Redding Trail System
Redding's trail system now includes 80 miles of paved and natural surface trails, including paved paths, walking loops within existing parks, and challenging dirt trails for mountain bike enthusiasts and equestrians.
Trail Overview Map River Access Open Space Sacramento River Parkway
On This Page:
Celebrating Our Trails
The national reputation of our trail system gives us cause to celebrate the hard work and partnerships forged during its making. As a result of efforts by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the McConnell Foundation, the Redding Foundation, the National Park Service, Shasta County, private citizens and the City of Redding over the last 25 years, the trail inventory now includes 80 miles of paved and natural surface trails. These include paved paths, walking loops within existing parks, and challenging dirt trails for mountain bike enthusiasts and equestrians. At the center of this network is the Sacramento River Trail, accessed by residents and visitors from a growing number of connector trails and entry points found in residential areas, parks, and open space corridors.
Landmarks in the development of this regional trail system are:
1983 - The opening of the first segment of the Sacramento River Trail
1990 - The opening of our first internationally designed trail bridge, the Stress Ribbon Bridge, completing a 5.5 mile trail loop on both sides of the river.
1999 - Marked the beginning of a trails renaissance, with the planning of a regional trail system (Shasta Trinity Trail) connecting Redding’s trails to the Trinity Wilderness Area and Whiskeytown and Shasta National Recreation Areas. Over the next 8 years, the partners built 40+ miles of this plan.
2000 - American Trails selected Redding to host the 2000 National Trails Symposium. American Trails subsequently relocated their national headquarters to Redding.
2002 - The Secretary of the Interior designated the Sacramento River Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail as National Recreation Trails.
2004 - The Sundial Bridge was opened to international acclaim.
2005 - Redding Trails were connected to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
2008 - Redding Trails were connected to Shasta Dam and the Shasta Trinity National Recreation Area.
Our trail system is part of the community infrastructure. Necessary to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the obvious recreational aspects of the trail network and to provide us the opportunity to get out of our cars and use non-motorized methods to commute to school or work, reach major retail and recreation destinations or ride to the nearby Whiskeytown or Shasta Trinity National Recreation Areas. Nationally, the development of trails is seen as one avenue to reduce the nation’s obesity epidemic, its dependency on oil and its contribution to global warming. Locally, trails are seen as an important part of our community identity.
TopShare The Trail
Etiquette For Multi Use Trails
Our multi-use trails (Sacramento River Trail, BLM's Sacramento River Rail Trail, Blue Gravel Mine Trail, Mary Lake, Clover Creek Preserve and McConnell's Churn Creek Trails) provide us access to some of the most beautiful open space corridors in this region. It is no wonder that so many people use these trails and that conflicts some times arise between different types of users.
We all know that it is important to "share the trail", but how is that done? We have put together this on-line brochure to help make sure that however you use the trail, it is fun and safe for everyone.
Please take a few moments to learn these laws and tips and share them with your family and friends.
Redding Municipal Code
- Private, Unauthorized Motor Vehicles are Prohibited.
- Maximum Speed Limit is 10mph
- Trails and Parks are Open From 6am to 10pm, except the Sundial Bridge Area, which is open until midnight
- Dogs Under control and on Leash at All Times
California Law
Night Illumination: Beginning January 1, 2008 AB 478 requires anyone riding a bicycle on a shared use path during the hours of darkness to be equipped with a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet and other side and rear reflective material. The following link provides more details on this new legislation: www.calbike.org/legislation.htm#AB478
Segways (Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices): Section 21280-21283 of the California Vehicle Code, classifies those using Segways as pedestrians.
TopTrail Etiquette - Rules to Remember
Be Respectful of All Users
All trail users, including bicyclists, joggers, walkers, wheelchairs, skateboarders, bladers and skaters, should be respectful of other trail users regardless of their mode of travel, speed or skill level.
Use Lights When Dark
Beginning January 1, 2008 California law requires anyone riding a bicycle on a shared use path during the hours of darkness to be equipped with a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet and other side and rear reflective material.
Keep Right, Unless to Pass
Stay on the right side of the trail, except when passing others.
Slower Traffic Has The Right of Way
When you come along another trail user, let the slower moving person proceed first.
Use Audible Warnings When Passing
When passing someone on the left, ring a bike bell or call out to them (passing on your left!) so that they know you are coming.
Obey All Trail & Road Signs
Be sure to read and obey all trail and road signs you come across, they're there for your safety!
Do Not Litter, Use Trash Cans
Please help keep our trails beautiful by putting trash in its proper place.
Control Dogs, Scoop All Poop
Dogs must be on a leash on all trails. Be respectful of others by cleaning up after your dog.
Use Safe Speeds At All Times
Keep your speed down and your bicycle in control at all times.
Do Not Block Trail
Move to the side of the trail if you are stopping, leaving room for others to get by.