Dave Moore Nature Area is a very easy/short/flat hike that is great for kids or the elderly. Half of the trail is well taken care of and the other half is a bit more rugged. I brought my 6 year old and it was a fine hike for him. One guy we passed mentioned just having a hip replacement… which gives you an idea of how mellow this trail is. There are a few picnic benches, a well-maintained outhouse, and the trail has river access. We walked down to the river and found a group of soccer-moms and their brood of naked children playing in the water. It was weird so we kept walking and found a bench far away from the naked children to have our lunch. An added bonus, the drive up beautiful and its near Coloma state park, where Gold was first discovered in CA. A double added bonus, the park and parking are free.
Domo F.
Place rating: 4 Berkeley, CA
This is a nice half day or quarter day trip. The trail here is handicap accessible. The hike to the river only takes about 10min. There are really pretty flowers and cool looking lizards in the summertime. My favorite thing here are the hamburger rocks. By the time you reach the river, you’ll probably need a cool down from the Coloma sun. Fortunately there are a couple small uncrowded beaches here. Another perk is that parking is easy and free for the day.
Jon Q.
Place rating: 4 Sacramento, CA
We were looking for a quick afternoon hike on a dog friendly trail and found Dave Moor NA after doing quick web search. Dave Moore is an awesome place to bring your dogs for a quick nature hit, without going too far from home or having to really gear up for a full dose of nature. Off leash is perfectly fine here, and if you keep your pooch on a leash, you’ll be in the minority. There is a nicely maintained mile long loop trail here with a detour down to the American River if you want to get a little wet. I can see it being a little rough on a crowded day and the mile loop does feel a little short. Still, its a nice little area that I will come back to.
T F.
Place rating: 4 Castro Valley, CA
We discovered this Nature Area on a recent camping trip. A bit of history of the area; Dave Moore worked for the Bureau of Land Management as a Conservation Ranger. He was stricken with multiple sclerosis at age 35& forced to retire. His disability brought to his co-workers such an awareness of the struggle faced by disabled persons that they developed a nature area for the physically challenged along the South Fork of the American River. It is about a one mile loop trail which goes from the parking lot trail head to the South Fork American River and back again. They say it is easy for wheel chairs & strollers, but only certain parts. The trail is well maintained, but there also is rocks, roots, ups & downs. A nice area to stop about half way thru the trail, along the river and watch local rafting tours float by. Bring water bottles with you. Be aware of your surroundings… this is prime rattlesnake country.
