The Secret California Trail That’s Now A Hidden Paradise For Hikers And Cyclists
Tucked away in northeastern California, the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail is one of those rare places where history meets outdoor adventure in the most unexpected way.
What was once a bustling railroad line hauling timber through the Sierra Nevada has been transformed into a peaceful 25-mile escape for anyone seeking solitude, scenery, and a seriously good time on two wheels or two feet.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a curious hiker, or just someone looking to explore a corner of California that doesn’t make the tourist brochures, this trail delivers in spades.
A Northern California Rail Line Transformed Into A Wilderness Trail
Back in the day, trains loaded with lumber rumbled through this rugged landscape, connecting Susanville to Westwood and fueling the timber industry that defined the region.
When the rails finally fell silent in the 1950s, the corridor sat abandoned for decades until visionaries saw its potential as a recreation trail.
Now, instead of freight cars and steam engines, you’ll find mountain bikes and hiking boots exploring the same path that once echoed with industrial progress.
The transformation is nothing short of remarkable, turning a relic of California’s logging past into a vibrant outdoor playground that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
How An Old Logging Corridor Became A Haven For Hikers And Cyclists
Logging was king in Lassen County for most of the 20th century, and this rail line served as the lifeline for moving massive timber harvests to markets beyond the mountains.
As the industry evolved and trucks took over transportation duties, the railroad became obsolete, leaving behind a perfectly graded pathway through otherwise inaccessible wilderness.
Forward-thinking locals and land managers recognized the recreational goldmine hiding in plain sight.
Today, that same gentle grade that made it ideal for trains now makes it perfect for cyclists of all skill levels and hikers who prefer their adventures without knee-busting climbs.
The Susan River Canyon: A Landscape Few Travelers Ever See
Following the Susan River through its namesake canyon, the trail winds through a landscape that feels worlds away from California’s crowded coastline and bustling cities.
Towering ponderosa pines frame the water as it rushes over volcanic rocks, creating a soundtrack that drowns out any lingering thoughts of traffic or deadlines.
The canyon walls rise dramatically on either side, painted in layers of rust, ochre, and charcoal that tell geological stories spanning millions of years.
Most Californians have never heard of this place, which is precisely what makes it so special for those who discover it.
Crossing 12 Historic Bridges And Two Tunnels Along The Route
Engineering marvels from a bygone era still stand strong along the trail, with a dozen bridges spanning the Susan River and side canyons, each one a testament to early 20th-century railroad construction.
The two tunnels—blasted through solid rock by determined workers a century ago—now offer cool, dark passages that thrill kids and adults alike as they emerge into brilliant sunshine on the other side.
These structures weren’t built for Instagram, but they sure photograph well, offering countless opportunities to capture the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty.
Bring a headlamp for the tunnels, because while they’re short, they’re genuinely dark in the middle.
A 25-Mile Journey Through Wildlands With No Cars Allowed
Stretching from Susanville to Westwood, the entire trail is blissfully free of motorized vehicles, creating a peaceful corridor where the only sounds come from nature, your footsteps, or the satisfying hum of bicycle tires on packed earth.
Families with young children can explore without worrying about traffic, while solo adventurers can lose themselves in thought as the miles roll by beneath them.
The trail’s length makes it perfect for everything from quick afternoon outings to ambitious full-day through-trips with shuttle vehicles waiting at the other end.
Pack plenty of water and snacks, because once you’re out there, there are no convenience stores to bail you out.
Fall Colors That Rival The Sierra’s Best Kept Secrets
When autumn arrives in the Susan River Canyon, the aspens and cottonwoods lining the water explode into shades of gold and amber that could make a Tahoe tourist weep with envy.
Against the backdrop of evergreen pines and volcanic rock, these deciduous trees create a color palette that photographers dream about and painters struggle to capture accurately.
October typically brings peak foliage, though timing varies by elevation and weather patterns, so local knowledge or a quick call to the BLM office can help you hit it just right.
Early morning light filtering through golden leaves while mist rises from the river creates moments of pure magic.
A Trail For All Seasons: Hiking, Biking, Skiing, And Snowshoeing
Unlike many California trails that become impassable mud pits or snowbound nightmares during winter, the Bizz Johnson maintains its appeal across all four seasons with activities to match.
Summer and fall are prime time for hikers and mountain bikers, when temperatures stay comfortable and the trail surface remains firm and fast.
When snow blankets the corridor, cross-country skiers and snowshoers take over, gliding through a winter wonderland that transforms familiar landmarks into frosted sculptures.
Spring brings wildflowers and rushing water, though some sections might be muddy as the snowpack melts, so choose your timing wisely depending on your tolerance for sloppy conditions.
Where Small-Town California Meets Big Adventure
Susanville doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: an authentic small town that serves as the eastern gateway to the trail and a welcome slice of real California away from tourist traps.
With a population hovering around 15,000, it offers all the essentials—gas, groceries, restaurants, and lodging—without the inflated prices or attitude you might find in more popular recreation destinations.
The folks here genuinely appreciate visitors who come to explore their backyard, and local businesses have embraced the trail as an economic asset worth supporting.
Grab breakfast at a local diner before hitting the trail, and you’ll fuel up both your body and your appreciation for small-town hospitality.
Wildlife Encounters Along A Quiet Ribbon Of Forest And River
The relative isolation and lack of motorized traffic make the Bizz Johnson a wildlife highway where deer, black bears, river otters, and countless bird species go about their business with minimal human interference.
Early morning and evening hours offer the best chances for wildlife sightings, when animals feel comfortable moving through the corridor to drink from the river or forage along its banks.
Bald eagles and ospreys patrol the water for fish, while smaller birds flit through the understory creating constant movement and sound.
Practice proper wildlife etiquette by keeping your distance, securing food, and remembering that you’re a guest in their home, not the other way around.
The BLM And Forest Service Partnership Preserving A Natural Treasure
Managing a 25-mile trail that crosses multiple jurisdictions requires cooperation, and the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have created a partnership that actually works for the benefit of visitors and the landscape.
The BLM handles the western section near Susanville, while the Forest Service manages the eastern portions, but you’d never know where one jurisdiction ends and another begins because maintenance and signage remain consistent throughout.
This collaborative approach ensures that trail conditions stay excellent, bridges receive necessary repairs, and invasive species get controlled before they become problems.
Your recreation dollars and volunteer efforts support both agencies in their ongoing stewardship of this remarkable resource.
Why This Trail Deserves A Spot On Your California Bucket List
California overflows with spectacular outdoor destinations, but the Bizz Johnson offers something increasingly rare: genuine solitude combined with accessibility that doesn’t require technical skills or expensive gear.
You won’t find crowds of selfie-takers or influencers staging elaborate photo shoots, just regular people rediscovering the simple pleasure of moving through beautiful country under their own power.
The trail’s history adds depth to the experience, reminding us that landscapes can be reborn with vision and effort.
In a state where finding uncrowded natural spaces feels nearly impossible, the Bizz Johnson delivers that elusive combination of quality, accessibility, and relative anonymity that makes for truly memorable adventures.