Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Bureau of Land Management

The Buzz Johnson National Recreation Trail follows the route of the historic Fernley and Lassen railroad. Its 30 miles leads hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians on a gentle, meandering course along the tranquil, forested banks of the Susan River. The grade is smooth and never exceeds three percent, so even the youngest mountain bikers can have fun here. 

The trail crosses the Susan River 11 times on massive steel and wood trestles, one spanning 270 feet at a height 70 feet above the river. Cyclists find a special thrill pedaling through the cool darkness of two railroad tunnels, blasted through the rock of the Susan River Canyon in 1914.

There are several trailheads, allowing for excursions ranging from a mile or less to the entire length of the route. Upper reaches of the trail provide excellent cross country skiing, and the extreme western end of the trail is open to snowmobiles.