Hill on Wheels Along the South Yuba River

Wheelchair access to the forest primeval is becoming more common, but longer, truly adventurous trails for the physically challenged remain in short supply.

But I recently discovered a trail for people of all abilities: the South Yuba Independence Trail, which winds through California’s Gold Country.

The Independence Trail began as the Excelsior Canal, built in 1859 to carry water from the South Yuba River to hydraulic gold-mining operations in Smartsville, 25 miles south. While the five-foot-wide aqueduct crossed very steep country, it followed the contours of hillsides, making it almost completely level.

Volunteer efforts, spearheaded by environmentalist John Olmsted and the nonprofit Sequoya Challenge, rebuilt crumbling wooden flumes and transformed the long-abandoned water ditch into a scenic, wheelchair-accessible trail in 1981. The California Department of Parks and Recreation and volunteer groups have ambitious plans over the next few years to complete 10 miles of whole-access trail along the South Yuba.

The project is a large undertaking for the state park system. When completed, the park will extend about 20 miles from Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to the confluence of the South and main forks of the Yuba.

A 20-mile trail, part of which is the Independence Trail, extends along parts of the 20-mile stretch of river. One length of trail begins at the park visitor center and covered bridge, reached by driving eight miles north on Pleasant Valley Road from California 20.

Directions to trail head: The main entrance to the Independence Trail is just off California 49, seven miles north of Nevada City and one mile past the Yuba River crossing.

The hike: From the signed trail head, the path uses an underpass to dip under the highway and begins contouring along the south bluff of the river. You can use the trail in the old water ditch or a parallel path above it.

The pleasant path crosses ravines by way of several wooden flumes. A bit more than a mile of woodsy walking brings you to Flume 28 over Rush Creek. Here you’ll find a vista point, fishing platform, picnic deck and an outhouse.

Independence Trail continues another half-mile to Jones Ravine. From the ravine, a non-wheelchair-accessible trail continues westward for five miles but boulders and brush make it a difficult hike.

Independence Trail

WHERE: California’s Gold Country, South Yuba River Project near Nevada City.

DISTANCE: 2 miles round trip; longer walks possible.

TERRAIN: Steep banks of South Yuba River, dramatic river canyon.

HIGHLIGHTS: Wheelchair accessible trail, world’s longest single-span covered bridge.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: South Yuba River Project, 10556 E. Empire St., Grass Valley, Calif. 95945; tel. (916) 273-3884.