Tinker’s Cutoff Trail
This trail attempts to provide a shortcut connecting two ot the most popular trails within the Auurn State Recreation Area immediately uphill above the Confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Thanks to illegal use by mountain bikers sliding their locked wheels around the frequent and steep swithchbacks, the trail has become major contributor of ugly erosion.
Stagecoach Trail either all the way down or up is the better choice.
Don't...
DESCRIPTION:
0.3 mile, difficult, elevations: 920’-560’, ¼ hour down, ½ hour up, no bikes or horses. Topographic map: Auburn.
Not shown on map. Directions: from the top follow the Stagecoach Trail; turn at signs shortly below signed Flood Road Trail junction.
Drops rapidly from Stagecoach to the Old Foresthill Road at the intersection with Highway 49. Steep going up and only hikers allowed down. Please, don’t cheat; too many bikers have already.
Stagecoach Trail either all the way down or up is the better choice.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 920’-560’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Tinker’s Cutoff Trail
Topographic map: Auburn. Not shown on map. From the top follow the Stagecoach Trail; turn at signs shortly below signed Flood Road Trail junction. Directions from the bottom (I wouldn’t): From intersection of Old Foresthill Road and Highway 49 (B), trail scrambles steeply up a washout (no signs). More helpful connection trail crosses the Old Foresthill Road and heads downriver 0.5 mile to Mountain Quarry Bridge.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Poor)
Too steep and heavily eroded by mountain bikers that shouldn't have been there.
