Folsom Parkway Rail Trail

The Folsom Parkway Rail Trail is a dog-friendly trek located in Folsom, California that runs beside a light rail line through most of its course, eventually joining the much larger, 15-mile, Humbug-Willow Creek trail system for those interested in a serious day of hiking.

The Folsom Parkway Rail Trail starts on Reading Street at the downtown Folsom Light Rail Station, and wanders all the way to the Humbug-Willow Creek Trail and the Lake Natoma Trail near the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The trail passes through business and commercial areas, and the light rail stations of Glenn, Historic Folsom, and Iron Point. Free parking is accessible at all of these stations, which are found along Folsom Boulevard. The Iron Point station will be your closest available parking to the starting trailhead, and provides restrooms. 

The Trail is just about two miles long one way. This out-and-back trail is not considered easy nor too difficult for the average hiker, and this means that it will provide a good enough challenge for most people and their furry friends to be worth the walk. Most of the trail is shaded. Thankfully, only a short part of the Folsom Parkway Rail Trail runs right along the freeway, so you don’t have to worry too much about vehicle traffic noise as you try to escape the hustle and bustle of modernity. 

The trail features several furrific attractions along the way including a river, forest, wildflowers, wildlife, Lake Natoma, and all-around amazing landscape views. There are also several activities to enjoy along the trail with your pooch including birdwatching, mountain biking, and leisurely walking or hiking. As long as you are on the trail, make sure that you keep your dog on a leash and carry some clean up bags and water. Happy hiking!