Folsom, California. Even those of us who live around here think of high State Park fees for a walk along the American River. But we discovered an access that's relatively unknown and doesn't cost a fee. There was a parking lot but they closed it off and they post signs that might be discouraging. Maybe we're breaking a rule, but it doesn't seem to be well enforced. We've been doing it for a couple of years now. From the south on Folsom Boulevard, we turn left on Parkshore Drive, and across from the Lake Forest Industrial Park is the entrance. There is a network of dirt trails and bike trails that either lead to the river or parallel it. There are benches to rest, birds to bird, and miles of trail to hike or bike that will eventually lead to Lake Natoma. I find it my preferred substitute to running on a treadmill like a hamster at the gym.
