Dave Moore Nature Area

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY . What you need to know: Dave Moore Nature Area is a Day-Use area only.

No overnight camping. No equestrian use on trail. CLOSED to all hunting and target shooting.

Potable water is not available. Bring your own water. Please be aware that there are bobcats and rattlesnakes in the area.

Fireworks are prohibited. Firewood cutting and collection is prohibited. A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for all commercial, organized groups, or competitive activities.

Hiking on Public Lands Overview One of the main features of the BLM, Dave Moore Nature Area is a loop trail about a mile long which goes from the parking lot trail head to the South Fork American River and back again passing through several habitat types. Nestled in the heart of Gold Rush Country, the trail is lined with remnants from nearly 150 years ago when Chinese laborers channeled creek water by hand with pick and shovel for gold mining. Tailing piles from the Gold Rush period blanket the area which lend to the characteristic landscape that makes this area so unique.

As you travel along the Dave Moore Nature Trail you will encounter several natural features - most interesting is "Mushroom Rock" - two stacked granite boulders with a softer layer of decomposed granite in between that has been weathered by the river of the past. Look for the tall Ponderosa pine trees too big in diameter to put your arms around. And the majestic California Madrone tree in all it's awesome beauty is worth a stop to feel it's cooling smooth bark.

Throughout the trail are hand made walls of lichen and moss covered rocks which guide your way to the South Fork American River -- your destination easily reached within a half mile from the parking lot trailhead. After you explore the cooling rivers edge, you can return along the trail the same way you came or choose to take the lower loop back up to the parking area.