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Merced River/ North Fork Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Running trail in Midpines, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Merced River/ North Fork Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Merced River/ North Fork Trailhead
We were recommended the Merced River Trail by the helpful volunteers working at the Mariposa Visitor Centre recently. This is a trail that you can access across the river from the Briceburg Visitor Centre at the Briceburg Road and Hwy 140 turnoff in Mariposa Country.
I've been to briceberg every other summer for the past 20 years..I have never parked and hiked the merced river trail until recently. It is a gorgeous hike along side the merced River. This trail leads to the mouth of Lake McClure's Bagby recreational area side. I'd recommend lots of water and hiking shoes.
Wildflowers, beaches, mining structures, 2 rivers, old mining equipment, old flume that provided electricity to the miners, a wall that surrounds an old underground chamber, remaining structures of old railroad/ bridges from the 1940s, waterfall, geese, birds, rarely seen Merganser ducks, and a RATTLESNAKE sunning on…
A great hiking trail not too strenuous with fantastic camping spots to boot.
Trail conditions & character
“The trailhead is just across the river that can be reached by way of a small oneway bridge.”
“Estacionamos nuestro auto en el área de campamentos de Railroad Flat.”
Plan your run at Merced River/ North Fork Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
- Phone+1 209-379-9414
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 |
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