As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, the Arcade Cripple Creek Trail in Citrus Heights, California, becomes a playground for autumn enthusiasts. This 2.9-mile stretch of multi-use trail, which opened in May 2024, offers a perfect backdrop for fall festivities and outdoor fun.
A Trail for All Seasons
The Arcade Cripple Creek Trail, or ACCT for short, isn’t just a path—it’s a community connector. Starting at Arcade Creek Park Preserve near Sunrise Boulevard and winding its way to Wachtel Way, this trail links neighborhoods, parks, and schools. It’s like a colorful ribbon tying the city together, especially beautiful when dressed in fall colors.
Falling for Fitness
As the summer heat fades, the trail becomes a hotspot for fitness buffs and casual strollers alike. Joggers crunch through fallen leaves, cyclists zip past trees sporting their autumn best, and families take leisurely walks, enjoying the cooler weather. The trail’s smooth surface is perfect for everything from rollerblades to strollers, making it a go-to spot for all ages and abilities.
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Come October, the trail transforms into a festive corridor. Local cafes near the trail entrances offer pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider, perfect for sipping while you stroll. Don’t be surprised if you spot trail users in Halloween costumes as the month progresses—it’s all part of the fall fun!
Nature’s Art Gallery
The trail passes through several parks, including Tempo Park and C-Bar-C Park, each offering its own autumn spectacle. The changing leaves create a natural art show, with reds, oranges, and yellows painting the landscape. It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw a color party, and everyone’s invited.
Historical Hikes
For history buffs, fall is the perfect time to explore the trail’s past. The Citrus Heights Historical Society offers guided walks, sharing stories about the area’s Native American heritage and early settlers. As you walk, you’ll learn how Cripple Creek got its name (spoiler: it involves a cow) and why the trail follows an old electric corridor.
Wildlife Watching
As the weather cools, local wildlife becomes more active. Keep your eyes peeled for squirrels gathering acorns, birds preparing for migration, and maybe even a deer or two if you’re lucky. Just remember, no feeding the animals—they’re on their own special fall diet!
Autumn Events on the Trail
The City of Citrus Heights and local organizations make the most of the trail during fall. Here are some events you might catch:
Fall Foliage Photography Contest: Amateur photographers compete to capture the trail’s autumn beauty. The winning shots are displayed at the Rusch Park Community Center.
Halloween Trail of Treats: On the weekend before Halloween, local businesses set up booths along the trail, offering treats to costumed kids (and kids at heart).
Turkey Trot: A Thanksgiving tradition, this fun run/walk uses part of the trail for its 5K course. Participants often dress up as pilgrims or turkeys, adding a dash of humor to their dash.
Trail Etiquette: Fall Edition
As you enjoy the trail this fall, remember these simple rules:
- Stay on the trail to protect the changing ecosystem.
- Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
- Use bike bells or a friendly “on your left” when passing others.
- Don’t pick the leaves or flowers—leave them for others to enjoy.
- Dress in layers—fall weather can be unpredictable!
A Community Treasure
The Arcade Cripple Creek Trail isn’t just a path through nature—it’s a thread that weaves through the fabric of Citrus Heights. This fall, it becomes a place where neighbors chat over the fence of fallen leaves, where kids learn to ride bikes surrounded by autumn colors, and where the community comes together to celebrate the changing seasons.
So, lace up your walking shoes, grab a warm drink, and head out to the Arcade Cripple Creek Trail this fall. Whether you’re there for the exercise, the views, or just to crunch some leaves under your feet, you will surely fall in love with this Citrus Heights gem.
Remember, the trail is open from sunrise to sunset, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the autumn air. Who knows? You might start your journey as a leaf peeper and end up as a trail enthusiast. After all, in Citrus Heights, fall isn’t just a season—it’s an adventure waiting to happen on the Arcade Cripple Creek Trail.
Sources: citrusheightshistory.org, City of Citrus Heights Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Photo by Jennifer Kalenberg on Unsplash
