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Independence Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · Running trail in Nevada City, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Independence Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hike or walk along this easy-to-access trail featuring wooden bridges and river access, plus swimming holes, waterfalls and creeks.
What runners say about Independence Trail
“Fall time is gorgeous here but today the California newts were in abundance & the river was raging.”
“Very cool and easy trail (makes sense as the first ever wheelchair accessible trail) following the South Yuba River one way for 2 miles.”
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.
beautiful yet simple walking trail with several overlooks to the south yuba river. perfect for families with young children to experience nature as the trail is relatively flat. highly recommend wearing bug spray as even in the middle of the day mosquitos are present.
Very cool and easy trail (makes sense as the first ever wheelchair accessible trail) following the South Yuba River one way for 2 miles. It offers awesome views over the river and the old bridge of HWY 49. We got lucky and hiked it during the California Newts mating season.
We had a wonderful time hiking the Independence Trail East, which is an easy 4.3 mile out and back trail. There are several old wooden bridges, with the one near the end that crosses the South Yuba River that is well worth seeing!
Trail conditions & character
“Fall time is gorgeous here but today the California newts were in abundance & the river was raging.”
“Very cool and easy trail (makes sense as the first ever wheelchair accessible trail) following the South Yuba River one way for 2 miles.”
“perfect for families with young children to experience nature as the trail is relatively flat.”
“Had my dogs, 7 year old and 10 year old and they did great.”
Plan your run at Independence Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebylt.org
Running trails near Nevada City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
South Yuba River State Park
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Wolf Creek Trail
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Hardrock Trail Entrance
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Hiking area featuring easy trails through a forested locale.
Hiking Trails
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Canal-side trail geared towards hiking and dog-walking that's also popular among runners.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,089 reviews
The site of this state's oldest gold mine has miles of trails to hike, bike or explore on horseback.