Explore the best rated trails in Susanville, CA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Modoc Line Rail Trail and Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. With more than 5 trails covering 140 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Nice fall colors and spring wildflowers. Winter is under snow (x-country skiing, though). Summers can be warm but still tolerable.
Fascinating geology. The observant rider will see when the underlying bedrock is granite or basalt, and understand you are transitioning between two mountain ranges -- Sierra Nevada and Cascade.
A campground is halfway if you want to make it a two day ride. The local bus company will haul you and your bike as a shuttle.
Unfortunately, a good portion of the forest along the trail burned in 2020. However, you can see forest recovery in action.
If you are more adventurous you could connect to the Collins Pine Rail to Trail and ride into Chester, then pick up the Almanor Recreation Trail along Lake Almanor. From the Susanville end you could connect to the Modoc Line Rails to Trail that goes to Alturas. You could easily make a week long bikepacking trip with the Bizz Johnson trail in the middle.
Rode the Bizz in the Fall in honor of my Dad. He and I (or just dad) would ride this spectacular trail every year from Westwood to Susanville. Last time we tried riding it (20 years ago) my bike broke down right at the beginning, it started to snow, and I told dad to go on without me. Figured we could try it again next year. Didn’t realize that was going to be the last chance we would be able to ride it together. Now, in my 60’s, it was a bit of a butt kicker, but I made it! Just glad Dad wasn’t alive to see he cast burn areas. together.
We started on the trail at Olsens Barn I. Chester. Beautiful pasture. Flat. Worn down grass path to the river. And then...had to make our way on our town until we caught a very lightly worn path out to the lake. However, don’t go that far. The land is very wet and mossy. Turn onto the gravel path and take that as far as you can. Lovely 3.3mi walk this morning with the dogs.
We rode May 18, and the first 6 miles west of Susanville were delightful. After the trail crosses Hwy. 36, we rode through last year’s massive fire damage, which also led to flood damage and washed out culverts. We turned around at a barricade and washers out culvert at mile 11. Still, worth it!
Great, meandering, mostly-shaded, shoreline trail with multiple mild climbs and coasts. All paved, although a bit rough in spots. Really 12.x miles because it extends to canyon dam launch ramp. Can be made into a loop of sorts using west shore drive. Plenty of needles and sticks before Memorial Day cleanup. A bit rough for skinny-tire road bikes and a bit tame for full-suspension mountain bikes, but perfect for touring bikes or my 3 speed cruiser! Start and end at Plumas Pines tavern and finish with a smile, a beer, and a great view of Lake Almanor. It really doesn't get any better for the young or old, beginner or intermdiate, casual or serious cyclist. Serious mountain bikers can extend their loops into the dirt on either side of 89 where hidden single tracks will stimulate endorphin production and deplete calories. Enjoy!
Rode this track at the end of May, starting at the Canyon Dam Boat ramp parking lot. Although it had been cleared of all fallen trees and branches, the trail still had thick patches of pine needles throughout. With constant change between sunshine and shade, lots of abrupt turns, bumps from roots under the pavement, pine needle patches, this ride needs one's full attention in places, particularly with heavier traffic under normal campground occupancy. Some great views, lots of benches and tables for stops, but no water, and no restrooms open at the campgrounds alonf the way. Decided to go back on Almanor Dr. to see that part of the lake front as the trail goes inland away from the water heading north west. Had a great lunch at Plumas Pines resort, and explored historic Prattville. The old cemetery was relocated there when the canyon dam was built.
Had a lovely trip on the Bizz Johnson trail, twice. First was the Fall Colors trip in October - contact the local BLM office as they arrange transportation to the trailhead from Susanville. Lots of bright yellow leaves. The second time we camped at Goumaz Campground which is right on the trail. You can ride to Susanville, then catch the twice-daily bus to Westwood and bicycle about 4-5 miles to the trailhead. Total trip length about 30 miles. Pleasant, uncrowded country a long way from anywhere, but this area is dry and hot in the summer.
A weekday, nearly empty after first few miles out of Susanville. Cycled on mt bike to 10 mile mark and back; then drove to Westwood, van camped, and walked four miles at this end. Will be back to do the remaining Westwood end. Not technical; not difficult. In fact so easy, it was mesmerizingly beautiful. Diverse landscape, cool temperatures (mid May), wild flowers - just perfect!
i know covid-19 is still out there and the forest service probably doesn't have any thing to do with this trail, but. does anyone love a trail that's paved and is covered with a few fallen trees, branches to many to remember and the soft quiet riding pine needles that can make the trail a bit "slick" in the corners? we should have packed a chain saw and broom! oh well we rode the whole thing anyway!
In June 2019 my 12-year old daughter and I took a wonderful two-day bikepacking trip on the Bizz Johnson trail. We went from Susanville to Westwood and back again. I was riding a mountain bike and my daughter a hybrid. The trail is very well maintained. There was just one section we needed to walk--an underpass under the highway that had been freshly graveled. The scenery was stunning, especially at the eastern end where the bridges and tunnels are. The nights were very peaceful. We camped both nights at the primate Cheney Creek campground, which is just west of the last railroad tunnel. We had intended to stay the second night at Goumaz Campground, but it was full with RV-type campers. We were told spots are typically available, but not this particular Saturday night. However, we were very happy to return to Cheney Creek. Goumaz has running water, which meant we didn't need to pump or carry a crazy quantity with us. Local historians put up historical information about old logging camps at the western end of the trail--something I appreciated. I highly recommend riding the Bizz Johnson trail, either as a bikepacking trip, or as a long one-day trip there-and-back.
Wow, what a special trail (rail trail) experience this is, I don’t know if you could find a more perfect setting, from the river run views to the trestles and tunnels it is spectacular! I rode it on my gravel bike and loved every minute, even the second time was just as special, can’t wait to go back and fish! If I could make one suggestion; work on updating the pass through gates, the more you can make them passable without dismounting would be appreciated.
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