Gold Country Stage is a great way to get where you want to go in Nevada County. But riding the bus is also the perfect way to start your journey, particularly when it means connecting to some of the best walking trails our region has to offer.
For those who need a ride to get outside, below are bus directions to two of our favorite local walking trails: Hirschman Trail and Deer Creek Tribute Trail. Both of these fabulous trails, which are maintained by the Bear Yuba Land Trust, are located near downtown Nevada City–close enough to town to access easily and secluded enough to feel like you’re really getting away from it all.
Start Your Journey
All lines connect at the bus depot at Tinloy & Bank Streets.
Find Your Route
Nevada City – Route 1
Grass Valley (Alta Street, Ridge Road) –Route 2
Grass Valley (Loma Rica, Fairgrounds) – Route 3
Grass Valley (Old Tunnel Road, Dorsey Drive) – Route 4
Alta Sierra, Lake of the Pines, Auburn – Route 5
Rough & Ready, Penn Valley – Route 6
For more information on routes and schedules, check out the Gold Country Stage Rider’s Guide and System Map.
Hirschman Trail
Hirschman’s Pond is the highlight of the hike, named for the trailblazing Hirschman brothers, miners who became merchants as the economy boomed. Hirschman Trail is a 2.4 mile easy dirt trail that showcases some of our area’s natural beauty with both woodland glens and open grasslands and pays homage to our past with a 40-foot long trestle replicating 1800s railroad and flume systems. For more on this trail, see the BYLT website.
Getting There By Bus: Take Gold Country Stage Route 1 to the County Government Center. From there, walk west through the parking lot toward Cement Hill Road. Cross Cement Hill Road onto an unpaved driveway. (Note: there are no sidewalks leading out of the Rood Center parking lot and there is no crosswalk across Cement Hill Road). There is a small parking lot that serves as the beginning of the trail. The first .4 mile of trail is wheelchair accessible and provides barrier-free access to Hirschman’s Pond.
The first bus to Nevada City from the transfer station leaves at 7:00 am (8:00 am on Saturdays). Departing from the County Government Center, the last bus back to the transfer center leaves at 7:30 pm (4:30 pm on Saturdays, no Sunday service).
Frequency: Route 1 departs from Tinloy & Bank on the hour. One way trip time: 25 minutes
Deer Creek Tribute Trail
Commemorating the contributions of the Chinese and the native Nisenan to our rich history, Deer Creek Tribute Trail is a new addition to the scenic landscape of Nevada City. This easy/moderate 3.6 mile loop trail can be enjoyed in its entirety or in a variety of smaller hikes. The trail features thick forests, the beauty of the historic Newtown Canal, and the Chinese Bridge, a new suspension bridge in the lovely plaza at Stocking Flat. Information on the best route for your time and interests can be found at the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. (132 Main St. Nevada City). For more on this trail, see the BYLT website.
Getting There By Bus: Take Gold Country Stage Route 1 to Broad Street Bridge & Union Street. Cross Union Street toward Calanan Park and walk up Broad Street one block to Pine Street. Turn left onto North Pine Street and walk toward Spring Street. Cross Spring Street and turn right on Spring to walk toward the Miner’s Foundry. On the right hand side of the Miner’s Foundry, follow Bridge Street to Factory Street on the right. There is a small Tribute Trail marker that represents the trailhead. (Note: There are no sidewalks from this point on. You will walk along quiet paved and unpaved roads until you hit the trail).
The first bus to Nevada City from the transfer station leaves at 7:00 am. (8:00 am on Saturdays). Departing from Broad Street in front of the National Hotel, the last bus back to the transfer center leaves at 7:34 pm (4:34 pm on Saturdays, no Sunday service).
Frequency: Route 1 departs from Tinloy & Bank on the hour. One way trip time: 15 minutes