Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Bureau of Land Management, California.

Alert

During the shelter in place order now in effect for California residents, the Bureau of Land Management personnel are not available to service and maintain the facilities. Pack out what you Pack in. The trails remain open. Please practice social distancing outdoors. Thank you for taking care of your public lands.

Overview

Following 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.

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. 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

Susanville Trailhead

Hobo Camp Trailhead

Devils Corral Trailhead

Events

The BLM and Susanville Indian Rancheria will present the annual Annual Public Archaeology Day. Bring the whole family to the Hobo Camp Day Use Area on October 14th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to learn about the history and prehistory of northeastern California. For more information please contact the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office at 530-257-0456 or for more specific information contact Marilla Martin at 530-252-5307.

Nearby Activities

Biking
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Historic & Cultural Site
Horseback Riding
Interpretive Programs
Photography
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

Photo Gallery

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