Calling all STC Summit visitors who are adventurous and active: Bring your inline skates to Sacramento! While most folks know the region around California’s state capitol is steeped in the history of the gold rush, they may not realize there is a gold mine of multi-use trails inviting people outdoors to stroll or roll in the fresh air. Here are two fun options:
- Starting in downtown Sacramento and extending east toward the craggy ranges of the Sierra Nevada mountains, skaters, cyclists and pedestrians alike enjoy one of the longest and most scenic trails in northern California, the 32-mile-long Jedediah Smith National Recreation Trail. The beginning section near the historic Sacramento River waterfront is mostly flat, smooth, and easy enough for all levels of skaters. In contrast, only those with strong turning and braking skills will feel comfortable on the hilly curves nearer the trail’s very scenic eastern end at Folsom Lake.
- Skate touring is more fun than walking because it’s so easy to roll from site to site reading the placards. In the heart of downtown, the streets surrounding the State Capitol have been popular with local skaters for years. Weekends and evenings are the best times to roll because there’s less traffic and you’re more likely to be able to park nearby for free. While you will be asked to keep off the steps of the capitol building itself, skaters are free to sample the pavement all around the capital mall and park buildings.
