Trail Recreation

Expanding access to Trinity County public land through recreational trails

Even Bigfoot couldn’t resist riding the newest trails in the Weaver Basin!

The Recreation Program has grown in recent years, bolstering the Watershed Center’s capacity to offer recreational opportunities across Trinity County.

Our Projects Include:

  • Expanding the Weaver Basin Trail System in Weaverville

  • Expanding the trail systems of Ewing Reservoir in Hayfork

  • Re-opening sections of historic trails across Trinity County

  • Pursuing opportunities to improve and expand OHV trails.

New Weaver Basin Trails - Sweepstakes and more!

A Mountain Biking Crown Jewel

The combined efforts of WRTC, Redding Trail Alliance, Trinity Trail Alliance, and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest made the new “Gold Rush” trails a reality. This collaboration built 10 miles of new trails (Sweepstakes, Blue Lead, Al Browder, Seavy Ditch, Ten Cent, and Black Lead) that connect Weaver Bally to downtown Weaverville via a 3,000-foot descent.

From Sweepstakes’ huge elevation drop and forested switchbacks to Black Lead’s unique natural halfpipe, experience a thrilling ride with optional rowdy jump lines and mandatory breath—taking views.

EXPLORE WEAVERVILLE TRAILS ON TRAILFORKS
A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses rides a mountain bike down a dirt trail in a forest of tall conifers.

Enjoy the thoughtfully designed climbing connector of Al Browder through mellow, sun-speckled oak woodlands back up to the rocky ledge of East Weaver Creek and along mellow ditch line trails that weave through endless loop options.

Whatever path you choose, these Gold Rush Trails offer a huge variety of experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels.

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Friends Enjoying Ewing Trails

The Watershed Center and Friends Enjoying Ewing Trails (FEET) led the creation of a mixed-use trail system at Ewing Reservoir for hikers, bikers, and equestrian user groups.

Serene mountain lake with calm water reflecting forested hills and mountains, grassy shoreline in the foreground, and a clear blue sky.

A popular destination for jogging, dog-walking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors, Ewing Reservoir is currently the most popular outdoor community space in Hayfork. In 2023, the Watershed Center Recreation Division helped plan and construct 3.9 miles of singletrack for multiple types of trail use.

An additional 8.2 miles of singletrack are planned and shovel-ready, but currently do not have a funding source.

Fundraising efforts are ongoing to resume construction of these multi-use trails

Donate to build these trails!
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Hayfork Community Wetlands

The Hayfork Community Wetlands is a 20-acre wetland site next to Hayfork High School. The area was once a barren stretch of mining tailings, resulting from historic mining operations during the 1920-1940s. The Watershed Center Recreation crew worked with the school and community to restore the wetland and build trails, creating a beloved outdoor community space and thriving wetlands ecosystem.

The wetlands provide habitat for migrating birds, mammals, and amphibians and contribute to the overall health of Hayfork Creek, acting as a natural water filtering system. The wetlands offer an interpretive trail system and serve as an outdoor classroom for local school group.

View the Informational Wetlands Kiosk Map
Download the PDF Map
A woman with blonde hair wearing a blue sweatshirt, yellow gardening gloves, and a baseball cap, holds a small conifer seedling in a biodegradable pot.
Four men work outdoors near a stream with trees and bushes in the background. One holds a bucket and a gardening tool while others stand or crouch nearby.
A smiling woman crouches on rocky ground digging in the soil with a trowel, wearing gloves and a dark hoodie. Another person in the background wears a colorful striped sweater, walking through the restoration site.
Two smiling boys with short hair pose in lush green grass and foliage, one with blonde hair and the other with brown hair.
People work in a wooded area, some digging to plant tree seedlings. A fallen log and a blue wheelbarrow are in the foreground.
Five children and a fisheries technician explore a wooded creek, climbing on a fallen log, with one girl stepping into water.
A group of people listen to a man giving an outdoor presentation on the Hayfork Community Wetlands trail during spring.
Two people in jackets and hats talk amongst tall grasses and reeds in a wetland with trees and mountains in the background.

Partnerships for Building Trails and Community

Our Trail partners and stakeholder groups include: