American River Parkway

List of parks/Access Points etc.

Ancil Hoffman Park
Ancil Hoffman Park, located in the community of Carmichael, is home to the renowned Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramentos only nature center. Dotted with ancient oaks and bordered on two sides by the American River, you can walk among reconstructed Maidu Indian huts at the nature center, or hit a bucket of golf balls at the award-winning Ancil Hoffman golf course

Discovery Park
One of Sacramento County’s best boat launches, Discovery Park is where the American River meets the Sacramento River. This 302-acre park is located in the middle of downtown Sacramento. Discovery Park is where the American River meets the Sacramento River. One of Sacramento County’s best boat launches, recreational boaters get the chance to explore both of Sacramento’s wild and scenic rivers. Capt. John Sutter’s foreman James Marshall discovered gold along the American River more than a hundred years ago, but what you discover here “an excellent recreation site“ may be even more important to you.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center, in Ancil Hoffman Park, is an award-winning environmental and cultural education center within the American River Parkway. The center offers a wide variety of hands-on educational activities and exhibits for all ages.

Howe Avenue
Howe Avenue River Access, though the river looks inviting it is deep and swift so swimming and diving are not encouraged.

Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail
Recognized as a national trail in 1974, and named the nation’s No. 1 bike path for 2006 by www.Trails.com, this thirty-two mile long trail winds from Folsom to Old Sacramento, paralleling the American River and stopping at many key places along the way.

Paradise Beach
Just off of U.S. HWY 50 at Howe Ave, Paradise Beach is a popular destination for swimming families and young adults.

River Bend Park
Just off of U.S. HWY 50 at Bradshaw, River Bend Park, is one of Sacramento’s oldest county parks. A long central road paralleling the river links you to this park’s many recreation facilities.

Rossmoor Bar
Rossmoor Bar is a peninsula, bordered on three sides by the American River. Located in Rancho Cordova, this park provides easy access to the American River. Gold miners and early farmers found this area fruitful, while today’s visitors enjoy their natural surroundings for their historic and ecological importance. Enjoy Rossmoor Bar’s rich history of providing enjoyment for human and animal visitors.

Sacramento Bar
Located just across from the Lower Sunrise Recreation Area, this river access adds a special touch to the uniqueness of the American River Parkway during every season. Winter and autumn find salmon fishermen elbow-to-elbow in the chilly water. Spring brings wildflowers, animals and nature-seeking hikers to the area while summer finds legions of rafters and picnicking families.

Sailor Bar
Just off of Hazel Ave, this park has a lot of history. Settled by gold-seeking sailors it was dredged for gold during the Gold Rush. Today, visitor enjoy activities such as rafting, fishing, horseback riding and nature gazing.

Sarah Court
This small riverside area is tucked between private properties just off of Fair Oaks Blvd. An access ramp and steps provide narrow river access to nearly everyone; secluded and little-known.

Upper and Lower Sunrise Recreation Areas
Located just across from the Lower Sunrise Recreation Area, winter and autumn find salmon fishermen elbow-to-elbow in the chilly water. Spring brings wildflowers, animals and nature-seeking hikers while summer draws legions of rafters and picnicking families. Many bicyclists choose to enter the trail here, as the trail is a long one!

Waterton/S.A.R.A
Just off of U.S. HWY 50 at Watt Ave, Waterton Access is a small site providing access along the river. The nearby S.A.R.A. Access offers similar opportunity.

Watt Avenue
This American River access point is a popular take-out spot for rafters, canoeists and kayakers. Fishing is popular here, though swimming and wading are also popular, they should be done with great care in this area. A small ramp makes launching and take-out easy.

William Pond Recreation Area
Located off of Arden Way, physically handicapped anglers can access the large, man-made fishing pond via a specialized fishing pier and ramp. Paved walking trails gently slope around the park, leaving no barrier between enjoyment of nature and every park visitor.