 Trail Manager: Bear Yuba Land Trust Preserve Trail | Contact info@bylt.org / (530) 272-5994
Length: 0.6 mile one way
Altitude Change: 280′
Trail Surface: Natural Earth
Rules: Foot and bike only. Dogs on leash. No motorized vehicles. Stay on the trail; respect private property. Hikers and mountain bikers watch for each other and pass safely. Out and back only. At “End of Trail” sign, take trail extension loop (opposite the sign) through the Woodpecker Preserve.
Trailhead: Park at the Cascade Canal Trailhead (N39.24097 W120.99847). The parking area is located on the east side of Gracie Road about 700′ downhill from the intersection of Gracie Road and Banner Lava Cap Road. Take the spur trail up, then walk, turn left at the top of the hill, then walk about 0.75 mile east on the Banner-Cascade trail and look on your left for the trail sign to the Orene Wetherall Trail (N39.24369 W120.98742).
Trail Facts: This trail is a refreshing out-and-back side trip that branches off the popular Cascade Canal Trail on Banner Mountain east of Nevada City. The trail is located on the Woodpecker Preserve, a 28 acre parcel of land donated by local community leaders to Bear Yuba Land Trust, and was built by volunteers with donated funding. You may spot wildlife in this area since it is a nature preserve, and on clear days you will have some good views toward Nevada City and the mountains beyond. Dedicated in June 2010, this attractive trail was named by long-time Nevada City attorney William B. Wetherall in memory of his late wife Orene. Mr. Wetherall at age 99 was present at the trail dedication and walked the full length of the trail that day. Please do not go beyond the sign marked “End of Trail” or attempt to access the base of the trail through local neighborhood roads or the D-S canal. Instead, continue on the main trail opposite this sign for the full loop trail.
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