Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Bureau of Land Management, California.
Overview
The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Non-Motorized Trail follows the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville, California to Mason Station. For the first 16 miles, the trail follows the Susan River. As it winds through the rugged Susan River Canyon, the trail crosses the river 12 times on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels.
The landscape is a combination of semi-arid canyon and upland forests of pine and fir. Most of the trail traverses the Susan River Canyon with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and reminders of the railroad and logging days of the past. The remarkable autumn colors and scenery along the Bizz Johnson Trail earned it one of eight feature spots on the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy's 1997 "Fall Foliage on the Web" rail-trails guide.
Download a brochure and map of the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
See more photos of the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Rails to Trails Festival
The annual Rails to Trails Festival is held yearly in October at 601 Richmond Road in Susanville, Ca. The Festival is held by the Lassen Lands and Trails Trust yearly at the Historic Railroad Depot across from the Bizz Johnson Susanville Trailhead. For more information contact the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office at 530-257-0456 or visit the Lassen Lands and Trails Trust (LLTT) website.
Click here for more information about the Rails To Trails Festival
Trail Information
There are no fees required. Please pack out what you pack in along the trail. Recreation opportunities include: Hiking, Mountain biking, Horseback riding (for those who own or bring their own), Fishing, Swimming, Cross-country skiing, Snowmobile riding (west of Devils Corral only), Wildflower viewing, Wildlife viewing, Bird watching and Dog walking
To protect natural resources and provide a safe recreation experience for all, certain regulations are in effect along the trail. Please obey posted signs and share the trails
Help prevent trail damage during wet or muddy conditions. Please stay off the trail when it is wet or muddy to avoid leaving deep bike ruts, deep footprints, and deep holes from horse hooves.
Bizz Johnson Trailheads
Events
Labor Day weekend, September 3-4th, 2022- Bizz Johnson Marathon
For more information please contact the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office at 530-257-0456.
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Day Use Area
- Environmental Education
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic & Cultural Site
- Horse Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Information Site
- Interpretive Programs
- Mountain Biking
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Swimming Site
- Water Sports
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports
Directions
FROM RENO: Take Highway 395 North about 85 miles until it turns toward Alturas. Continue straight on the main roadway (which becomes Highway 36) into Susanville. Follow Main Street to the stop light at the bottom of the hill by Historic Uptown Susanville. Turn left on Weatherlow Street (which becomes Richmond Road) and follow 1/2 mile across Susan River to Susanville Railroad Depot Trailhead and Visitor Center.
Additional Information
- Lassen Land & Trails Trust
- Bizz Johnson Map
- BLM Recreation Sites
- Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
- Bizz Johnson Trail and Trailhead Photos
- Biz Johnson Rail Trail Plant Key
