NEVADA COUNTY’S NEWEST TRAIL

Last spring, when trail builders finished Nevada City’s new Hoot Trail, a 1.4-mile multiuse path featuring 438 feet of curves and banked turns, mountain bikers flocked to the area, further cementing Nevada County as a destination for the sport. The trail-building organization Bicyclists of Nevada County estimates that the trail sees roughly 50 to 100 riders a day, making it the most popular ride in the area. Located 5 miles from downtown Nevada City off Highway 20, the Hoot is part of an exceptional and growing network of trails that also includes the 3-mile twisting downhill of Scott’s Flat Trail, the beginner-friendly rolling Pioneer Trail that parallels the highway, and the more technical Miner’s Trail and Taxi Cab, which descend precipitously into town. With more offerings bringing more cyclists to town, no longer is the sport confined to the bike shop. “Nevada City has long been a mountain bike destination, but recently, a growing mountain bike culture and community have taken it to a whole new level,” says Truckee mountain biker Jeremy Benson, author of a new guidebook, “Mountain Bike Tahoe.” “Not only is the Hoot Trail ridiculously fun, but it’s perfectly situated to link up with other nearby trails to create any length ride you want.”

Mountain bike rentals and maps to local trails are available at Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop, 457 Sacramento St., Nevada City. (530) 265-2187. www. tourofnevadacity.com