Friday, November 20, 2026 9:15 am-12:00 pm, Snipes Ravine, Folsom SRA

This is another ‘hotspot’ of diversity and photo opportunities! This loop hike will start at Norma Hamlin Park, drop down into Snipes Ravine, cross a wooden bridge, climb up to the top of the bluff on the north side of Lake Natoma and drop down to the paved bike trail on the lake shoreline. There we will follow the bike trail east, passing by the Black Miner’s Bar area, and then steeply up to the top of the bluff, not far from Greenback lane, returning along the bluff top to the trail back to Norma Hamlin Park. This hike features more elevation gain and loss (some relatively steep) than hikes on the American River Parkway.  The entire loop will total about 3.3 miles. If some, or all, wish for a shorter hike we can arrange a turn-around at a mutually agreeable point. If the group splits, one of the leaders will accompany each group. The end time for the hike will depend a lot on how often and long we stop to look at things.

Leaders: Terry Linton (Email) and Gin Wenslaff.

What to bring: Be sure to bring water to drink, wear layered clothing and sturdy shoes. If you have binoculars, you might want to bring them along—lots to see on this hike—maybe even eagles. There is poison oak at various spots along the trail—be sure to ask one of the leaders if you you’re not sure you can recognize it.

Amenities on-site: The only rest facilities will be at Black Miners Bar (about the half-way point in the full loop).

Waiver: You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon arrival—please arrive early for that.

Meeting Spot: See the Google map for directions, or use your phone. We start the hike from Norma Hamlin Park in Orangevale.

Parking: There is limited free parking for a half dozen or so cars in front of Norma Hamlin Park.  More than that will have to park along the street(s) a little further away. Please carpool if you know others coming from your area.