with fir, cedar, and black oak as it winds down the creek bed to the river.  About half way down the creek becomes a 100 foot cascading falls which is breath taking.  Picnic tables are placed by the river where you can rest before climbing back up the hill to your car.  Bring your friends and family to see an area that is wild and beautiful and seeped in gold country history.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

Step back in time and check out the Inpendence Trail, the walk, located 5 miles out of town off Highway 49, follows the ditches and flumes from the Excelsior Canal, built back in the 1850′s.  The 1 1/2 mile section wheel chair accessible trail is suitable for all ages, with more difficult options down to Jones Bar for those who want a challenge.  Can you and your crew spot a newt?  Photos from the Independence Trail West provided by Val Camp.

If you’ve hiked to the waterfall on the west bound section of the Independence Trail and want to try something different head back to the trail head and take the 2 mile walk up the east section of the trail and check out the rock arch.  Photos by Katie White.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, © … Read More »

The wildflowers are starting to bloom along the Buttermilk Bend trail by Bridgeport, South Yuba River.  The docent led walks start today, Saturday, March 16th at 11am and continue every Saturday and Sunday through May 19th.  The 2 mile walk along the South Yuba River is a great way to experience the beauty and magic of the river.  Bring your camera and look for a variety of California wildflowers including Golden Poppies, Purple Lupine, White Daisy’s, Western Buttercup, Larkspur and Shooting Stars.  The Western Redbud are in full color right now, while the poppies are out, but not quite covering the hillside.  The docent led hikes are $3, and please remember there’s now a $5 parking fee at Bridgeport.  Spring has definitely arrived in Nevada City!

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City

What would our county be without all the wonderful volunteers that keep our community vibrant?  This Saturday about 20 volunteers from the Bear Yuba Land Trust and BONC got together to work on areas of the Hershman’s Pond Trail.  Led by Bill Haire both young and old helped shovel gravel into muddy sections of the Wood Ravine Trail.  Hirschman Trail is one of the more popular trails for guests and locals in Nevada City.  It is this sense of community involvement that makes it so special to live here.  Many thanks to the volunteers, the local non profits and the people of Nevada City for their hard work.  If you’re not familiar with the trail please stop by the Outside Inn for map.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Erin Thiem and Dieter King

Because this winter is so sunny, we got out our hiking shoes and went down to the South Yuba River canyon to hike upstream from Edwards Crossing.  The South Yuba River is a treat regardless of the season.   Starting at the Yuba Campground we hiked 4 miles upstream to Humbug Creek and had a picnic lunch by the river.  Known as the South Yuba Trail East, it is more remote than the trail from Edwards to Purdons, but just as spectacular.  Stop by the Outside Inn’s office for a trail map, if you’re unfamiliar with the trail.  And the winner of the tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Gina T.

© 2013 InnSide Nevada City

Nevada City received its first winter storm and while some may think the colder weather it’s time to stay inside, we think it’s a great time to get out and explore.  These photos are from the South Yuba Trail, starting at Edwards Crossing and walking downstream.  While the river may be a bit cold for a dip, there’s still lots to see and enjoy.   Stop by the Outside Inn’s office for a map and directions.   And hiking is a great way to get in shape for the upcoming ski season, click here for our getting ready for ski season giveaway, we’re giving away 2 lift tickets to Sugar Bowl and more!  There’s a lot of color in Nevada City at this time of year for more fall themed photos click here, you can see the color at the Outside Inn, … Read More »

Have you been for a walk/run/bike ride along the Deer Creek Tribute Trail?  The 9 mile trail starts in downtown Nevada City and explores the area above, beside and through Deer Creek.  Stop by the Outside Inn’s office for a free map if you need directions.  ART OnSite recently received a grant from National Endowment of the Arts and today announced their call for artists. Ten $2,500 commissions will be created for the trail to help bridge the environment, the community and the history through outdoor art installations.  “The ART OnSite project is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural richness of Nevada County and to educate visitors through its collaboration of art, nature, history and people,” says Nancy Nelson, of Nevada County Arts.  Applications are due by November 23rd and the exhibit is set to open in fall … Read More »