Independence Trail — Attraction in Nevada City

Great easy hike for kids and elderly. Fun hike to get your steps in but in no way challenging for experienced hikers. Getting off the highway and finding a safe parking spot can be challenging. The first sliver of a parking area is closest to the bathroom but only has room for 6-8 vehicles, if everyone parks wisely. There is a larger parking area a little further down the road. Right now half of the trail is closed due to fire, very sad, hope it will be repaired. The open section is just as beautiful. It's an easy hike with lovely views and some bubbling brooks that become small waterfalls in the wetter months. Be extremely cautious of poison oak!! It's hanging into the trail in multiple spots. Educate the kids about what it looks like! Stay on...

Visited mid November and weather was perfect for a hike. This is also during dry season so the waterfalls were just a trickle. The west trail also meets with the Yuba River about half way down. It was too cold to swim when we were here but would be great for the summer. There is a stream about half way on the west trail; this is supposed to be the large waterfall after the rains. Will definitely be returning after spring rains to visit again. This was a pretty easy, flat tarilhead; from start to finish is about 4.6 miles. Had a short climb upwards towards the end, but otherwise it was flat all the way through. Easy for beginners and children. Had my dogs, 7 year old and 10 year old and...

Cousin, John D. Olmsted and others built, "Independence Trail" back in the 1970's at the request of a wheelchaired friend of John's. The friend ask John if he could build a trail that people in wheelchairs, walkers, etc. could use and touch wildflowers. John and crew converted a mining flume that was built in 1859, into a trail that those people could have their 'Independence' to use and enjoy wildlife and nature.

I've only hiked the 'West' half of Independence Trail, so far. I'll share photos when I hike the 'East' half. It's a very easy hike/walk. Trail is mainly flat. While I was there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., I saw a lot of friendly people, enjoying...