Foresthill Divide Road:

The south side of the North Fork of the American River is accessed by several trails. Each one drops over the rim after leaving the comfort of the paved road. A couple of the trails are popular; several are infamous. None are for the casual hiker. All are an adventure into the heart of a Wild and Scenic River canyon.

The Foresthill Divide Road offers a pleasant drive that continues from Foresthill along the south rim of the North Fork of the American River until the route dips into the upper canyon and crosses the river near The Cedars and the headwaters. The lower portion to Robinsons Flat Campground is paved, and is part of the Foresthill and Beyond Heritage Driving Tour. Above Robinsons Flat the road follows the historic Placer County Emigrant Trail and is rough to the point that sedans are not recommended although 4-wheel drive vehicles are not required.

Foresthill offers many services with a historic hotel and great restaurants providing all the comforts before or after roughing it in the mountains. The little town sits astride the ridge as you drive into the canyon country above. One foot is deeply rooted into its history; the other is stepping into the future by offering the comfort and amenities sought by Valley visitors. As a gateway community to the high country, the hinges are a bit rusty, but the gate is already propped wide open as the community becomes a recreation destination in its own right.