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Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Susanville, California · Lassen County

Overview The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Non-Motorized Trail follows the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville, California to Mason Station. For the first 16 miles, the trail follows the Susan River. As it winds through the rugged Susan Rive…

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About Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Overview The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Non-Motorized Trail follows the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville, California to Mason Station. For the first 16 miles, the trail follows the Susan River. As it winds through the rugged Susan River Canyon, the trail crosses the river 12 times on bridges and trestles and passes through two tunnels. The landscape is a combination of semi-arid canyon and upland forests of pine and fir. Most of the trail traverses the Susan River Canyon with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and reminders of the railroad and logging days of the past. The remarkable autumn colors and scenery along the Bizz Johnson Trail earned it one of eight feature spots on the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy's 1997 "Fall Foliage on the Web" rail-trails guide. Download a brochure and map of the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail See more photos of the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail Rails to Trails Festival The annual Rails to Trails Festival is held yearly in October at 601 Richmond Road in Susanville, Ca. The Festival is held by the Lassen Lands and Trails Trust yearly at the Historic Railroad Depot across from the Bizz Johnson Susanville Trailhead. For more information contact the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office at 530-257-0456 or visit the Lassen Lands and Trails Trust (LLTT) website. Click here for more information about the Rails To Trails Festival Trail Information There are no fees required. Please pack out what you pack in along the trail. Recreation opportunities include: Hiking, Mountain biking, Horseback riding (for those who own or bring their own), Fishing, Swimming, Cross-country skiing, Snowmobile riding (west of Devils Corral only), Wildflower viewing, Wildlife viewing, Bird watching and Dog walking To protect natural resources and provide a safe recreation experience for all, certain regulations are in effect along the trail. Please obey posted sign

How to Get There

FROM RENO: Take Highway 395 North about 85 miles until it turns toward Alturas. Continue straight on the main roadway (which becomes Highway 36) into Susanville. Follow Main Street to the stop light at the bottom of the hill by Historic Uptown Susanville. Turn left on Weatherlow Street (which becomes Richmond Road) and follow 1/2 mile across Susan River to Susanville Railroad Depot Trailhead and Visitor Center.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail

Heading to Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail?

No central reservation system listed for Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14883) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail?

FROM RENO: Take Highway 395 North about 85 miles until it turns toward Alturas. Continue straight on the main roadway (which becomes Highway 36) into Susanville. Follow Main Street to the stop light at the bottom of the hill by Historic Uptown Susanville. Turn left on Weatherlow Street (which becomes Richmond Road) and follow 1/2 mile across Susan River to Susanville Railroad Depot Trailhead and V…

How do I contact Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail?

You can reach the park at phone: 530-257-0456 or email: BLM_CA_Web_EL@blm.gov.