Independence Trail -- West
Independence Trail lazily follows gold-mining-era Excelsior South Yuba Canal. Well below, the South Yuba River churns and dives rapidly towards Bridgeport and the North Yuba River. Yet, this trail hangs above the canyon at a super-gentle grade following the historic canal. Gold Rush, hand-constructed rockworks along the ditch walls are intriguing. Historic flumes now reconstructed as hiking bridges, awesome. And only minutes from Nevada City / Grass Valley.
...features several rebuilt, wooden flumes...
...wooden wheelchair ramp...zigzags to Rush Creek below a small falls.
DESCRIPTION:
2.3 miles, gentle, elevations: 1480’-1440’ west, 1½ hours, no bikes or motorized vehicles, except wheelchairs; dogs on leash.
The trail features several rebuilt, wooden flumes now serving as photogenic bridges. The best is #28, which is only 1.1 miles from Highway 49. The awesome, old flume rebuilt by volunteers and State Parks overlooks Rush Creek Falls. Drop down the wooden wheelchair ramp as it zigzags to Rush Creek below a small falls. The wheelchair design is also great for us old timers and kids.
Picnic tables and pit toilets are rustic, but wheelchair accessible. Primitive but better than watering a tree or squatting over some poison ivy. Especially in the winter when there are no leaves to help identification – until after getting back home.
This is a year-round, premier trail and favorite for hearty wheelchair users. And everyone else. Prime seasons are spring, March-June, then again in the fall late September-October. Summers are hot, but the trail is tree lined to Jones Bar Road. Several plant identification placards placed alongside individual plants. Turn around at the gated 4WD road or anytime. Hopefully not before enjoying the Rush Creek Flume. You can walk in the canal or along the downhill-side. Or in and out as you please. There are few views of the river canyon; instead, enjoy the intimate details of the historic canal.
From the parking on Highway 49, the segment is American Disabilities Act (ADA) rated “easy.” But only to Rush Creek Falls Flume. Beyond there the trail is being improved but in 2007 the tread was too rough for two wheels. Wheelchair accessible restroom and picnic table are located on the west end of the rebuilt flume. Elaborate wood ramp structure allows wheelchair access to Falls Creek. The trail is a cooperative effort between State Parks and Sequoia Challenge, who offer detailed maps and docent led trips.
Option for a pleasant loop: My favorite uses Jones Bar Trail to dip to the river. If I do this circle, I prefer to first drop down Jones Bar Trail that begins within a quarter mile of the Independence Trail(s) Trailhead. As the segment to Jones Bar on the river is steep it can be slippery in wet weather periods; I prefer to do this as a downhill leg. Enjoy the river, then climb west up Jones Bar Road until coming back up to the west end of the Independence Trail. This intersection is signed.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1480’-1440’ west, 1480’-1500’ | See Jones Bar Trail for loop opportunity on the western segment.
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Independence Trail -- West
6 miles north of Nevada City via Highway 49 at trailhead 1.0 mile before the South Yuba River Bridge. The trailhead serves both the West and East segments. Vault toilet. Bulletin board with map and helpful information.
A second parking area just around the curve from the first and original parking area has been developed. Wooden steps take you up to the trail. Wheelchairs must use the original parking.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)
For a year-round casual stroll or hearty wheelchair trek, this is one of the best. Gentle, historic canal with Gold Rush era rockworks and grand flumes. Definitely family friendly. Closed to mountain bikes or motorized trail bikes.
