Quarry Road Trail Hike (American River Middle Fork)
Thursday, Oct 12, 2017



DIFFICULTY: Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN:  Trailhead about 600’, side trail to quarry views about 400’ elevation gain (steep in sections but not rocky).

HIKE DISTANCE:  6 1/2 miles round-trip (in and out; not a loop)

GENERAL LOCATION:  South side of Middle Fork of the American River, near the Confluence off Highway 49

DESCRIPTION: Walk along Quarry Road Trail on south side of Middle Fork of the American River with good river views. A 3/4 mile climb (steep in places but not rocky) ends with expansive views down to the river and across to  the active Cool quarry with glimpses below of the limestone amphitheater sadly now partially filled in. As we descend, we'll visit Cave Canyon, popular with climbers, boasting cliffside caves in the abandoned quarry. Returning to Quarry Road Trail with interesting remnants of limestone-loading platform for rail cars, we'll continue up-river towards Mammoth Bar. Lunch back at picnic tables above the river.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: 30 minutes each way. Distance about 18 miles. (Suggested donation to driver $3.) Expected return to SCLH about  2 p.m.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Art and Alice McGrath
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Porta-johns at three points along the trail.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
1)    If you have any health issues please consider your condition before hiking.
2)    Bring a copy of your ID (drivers license), health card, and a name and phone number of an emergency contact person.
3)    Bring another pair of shoes with your hiking boots along with a bag to store your
dirty gear.  Please be considerate of your driver’s car and wear clean shoes home.
4)    Bring water, lunch, sunscreen.  Trekking poles are useful for the side trails into the quarry area.

RISKS: Some poison oak. 
QUESTIONS: Call Art at 434-5540.

Rain on hike day will cancel hike. Rain day before may prevent access to side trails but we will proceed with shortened hike.

MEETING TIME:  8:15 AM. We will leave at 8:30 AM.


DRIVING DIRECTIONS

HIKE PHOTOS