Hiking and Camping in Pine Grove
Enjoy nature’s splendor while you hike, at around 2,500 feet elevation, and breathe-in the invigorating scent of pine in the Sierra Mountain foothills, near Gold Country Campground.
Here are three great hiking trails that encompass the best aspects of hiking and camping in Pine Grove:
1. Mt. Zion Lookout Hike
Only a 10-minutes walk from Gold Country Campground, Mt. Zion is ideal if you’re hiking with younger children or simply desire an easy stroll, hike the nature trail loop. Head to the trail furthest east and look for the trail markers numbered #1 thru #10 as indicated on the kiosk for the indigenous plants.
At just over one mile long, you’ll find that this hike is flat and relaxing. The only hazards of note: rattlesnakes, poison oak, and ticks.
2. Tabeaud Lake
This hike is located only four miles from Gold Country Campground Resort. There’s a wonderful 2.5 mile hiking trail that circles the lake. Additionally, you’ll enjoy kayaking and canoeing (free-of-charge, just bring your own), trout-fishing, picnic area, and public restrooms.
The scenic lake is the main attraction, and it’s always quiet. The hiking trail is an easy, serene stroll for one and all. If you ever wanted to leave the noise behind then this one’s for you.
3. Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park (actually two easy trails)
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. FYI: the park charges an $8 day-use fee/per vehicle. The park is on the smaller side, at a mere 264 acres. It’s nestled in a little valley 2,400 feet above sea level with open meadows and large valley oak trees.
Enjoy easy hiking on the two developed park trails:
- The North Trail, a one-mile round-trip trail, begins near the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum. It traverses the ridge, surrounding the meadow, passes by an old farm site, crosses a creek and continues to the reconstructed Miwok Village site before looping back to the museum, by way of the roundhouse and grinding rock.
- The South Trail, is even shorter. You’ll enjoy a self-guided nature trail starts near the roundhouse. The trail guide describes the history of plants of the area and identifies a few of the plants used by the Miwok.
Hiking and camping in Pine Grove was never better. Contact your friends at Gold Country Campground, now: (209)296-4650 or reserve your stay, today.