Secret's out: Pennyweight Trail in Colfax

Local folks think this trail is a secret, but I happened to be at the Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Office when a young couple came in and asked how to get to Pennyweight Trail. They heard about it on Facebook, saw pictures on Instagram, and looked it up on a trail website. I think the secret is out. This is a short enjoyable out-and-back hike at under a mile to the river. Take the drive east on Interstate 80 to Colfax. Take the Canyon Way exit. Turn left on the frontage road along Interstate 80 up to Iowa Hill Road. Follow the paved road down to the day-use area near Mineral Bar campground. This is in the Auburn State Recreation Area and there is a $10 day-use fee. The trail head is just before the bridge on the left. Park on the side of the road. The trail starts with a steep drop off over rocks, with roots and ruts. It drops you out of the park boundary quickly. The trail is narrow and in late October gnats were pretty thick so you may want to consider bug spray. This area is rich in mining history. You can see signs of old stacked rock walls and foundations. There is even the start of a mine tunnel, not very deep but fun to look into. Watch for nesting birds, bats and other creatures looking to get out of the weather. Not far along the trail you cross the falls that cascade from pool to pool down to the North Fork of the American River. In spring and summer willows grow along the river with silvery green leaves. In fall, the bay and laurel put on a showy color display as does the wild grape, Cottonwood and Alder. Frogs were plentiful when I was there last. Before you know it, you will be along the water's edge. Take note for next summer, swimming holes are numerous; rapids provide the calming sound of the river. This is a popular area for miners as it has been for over 150 years. Mineral Bar campground is nearby with a day use area and bathrooms. If you wanted to car camp, you could make a weekend of it. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are on leash. Pennyweight Trail is a perfect place for skipping rocks and taking pictures. It's a quick getaway to remind you why you love living here. So, pull up a rock and share a picnic lunch before the short hike out. Mary West is author of the book "Day Hiker: The Gold Country Trail Guide." The book is a collection of the Day Hiker columns found in the Auburn Journal 2016-2018 where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, and favorite hikes in Northern California's Gold Country and beyond. West was a recipient of a 2017 CRAFT Award for Best Outdoor Column by the outdoor writers of California. You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.