Explore the best rated trails in Susanville, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail and Modoc Line Rail Trail . With more than 5 trails covering 94 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.
We camped at Merrill campground in the middle of this trail length. Great sites with good room between sites, even some with power hookups. Ride north to end of trail is easy and well maintained. The south ride to boat marina is more bumpy but worth the trip. Great views along the way!
Biked the entire length on Aug. 6, 2023. A very pretty ride. Started at the north end where the parking is limited. The trail is all asphalt and in very good condition, but there are some potholes. It seemed like it had just been swept as there was almost no pine needles or twigs on the trail. The first 1.5 miles on the north end are in the burn scar and include a mild hill. A casual rider should consider starting at the boat launch where the bathrooms are. Most of the ride has mild hills that casual riders and kids might find challenging (the south end is the flattest). On the way back, we bypassed the biggest hill on the route and rode into Prattville for lunch along Almanor Drive. Consider this alternative route not only for a bite to eat but also for its nice views of the Lake. The south end is also in the burn scar, but only for quarter mile. A very nice ride.
This is a great trail even with the aftermath of the 2021 Hog Fire. We rode the entire trail from the Susanville Depot to Mason Station and back with our ebikes. First 6+ miles to Devil's Corral was amazing with the Susan river running full and green vegetation everywhere. After Devil's Corral the fire beast has devastated the forest until just before Goumaz Campround. After that beautiful forest and river surroundings until the fire beast reared it's ugly head the last couple of miles before Mason Station. If you are looking for a well groomed gravel surface, this ride is not for you. But if you don't mind rough areas, downed trees and an occasional boulder on the trail, you will enjoy the Beauty and the Beast.
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 rode from Mason station to Susanville. The west- east direction is the way to ride! It is nearly all gently downhill. Definitely recommend leaving in the morning. We left at 9 AM and arrived in Susanville at 12:10. I would allow more time if you want to picnic and take a lot of photos. The entire trail was open and there was only one time where we had to dismount our bikes. The gravel on the trail is not deep. (The reviews from four or five years ago said the deep gravel was a problem but that issue has resolved itself.) We used the bus but call before as route changing Burnt out sectionbsedestroyed by fire last year. We did not mind it
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.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
