Visit · Trip planner
Three ways to see the watersheds for yourself.
A working farm with 150-year-old roots. A multi-use trailhead on the South Fork American River. A river park. Each one is open to the public — pack water, plan ahead, leave no trace.
Where to go
Pick your day.
Heritage farm 272 acWakamatsu Farm
Open Farm Days each spring and fall. Public tours, school field trips, weddings, and stewardship workdays. $10 admission for Open Days.
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Trailhead 757 acAcorn Creek
Multi-use trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. Day passes available. Annual passes get a $30 discount for ARC members.
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Partnership —Chili Bar River Park
Operated in partnership with El Dorado County. Day passes and Chili Bar Season Passes — proceeds support river conservation.
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Calendar
Hikes, classes, and events nearly every week.
ARC hosts recreational and educational events almost weekly — hikes, bike rides, fishing, backpacking, herbal workshops, Japanese flower arranging, naturalist field days. Most events are at Wakamatsu Farm. All require sign-ups, and space is limited.
Leave No Trace
Seven small disciplines that keep these places worth visiting.
The minimum-impact practices that everyone visiting ARC lands — and any wild place — should know.
Plan ahead and prepare
Maps, water, layers, charged phone. Cell service is limited at every property.
Travel on durable surfaces
Stay on trail. Off-trail travel damages chaparral and meadow recovery for years.
Dispose of waste properly
Pack it out. Restrooms are minimal — one portable at Acorn Creek, none on most trails.
Leave what you find
Wildflowers, rocks, oak galls, pottery shards. Take photos, not specimens.
Minimize campfire impact
No campfires on most ARC lands. Check signage at the trailhead.
Respect wildlife and stock
Dogs leashed. Give cattle the right of way. Close all gates behind you.
Be considerate of others
Yield uphill. Communicate with bikes and horses on shared trail. Quiet hours apply.
Maps
Download trail maps before you go.
Cronan Ranch · Acorn Creek · Magnolia Ranch · South Fork American River trailheads, including directions. Cell service is limited — bring a paper copy or save offline.