AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY (at Watt Avenue and Riviera Drive)

 

This walk is rated a B for senior veterans and handicapped vets. The parking is excellent. Going north on Watt avenue from HWY 50, look for the sign that says River Access. You won't drive even a mile on Watt Avenue before you see that access sign to your right that takes you to La Riviera Drive. If you go to the river, you have gone to far. In fact, this walk is on the southern side of the river.

After you park your car, take the trail to the left, or down river. The view is lovely and the trail is flat. In Spring, you'll see plenty of Vetch that spreads a purple swath of color just off the trail. The huge walnut trees (exotics escaped from an old farmstead) mingle with equally huge cottonwoods creating a mysterious sense of deep forest hiddenness. 

There are some benches. Also, enough people using the trail to feel safe. Rangers are common. Despite this usage, though, there are plenty of small trails (such as the one my wife A'Delle is standing on)that branch out to the river and provide privacy for Qui Gong or Yoga. 

The only reason this isn't an A trail is the lack of amenities. However, there is a shopping area on nearby La Riviera Blvd. If you drive down the hill to La Riviera Way, take a left turn and the shopping center is on the right.