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 »

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

Because the weather has been great, and the fall colors make bike riding so satisfying, Holdrege and Kull, that fine engineering firm in town, once again sponsored a community mountain bike, road cycling, and hike followed by a band and a bbq.   This free event, held earlier this month, was open to whoever in the community wanted to participate in the sport that worked best for them.  Holdrege and Kull were wonderful hosts, shuttling the hikers, marking the way for the cyclists, guiding the mountain bikers, and then grilling us fabulous chicken or beef sandwiches, while we sat on hay bales and listened to the music.  ”It just made me feel lucky that we live in such a wonderful town enjoying the outdoors with other great folks,” said local Evans Phelps.  Have you been out riding lately, what’s your favorite ride?

© 2012 … Read More »

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 »

The wildflowers are in season at Bridgeport on the South Yuba River.  Pack a picnic and head to Buttermilk Bend Trail, the level trail follows the river for 1.2 miles and is perfect for all ages and abilities.  Guided walks every Saturday and Sunday at 11am through mid May.  If you’re feeling ambitious ride your bike to Bridgeport.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City, Photos by Evans Phelps

Want to get 365 degree views of downtown Nevada City?  Take a short walk up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.  Bring a picnic and sit and enjoy the views.  The trail starts at the top of Coyote Street on the left hand side and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk to the top.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City

The opening cermony for Hirschman’s Trial is April 21st, 9am.  I’ve complied a few of my favorite photos from the last year.  If you need directions the Outside Inn office has a free map of the trail.  It’s become a favorite of our guests, due to the proximitiy to town.  If you’d don’t make it out for the ribbon cutting ceremony, definitely check out the trail, either on foot, with your bike or your fishing pole, it’s a great little spot.

© 2012 InnSide Nevada City