Auburn (Shirland) Canal Hike

Thursday, June 15, 2023

DIFFICULTY:  Easy/Moderate

ELEVATION: About 1,300 feet, and mostly level--some short ups and downs

HIKE DISTANCE:  5.4 miles, out and back, not a loop

GENERAL LOCATION:  Auburn, above the North Fork of the American River

DESCRIPTION:  Beginning at Railhead Park on Pacific Avenue, this pleasant, mostly shaded hike follows the Auburn Canal (more accurately called the Shirland Canal) high above the North Fork of the American River. Narrow, packed dirt trail heads south through woods with some great river views. Boots and poles are helpful for rocky areas alongside steep drop-offs.

We will stop for a standing (no place to sit!) snack break at the turnaround point (Eagles Nest Drive).  We plan to return to Lincoln Hills by about 12:30 PM, but there are a few picnic tables at Railhead Park if you wish to eat lunch there after the hike.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: About 13 miles one way, 25 minutes driving time. Expected return time to SCLH is 12:30 p.m.

DONATION to Driver:  $4

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:   Gay Mackintosh/Monique Wood

SPECIAL NOTES:  Rain or excessive heat will cancel hike. Be sure to check the website to confirm the hike status the morning of the hike.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE:   Excellent restrooms at Railhead Park

PREPARATION FOR HIKE:  

1.    If you have any health or balance issues, please consider your condition before hiking.

2.    Carry a copy of your ID (Driver’s License), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number.

3.    Always bring 2 pairs of shoes and plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty boots after the hike so as not to get your driver’s car dirty.

4.    Bring snack and water, sunscreen, bug repellant. Boots and trekking poles are recommended.

RISKS:  Narrow trail, rocky in places. Poison oak easily avoidable. Ticks possible.

QUESTIONS:  Gay Mackintosh, 916-209-3628

MEETING TIME:  8:00 AM at back of Orchard Creek parking lot, aisle 14.

LEAVING TIME:  8:15 AM.

DRIVING DIRESTIONS: Head South on Sierra College Blvd and turn left onto English Colony Way. Left on Taylor Road to Newcastle—turning right just before the tunnel onto Old State Highway. Wind through Newcastle and cross the I-80 overpass. At the stoplight at Newcastle Road, turn left onto Indian Hill Road. Then turn left onto Auburn-Folsom Road. Turn right onto Pacific Avenue and drive to Railhead Park on your left.

Gay’s cell 530-786-8654

PREHIKE PHOTOS