Field guide
The American River Parkway trail for runners and hikers
Find official information for running or hiking the American River Parkway trail. Learn about the 32-mile route, parking fees, hours, and trail rules.
The American River Parkway contains the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, a world-renowned 32-mile route. The trail runs from Folsom to old Sacramento, following the course of the American River.
This guide provides official details for runners and hikers, including information on trail access, parking, operating hours, and rules for using the path.
Official facts at a glance
- Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail description
- world-renowned trail
- Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail route
- winds from Folsom to old Sacramento, paralleling the American River
- Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail length
- 32-miles
- Park hours
- open year-round from sunrise to sunset
- Vehicle parking fee
- $8 Vehicle
- Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail access
- accessed from most parks in the American River Parkway
- Bike/skater path rule
- Bike riders and in-line skaters should stay on the paved path, right of the yellow line.
- Pedestrian trail rule
- Those on foot should stay on the left “soft” shoulder
- Trail speed limit
- A 15 mph speed limit is enforced.
- Passing rule on paved path
- Passing on the paved path should only be done on the left, with a verbal warning, like “on your left”.
- Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail activities
- hiking, horseback riding, cycling, inline skating, jogging and strolling
- Life vest borrowing
- life vest borrowing stations at all of the popular American River access points.
Sources: Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (regionalparks.saccounty.gov), Regional Parks (regionalparks.saccounty.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail route and surfaces
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is a multi-use path for activities that include jogging, hiking, cycling, and inline skating. It is accessible from most parks located within the American River Parkway.
Pedestrians, including runners and hikers, should use the soft shoulder on the left side of the trail. Cyclists and in-line skaters are directed to use the paved path and stay to the right of the yellow line.
Park hours and parking fees
The American River Parkway is open to the public year-round. The operating hours are from sunrise to sunset. Users should check local sunrise and sunset times before planning an early or late visit.
A vehicle parking fee of $8 is required for parking at access points along the parkway.
Rules for using the trail
A speed limit of 15 mph is enforced for all trail users on both the paved and unpaved sections. This rule helps manage the flow of traffic among cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians.
When passing another person on the paved path, you should move to the left. It is also required to give a verbal warning, such as saying “on your left”, before you pass.
Before you go
- The parkway is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- The vehicle parking fee is $8.
- Runners and hikers should stay on the left soft shoulder of the trail.
- A 15 mph speed limit is enforced for all users.
- When passing on the paved path, do so on the left with a verbal warning.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Sacramento. All cities: City running and hiking guides.