Folsom and the surrounding area has boundless recreational activities from water sports to casual trails for enjoying nature along the American River Parkway. Here are just a few of the opportunities:  American River – Fishing, rowing, strolling, kayaking, swimming, picnicking and more…
Few communities have as beautiful a river running through it as does Folsom with the American River. Three architecturally interesting bridges span a section where eddies swirl around large boulders, pine and oak trees grow along its banks and wildlife is attracted to the river as are picnickers, cyclists, swimmers, fishermen, equestrians and rowers. A 32-mile paved path travels from Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake to Sacramento. From Folsom to Nimbus Dam, the bike path circles Lake Natoma crossing the Historic Stell Truss Bridge along a leisurely, scenic 10-mile loop. This trail passes through riparian woodlands as it travels next to peaceful Lake Natoma. Favorite stops include the CSUS Aquatic Center www.csus.edu/asi/aquatic.html, the Nimbus Salmon and Steelhead Fish Hatchery and Historic Sutter Street www.visithistoricfolsom.com. Folsom Lake SRA - water skiing, sailing, swimming, fishing – The Folsom Lake State Recreation area is one of the most visited units in the California State Park system. The lake offers all kinds of water recreation including fishing, water skiing, sailing and more. There is a campground at the Beal’s Point access, which also has a boat ramp, beach and picnic area. A large marina is located at Brown’s Ravine in El Dorado County and Granite Bay in Placer County has a large sandy beach, launch ramps and boat rental concessions. Visit Folsom Lake online.  Kayaking – The American River is a joy to kayak. All abilities from beginner to advanced can be found on the river. For a natural experience, the Lake Natoma area offers a serene setting. Upriver from Coloma to Folsom Lake offer thrilling and scenic intermediate to advanced kayaking.  Cycling – Folsom has a vast network of bike and foot trails in the Willow Creek Parkway. A BMX track is located at the Cummings Family Park. With the quick access to the 32-mile American River Parkway trail, the cycling options are vast.
Golf – Folsom’s Empire Ranch Golf Course offers 18 holes, 6,668 yards, par 72. It is located at 1620 E. Natoma St., (916) 817-8110. Another nearby course is the El Dorado Hills Golf Course which has 18 holes, 4,012 yards, par 72 located at 3775 El Dorado Hills Blvd., El Dorado Hills (916) 933-6552. Horseback Riding – Ride on a trail once used by the Pony Express riders. Guided rides can be taken from Shadow Glen Riding Stables, 4854 Main Ave., Orangevale, (916) 989-1826. The stables also offers sunset, moonlight and overnight rides around Lake Natoma. Off-road Vehicle/Motocross – Motocross bikes, ATV’s and 4WD vehicles scramble across the Prairie City Vehicular Recreation Area located just south of Folsom. Prairie City offers enthusiasts a variety of interesting terrain and trails. The park is located at 13300 White Rock Rd., Rancho Cordova, (916) 985-7378. Parks and Recreation – The City of Folsom has many recreational facilities including the Aquatic Center featuring an Olympic swimming pool, water slide, diving boards, spas and picnic areas. The city also has a skate park, BMX track and the famous Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. For information on these facilities, please click here to see more
Whitewater rafting – Folsom is the place to stay when rafting the American River. Numerous guide services put in a half-hour’s drive from Folsom near Coloma and Lotus. Thrilling half-day and all day Class III and IV whitewater adventures are available. Links to some of the leading whitewater rafting organizations are:
OARS www.oars.com American-Rivers www.american-rivers.com American River Recreation www.arrafting.com American River Touring Association www.arta.org All-Outdoors River Rafting www.aorafting.com Mariah Wilderness www.mariahwe.com Tributary Whitewater Tours www.whitewatertours.com | 
