HISTORY HIKES WITH INN TOWN CAMPGROUND

Folks Trails Hiking Club and Inn Town Campground invites history and nature lovers of all-ages to join them on a series of urban hikes or “micro adventures” through historic Nevada City and outlying neighborhoods. Led by Jesse Locks, a California Naturalist, founder of Folk Trails Hiking Club, these hikes are perfect for both residents and visitors looking for a deeper understanding and connection to this beautiful and unique corner of the world.  

A micro adventure is an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding. Each hike varies in distance from two to four miles, but would be considered easy to moderate (Nevada City is known for its 7 Hills!).  Each hike is organized around the time of year to showcase the very best of what Nevada City has to offer. The hikes focus on subjects such as the fall colors, architecture, historic figures, cemeteries, bird watching, Deer Creek and the Tribute Trail, and much more.   

Please bring water, snacks if needed, proper footwear, dress in layers and of course, your camera. We’ll be walking during “magic hour” meaning perfect photos! The hike is free and open to anyone who’s interested in joining. Start times change throughout the year so check our Facebook page for more info.  

2023 Hikes

March 23 (re-scheduled due to snow) - 4-6pm Women’s History

April 13 – 5-7pm Trees of Nevada City

May 18 (re-scheduled due to schedule conflict) - 6-8pm Historic Downtown

June 8- 6-8pm Architecture

October 12- 4-6pm Historic Cemeteries

November 9- 4-5pm Fall Colors

December 14- 4-5pm Holiday Lights

The hikes will start at Robinson Plaza in downtown Nevada City, in front of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.

52 Hike Challenge – Nevada County Chapter

Inspired by the 52 Hike Challenge, Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) and Folk Trails Hiking Club (FTHC) have teamed up for a third year to encourage Nevada County residents to venture outdoors, hit the trail and explore miles of hiking opportunities  found in their own backyard.

Started by Karla Amador and Phillip Stinis in 2014, the 52 Hike Challenge has become a global movement inspiring individuals to step outside their comfort zone in order to hike 52 times in one year, or an average of once a week.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Starting January 2022, hikers can sign up for hikes offered by both organizations and/or select hikes on their own.  Hikes can range from beginner to advance, one mile to 15+ miles, flat to several thousands of feet in elevation gain.  Hikes can also be repeated more than once. 

Click here for upcoming hikes with BYLT.

Click here for upcoming hikes with FTHC.

Click here to join the 52 Hike Challenge Facebook Page

Throughout the year, these sites will be updated. Participants are strongly encouraged to check back monthly for updates or join the group’s mailing list for upcoming reminders on hikes.  Shoot an email here to be added to the 52 Hike Challenge – Nevada County mailing list.  

How To Keep Track of Your Hikes

Download the trail log form here to keep track of your hikes.

Other Local Hiking Resources

All Trails – a superb app and website with lists of hiking trails

Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society 

Sierra Club – Sierra Nevada Chapter 

The River: Hiking Trails and History of the South Fork of the Yuba River (2008), and Yuba Trails 1 & 2 (1993, 2001), by local author, archeologist and historian, Hank Meals

Mountain Recreation - Nevada County's go to for hiking gear