Cherry Point/Big Granite Trails

Shuttle at Sailor Flat or Mumford Bar Trailheads. First, you climb 1000 feet from Big Bend trailhead to get to Loch Leven Lakes, then you plunge to the bottom of the North Fork American River by continuing farther south. Big and Little Granite creeks have carved a spectacular gorge with numerous falls. If the 3660’, seemingly free-fall from Loch Leven Lakes to North Fork American River River canyon sounds like an escalator ride to you, remember it’s one-way. And the only way to hike out of the North Fork American River is up -- 3660’ if you go back, but only 2720’ and 30+ switchbacks up Mumford Bar -- hopefully, you arranged shuttle transportation at that trailhead. But the shuttle is a long, slow one. The North Fork American is an authentic, designated Wild River, and the surrounding canyon is wild -- so, spend several nights to enjoy it -- and rest before climbing out. There is a nice gentle bench with camping spaces on either side of the river. There are no bridges nearby so ford the river only when the water is low enough to be safe. You probably won’t see another soul until you reach the American River Trail.

To Cherry Point/Big Granite Trails

Topographic Maps: Cisco Grove, Duncan Peak. From the north -- From Loch Leven Trailhead, climb to the far end (south) of Middle Loch Leven Lake. Turn right (south) onto the Cherry Point Trail heading down Little Granite Creek and though recently logged private lands. Continue until the trail joins Big Granite Trail at Four House Flat. Follow to left at forks and snowball down to Big Granite Creek, then the North Fork American River. Option: Continuing south to Foresthill Divide Road -- after fording the river, follow the North Fork American River Trail either upriver (left) to Sailor Flat Trail or take the easiest way out by heading downriver (right) to the Mumford Bar Trail.

Communities

• Soda Springs

Trails

• Loch Leven Lakes Trail
• Salmon Lake Trail