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Mount Shasta is one of the most stunning locations in all of California. It is a prominent volcano surrounded by eye-watering landscapes and forests. It is excellent for hiking, and there are many lava tube caves all around the mighty volcanoes that one can explore. These can run for miles underground.
Now one of the great ways to explore Mount Shasta and its surroundings is the Great Shasta Rail Trail. One of the most exciting rail trails to explore in Pennsylvania is the Ghost Town Trail, along which visitors can see plenty of abandoned and overgrown coal-mining ghost towns.
The Great Shasta Rail Trail Is Open But Still Under Development
The Great Shasta Rail Trail is currently under construction. When it is complete, the Great Shasta Rail Trail is planned to be 80 miles long, and as of 2022, around 40 miles are completed and open to the public.
- Length: 40 Miles Open / Total 80 Miles Planned
- Status: Partially Open
It is hoped that the full trail will be completed within ten years. Some trail infrastructure - like bridges and culverts - will need to be repaired, and trail sections will be opened as repairs are completed. Learn more about the future of the trail and read their five-year Trail Concept Plan for more info.
- Services: Currently, None or Minimal
There are multiple access points from the McCloud side and another one from Burney. Use the Trail Map to locate trailheads (they are also marked on Google Maps). As the trail is still under development, not all the trail sections have signs (plus vandals seem to make off with some of them).
The Great Shasta Rail Trail does not yet offer any services, but as the project progresses, it is planned to supply an increasing level of services (such as water, restrooms, parking, etc.). For now, take everything one needs on the trail.
What To Know About Using The Stunning Great Shasta Rail Trail
The Great Shasta Rail Trail is multipurpose, and basically, any form of transport without a motor is welcome to use it. The open sections are available for biking, running, walking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and horseback riding, but not trains (sic).
- Type: Multipurpose (Non-Motorized Traffic)
The Great Shasta Rail Trail traverses the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and through enchanting meadows. There are iconic landmarks along the route, like the Lake Britton Bridge (it starred in the 1986 movie "Stand By Me").
The best types of bikes to use are mountain bikes with wide tires. Avoid road bikes or any other bike with narrow tires. Additionally, the two sections of the rail trail that are open are not yet connected.
The rail trail enjoys awe-inspiring views of Burney Mountain and Mount Shasta along the trail. It really is a sight for sore eyes. Those who have been going to northern California can now enjoy yet another way to explore the remarkable beauty of this part of the state.
There are already activities offered on the trail. The 2022 Trail Challenge was a Trail Treasure Hunt that kicked off in May (it is now finished). Keep up to date to know what their next challenges and activities are.
Visitors should also explore the lava tube caves around Mount Shasta. Another great place to explore lava tube caves is around Bend in Oregon.
History Of The Rail Trail And The Old McCloud River Railroad
The Great Shasta Rail Trail is a conversion of the old McCloud River Railroad line. When settlers first arrived in to the Mount Shasta region, they found a region covered with a vast mixed conifer forest. Sawmills soon sprang up to cut down and harvest the forests, and the industry called for railroad lines to connect the mill to the forest and the markets.
- First Built: 1896
- Abandoned: 2006
The railroad was established in 1896 and subsequently expanded. The railroad continued to operate all through the 20th century and only ceased operations in 2006. The sections that were abandoned in 2006 were then acquired by the non-profit Great Shasta Rail Trail Association (GSRTA) with a plan to transform the tracks into a multi-use trail.
Next time in northern California, take a bike and explore the all-new Great Shasta Rail Trail.