Hike a trail less traveled

In this century, it’s not likely an explorer will discover a place no one has ever been—at least not on Earth. But Northern California hikers can experience a location few people have visited. Volunteers with the American River Conservancy have tirelessly cleared a new trail along the American River from Cronan Ranch to Salmon Falls Bridge. They’ve encountered endangered species of plants—causing them to purchase adjoining land and reroute—bug bites and sunburns. The trail isn’t quite finished and it’s not even open to the public yet, but they’re in need of some additional funds to complete it. The conservancy hopes opening the trail to small groups of hikers will bring in donations. And it should. Views of Coloma-Lotus Valley, south fork American River Canyon, Folsom Lake and the Sacramento Valley are featured along the 8-mile trek. Let’s prove them right.