Tahoe National Forest developing multi-use trail connecting Nevada City and Truckee

Release Date: Mar 14, 2024

Contact(s): Lauren Faulkenberry

Tahoe National Forest’s Pines to Mines Trail will welcome equestrians, pedestrians, bicyclists and Class 1 e-bike users on the new 72-mile trail network. The trail’s development aims to increase national forest recreation access for multiple user groups and abilities while supporting local economic development. Pines to Mines will include approximately 50 miles of existing trail with 22 miles of new trail planned to begin construction this year. 

“The Tahoe National Forest strives to offer diverse and accessible recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities,” said acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Matt Jedra. “Pines to Mines will be an asset to our region and we are happy to offer another recreation destination that not only promotes increased public access to our national forest, but also has the potential to support and grow our local economy.”  

The trail will boast miles of stunning vistas and guide users past remote lakes, canyons and meadows. The Pines to Mines Trail will include one end of the trail at the existing Pioneer Trail in Nevada City, Calif. and the other at the east end of the Donner Lake Rim Trail in Truckee, Calif. There are several existing trailheads for entrance/exit along the planned 72-mile course with the potential for additional trailheads in the future if there is a need.  

The inclusion of Class 1 e-bikes as an approved use on the trail expands access to individuals that may not be able to walk or ride a traditional bicycle as far or long. E-bike technology has the potential to include user groups of all ages and attract more diverse users to explore their public land in a socially and ecologically responsible way. Class 1 e-bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 mph. Studies completed during project analysis indicated that Class 1 e-bikes are similar to traditional mountain bikes in terms of components, relative speeds and impacts to trails.  

“Tahoe National Forest has allowed e-bike use on over 2,000 miles of motorized forest roads and 35 miles of recently designated multi-use trails on the Truckee Ranger District,” said Tahoe National Forest Truckee District Ranger Jonathan Cook-Fisher. “This expansion of trail open to Class 1 e-bikes further improves recreation access for users of all cycling abilities. As always, users on any trail are reminded to make trail etiquette and safety a priority.” 

Trail etiquette is the polite way to use trails and allows everyone to enjoy the outdoors and have a good time while being safe and courteous. It is every trail user's responsibility and right to ensure their own safety and expect safe practice from other trail users. When traveling multi-use trails, users may encounter many different forms of trail use, such as hikers, bikers, horseback riders or off-road vehicles on motorized routes. Therefore, the user must adjust to different regulations—who passes first, who slows down, who gets the right of way. A basic etiquette rule is “Wheels Yield to Heels.” Bicyclists and e-bikers yield to all other users while hikers and walkers yield to horseback riders. 

Completion of new Pines to Mines trail construction is contingent on available funding and resources. Tahoe National Forest will continue to work with partner groups to identify grant opportunities and funding sources to complete trail construction and recreation facility improvements such as increased signage and trailhead infrastructure. Trail proponents and partners that have assisted the forest in project development, funding and implementation include Bear Yuba Land Trust, Bicyclists of Nevada County, County of Nevada, Gold Country Trails Council, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Truckee Trails Foundation and Trust for Public Land. 

The Pines to Mines Trail Project began analysis in 2022. Extensive public outreach and comment opportunities were provided by the forest to gather insight from interested parties and organizations. Tahoe National Forest incorporated public feedback into the project’s decision notice published today, March 14, 2024. To read the decision notice and Pines to Mines project documents visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/tahoe/?project=61221.