HomeCaliforniaFolsom › Lake Natoma Waterfront And Trail Access

Lake Natoma Waterfront And Trail Access

4.7 ★★★★★ 149 Google reviews · Running trail in Folsom, California · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Lake Natoma Waterfront And Trail Access' 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.

MixedOpen 24hScenicStroller / ADATrailhead parkingQuiet

What runners say about Lake Natoma Waterfront And Trail Access

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (149 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The trails are pretty well-maintained and the lake views add to the experience.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 14 mentions

“Lake Natoma waterfront and trail access offers beautiful views and convenient entry to the multi-use trail system.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“A quiet, relaxing, green and beautiful paved and unpaved trail along side American river and Natoma lake .”

The Lake Natoma waterfront and trail enhancement project was completed several years ago. The result is the Lake Natoma Waterfront Access Trail. It provides ADA access to Lake Natoma area that's next to the Folsom historic district.

★★★★★ — Lillian , Mar 2024

Loved this bike, long , but paved and peaceful. Saw some young bald eagles in a nest, lots of nature. The only negative is difficult navigation with few signs directing

★★★★★ — Ted , Jun 2023

A beautiful place to sit and view the lake from. Also includes an easy little hike along the lakefront that has informational plaques which talk about the area. During certain times of the year you can pick blackberries along the trail. Unfortunately you are not allowed to ride your bike through the area.

★★★★★ — Anon , Nov 2017

A quiet, relaxing, green and beautiful paved and unpaved trail along side American river and Natoma lake . Suitable for biking, jogging, walking, hiking and dog walking. The hike is shaded enough to protect you from sun rays in summer but give jogger ample Vitamin D

★★★★★ — Owen , Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 149 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“Lake Natoma waterfront and trail access offers beautiful views and convenient entry to the multi-use trail system.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“A quiet, relaxing, green and beautiful paved and unpaved trail along side American river and Natoma lake .”

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🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“A quiet, relaxing, green and beautiful paved and unpaved trail along side American river and Natoma lake .”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“This despite the fact that there were quite a few cars in the parking lot.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“It provides ADA access to Lake Natoma area that's next to the Folsom historic district.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“Has single-track trails for the cyclists, you just got to keep your eyes ears open for them coming behind you.”

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Plan your run at Lake Natoma Waterfront And Trail Access

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lake Natoma Waterfront And Trail Access

Folsom, California

Get directions

Running trails near Folsom

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.