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Loyalton/Boca Railroad Trail
The Boca-Loyalton Trail follows a portion of the old railroad grade that connected the town site of Boca to Loyalton. The railroad operated between 1901 and 1916 hauling timber from local mills to the outside world via the Pacific Union Transcontinental Railroad. Two miles of easy walking trail has been completed at this time. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian users.
From the footbridge, you climb a short rise to the old railroad grade. Trun left and start heading south away from the county park. You will notice the trail starts with a scar burn from the 1994 Cottonwood Fire that destoryed 40,000 acres of vegetation. Thus the first mile or so of trail has very little shade and may be quite warm to travel on a sunny day. Continuing on, you soon encounter the pine forest again. Willows and aspen outline the creek's course. Traveling alongside the creek, the gusing water is both relaxing and peaceful. Watch for chipmunks, woodpeckers, deer, and other forest creatures.
There are two gates that users will need to open and close behind them along the trail as cattle may be grazing on the property. Aftre approximately two miles, the trail comes out at Alder Creek Road and Smithneck Road.
At a Glance
| Open Season: | May (depending on snow) |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | Spring/Summer |
| Restrictions: | Multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. No motorized vehicles on trail. |
| Closest Towns: | Loyalton and Sierraville |
| Restroom: | Available at county park. |
| Information Center: | Sierraville Ranger District, 317 South Lincoln (Hwy 89), PO Box 95, Sierraville, CA 96126 (530) 994-3401 |
General Information
Directions:From Loyalton, take Smithneck Road. Travel approximately 4.2 miles and turn into the county park on the right side of the road. To the left of the restroom, walk south along the dirt road until you see the wooden footbridge that crosses the creek. This is the start of the trail.
