Hiking
Plan ahead and prepare by visiting a district office or by checking out our maps and publications. Trail maps will help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Some maps are available for purchase at the National Forest Store.
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
- If on a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Backpacking
Pack up your tent and hit the trail!
Day Hikes
From steep climbs to peaceful nature trails, Tahoe National Forest offers opportunities for all levels of hiking.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Italian Bar Trail
This is a 2.12 mile trail is an old trail that was used by miners to reach the North Fork of the American River. It is steep with short sections of 35% slope. As you start down the trail there are…
Jackson Creek Campground
Jackson Creek Campground has 14 campsites with tables, bear proof food lockers, vault toilets and parking. There is no trash service. Jackson Creek Campground is located on the edge of Jackson…
Kyburz Flat Interpretive Site
The Kyburz Flat Interpretive Area has three historic areas within this driving and walking tour. Interpretive and directional signs at each stop provide information on a Native American petroglyph…
Lindsey Lake Campground
Primitive campground, with 12 campsites, vault toilets, and no trash service Located near Lindsey Lake, 12 miles north of Highway 20. Great hiking, fishing and swimming. Low clearance vehicles…
Lindsey Lake Trailhead
This trailhead is located off the Bowman Lake Road, north of Highway 20, adjacent to the Lindsey Lake Campground and the Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area.
Loch Leven Trailhead
Provides parking and access to the Loch Leven Trail. The Loch Leven Trail begins at Placer County Road Pla-9140-2 and ends at High Loch Leven Lake. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking
Love Falls
Site Open
Loves Falls actually has an upper, middle and lower drop on the North Yuba River. The name is derived from the upper cascade where a large heart-shaped boulder splits the water in two during higher…
Mumford Bar Trailhead
The trailhead at Mumford Bar is a small equestrian friendly campground. Located 17 miles northeast of Foresthill on Foresthill Divide Road. Offers hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian access to the…
North Fork Campground
Site Open
North Fork Campground is located near a beautiful creek in a remote location. It is shaded by cedar, pine, and fir trees and is a pleasant escape. There is a great swimming hole at the end of the…
Pass Creek Campground
Site Open
Pass Creek Campground is located on the northeast shore of Jackson Meadow Reservoir and provides a wide range of recreational activities including boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, fishing,…