The Deer Creek Tribute Trail is an eight-mile, multi-use trail offering a cultural and ecological greenway along the Deer Creek cooridor. interpretative enhancements showcasing the biological and historical role of Deer Creek. The interpretive signs along the trail identify both native and non-native plants seen along the trail, describe floodplain function and restoration, describe the rich history of Chinese immigrants during the gold mining era, and pay tribute to the Nisenan who were the original human inhabitants of this watershed.

The trail begins in historic downtown Nevada City and moves along scenic backroads and trails. Ponderosa Pine, Black Oak, and Live Oak create a peaceful and shaded pathway for people of all ages and abilities. Portions of the Tribute Trail are available for picnics, bicycling, hiking, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding.

The trail will significantly raise our appreciation and knowledge of the lives and accomplishments of the Chinese  that came to this mountain town during the mining era and left their mark in meaningful, but often subtle and under-appreciated ways. The trail will also pay tribute to the original human inhabitants of this watershed – the Tsi Akim Maidu.

Nevada City is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered to be among one of the best-preserved towns of the West.

Click here to view the trail map.

TRAIL ACCESS
From the Nimrod St. trailhead across from Pioneer Park, follow the trail along Little Deer Creek to the Stonehouse parking lot. Cross the parking lot and Sacramento Street, heading up Broad Street. Turn right onto Union Street and then left on Commercial Street to the Chinese Monument before taking York Street south toward the Miners Foundry. Walk on Bridge Street along the west side of the Miners Foundry and then turn right on Factory Street before you get to the end of the Miners Foundry building (Do not continue on Bridge Street!) Walk west on narrow, winding Factory Street, which becomes Wyoming Street, and then continue left onto Old Downieville Highway. Bear left on Champion Mine Road after walking approximately two thirds of a mile from the Miners Foundry. Shortly after turning on Champion Mine Road, signs with the Tribute Trail logo will direct you along the rest of the trail, which follows the Newtown Ditch and heads down to Deer Creek. Portions of the trail along the Deer Creek service road and the Newtown Canal, as well as portions of the trail through Nevada City (from the Stonehouse parking lot to Champion Road), meet California State Park accessible trail standards.

Trail Distance: Complete trail 8 miles, many modified hikes available. Go explore!