FTA Trail-Related Historical Notes

The Foresthill Divide is just crawlin' with trails. The Native Americans and animals built the original trails. Then 150 years ago 100,000 gold seekers crawled all over the divide searching for gold in every creek and crevice and they built a lot of trails, stage coach roads and mining ditches. Then loggers came and built a lot of logging roads. Fortunately much of the land on the divide is public land and our taxes and the efforts of the Forest Service and State Parks and Rec have preserved many of the historic trails. The Western States Trail groups have also been key in preserving this 100 mile trail, part of which was a stage coach route and other parts used by settlers with pack mules. Trails going through private land are difficult to preserve, but we are trying to save a small part of this rich heritage.

You can't go out on the trails without wondering about the history. There are intriguing signs of miners - old home sites with only the periwinkle or a fruit tree remaining, mines, tin can dumps, rock walls and buildings, rusty equipment, pipes and ditches. Even more fascinating are old Indian camp sites, burial grounds and grinding rocks. The historical treasure of the divide is part of what makes the trails interesting and is one of our communities' great assets, one that we have just begun to explore and appreciate.

Take a look.

Foresthill Road - Scenic and Historical Guide, written by Gerri Grant

Inventory of Mining Ditches on the Foresthill Divide

The Story of Murderer's Bar and the Grand Flume

We would very much appreciate any comments or historical information you might like to share. It can be very helpful in preserving the trails and enhancing our enjoyment. Please send us email.

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