Joshua M. Hardt Memorial Trail at Sugar Pine

The Joshua M. Hardt Memorial Trail is a 3.5 mile trail that circles Sugar Pine Reservoir and can be accessed from Sugar Pine Dam, Sugar Pine Boat Ramp parking area, or Manzanita Day Use Area. The trail is open for hiking and mountain biking. No motorized or equestrian use is permitted.

At a Glance

Fees:	Parking at Sugar Pine Boat Ramp or Manzanita Day Use Area: $5.00
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Restrictions:	Difficulty Level: Easy Use level: Heavy There are no fires or barbeques allowed around the lake, except in the facilities provided at the picnic area and campgrounds.
Closest Towns:	Foresthill, Ca
Water:	Water available at the boat ramp and picnic day use areas
Restroom:	Restrooms located at boat ramp and picnic day use areas
Information Center:	For more information, follow this link to a brochure on trails.

General Information

Directions:

Trailhead Access: From Interstate 80, take Foresthill exit to Foresthill Road and proceed 15.5 miles to the Foresthill Ranger Station. Continue 10 miles to Sugar Pine Road and turn left. Continue approximately 5 more miles. The trail may be accessed from the boat ramp parking lot, the dam, or Manzanita picnic area. Note: there is a parking fee at the boat ramp and picnic area parking lots, usually from May to September, when the recreation facilities are open.

General Notes:

Trail description: The Memorial trail follows the shore around Sugar Pine Reservoir. If you begin in the picnic area, the first mile of the trail, to the Shirttail Creek Bridge, is suitable for wheelchairs. This part of the trail also has an interpretive brochure available in the box during the summer months or at the Ranger Station. Once you cross Shirttail Creek, the trail easily winds its way along the shore with plenty of good spots for fishing, swimming, or just taking a break. You will cross one more bridge, over Forbes Creek, and then pass the boat ramp and travel approximately one mile to the dam. The trail continues along the shore and will bring you back to the picnic area. There are picnic tables, barbeques, restrooms, and water available during the summer months. There are no fires or barbeques allowed around the lake, except in the facilities provided at the picnic area and campgrounds.

Elevation: 3605 to 3702 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Topo Map: Dutch Flat

For More Information:

American River Ranger District

Foresthill Ranger Station

22830 Foresthill Road

Foresthill, CA 95631

(530) 367-2224

(530) 367-2226 TTY

NOTE: Water is often not available along the route. Only water from developed systems at recreation sites is maintained safe to drink. Open water sources are easily contaminated by human or animal waste. Water from springs, lakes, ponds, and streams should be properly treated before drinking. You may wish to carry water with you. Another method of treatment is to use a backpacker’s water filter. However, the best way is to bring to water to a full boil for 5 minutes.

Activities

Mountain Biking

Campground Camping

The Giant Gap and Shirttail Creek campgrounds at Sugar Pine Reservoir are easily accessible from the trail.

Lake and Pond Fishing

The California Department of Fish and Game stocks the reservoir with rainbow trout throughout the summer season. A California fishing license is required.