Cascade Canal Hike

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

DIFFICULTY:  Moderate  (flat, but long)

ELEVATION GAIN:  Trail is practically flat following the canal.  Elevation is about 3000 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE:  7 miles (3 ½ miles in and 3 ½ miles out, not a loop).

GENERAL LOCATION:  Nevada City area

DESCRIPTION:  This will be a lovely stroll along a historic canal outside Nevada City.  The forest setting make the hike/walk a most enjoyable one.

LUNCH:  Hikers wishing to eat at a Nevada City restaurant would need to carpool together.  Other hikers who bring a bag lunch can eat at the city park, Pioneer Park, which is not far from the trailhead.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Travel time is approximately 1 hour and the distance is about 47 miles.  Suggested contribution for riders is $8.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.  Return time to Lincoln Hills is about 1:30-2:30 pm.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Fred Crofut/TBA

SPECIAL NOTES:

            FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  None, we will stop at a fast-food outlet near Nevada City.

            PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE:  1)  IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
        2)  Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
        3)  Always bring 2 pairs of shoes along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
        4)  Bring lunch (or money), water, hiking boots, gloves, and warm & layered clothing if windy or cold weather, and trekking poles are recommended, but not required.

            RISKS:  The trail is wide so poison oak is not a problem,  Rain cancels hike.

            QUESTIONS:  Call Fred Crofut at 408-1850

MEETING TIME:  8:15 am--Leaving time: 8:30 am

Driving directions to Cascade Canal, Nevada City

Drive Hwy. 80 East to Auburn.

In Auburn, exit Hwy. 49, turn left toward Grass Valley.  After passing Grass Valley, look for Brunswick Road exit (before Nevada City).  Exit Brunswick Road and turn left, going over the freeway overpass---stay in the left lane, and at the stoplight, turn left onto the road in front of Burger King .  This will be our bathroom stop, as there is none at the trailhead.

Proceed from the restaurant parking lot onto Nevada City Road, turning right.

Turn right onto Banner Lava Cap Road and drive until you come to the intersection of Banner Lava Cap and Gracie Road.  You will see a small dirt parking lot on the left side of Banner Lava Cap Road.

My cell # is 276-5514