Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

The Middleridge Trail is located in Fair Oaks, CA. It’s roughly 2.8 miles with 328 feet of elevation gain. The day I ran, I ended up doing 5.3 miles, so you can tell I got lost.

The Middleridge Trail is located in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. In the same area, I ran the Folsom Lake Trail Half Marathon Race Recap (2:03) and ran Running at Folsom Lake. There is a lot to do in Fair Oaks and Folsom, and if you find yourself around the area, I highly suggest it.

Parking for the Middleridge Trail is easy. When I arrived, I got the last parking spot, plus it was free!

Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

What is there to do a Folsom Lake State Recreation Area?

So much…

  • Viewing the Folsom Powerhouse, which was once the greatest operative electrical plant on the American Continent. From 1885-1952 it produced 11,000 volts of electricity for Sacramento!
  • Hiking and running. Not limited to the Middleridge Trail, there are plenty of trails around.
  • 32-mile long bike path
  • Camping
  • Picnicking
  • Horseback riding
  • Water-skiing
  • Boating: Folsom Lake Marina is the only marina at the lake open year-round.
  • Fishing. There is actually plenty to fish, including trout, catfish, big and smallmouth bass, or perch.Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

My experience on the Middleridge Trail:

You can find a trail map here. I got to the Middleridge Trail around 2 pm. I set out for a 2-3 mile run. I knew that was about what this trail is, so I was excited to run around. I followed the single track. Shortly after, a few mountain bikers flew by me. Many bikers use the trail, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings (it always is anyway).

Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

I made my way up to the top and got a beautiful view of Lake Natoma. From there, I worked my way back down. I planned to “just head back.” It was getting hot, and that seemed ideal. Somehow I missed my turn back onto the Middleridge Trail. I expected to run between 3 and maybe 4 at the very most.

When I got to mile 4 with no end in sight, I knew I had some issues., My phone was dying (rude). I put it in my car (I always drop a pin where my car is for easy directions). It said I was .8 away. I followed it back, and for whatever reason, it was slightly off picking up other signals. When I got to 4.8 with no end in sight and my phone saying I “was there,” I just kept going.

Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

Finally, around 5.3, I saw the path open up to the roads for parking of the Middleridge Trail. I felt like I had seen the best thing ever: i.e., my car. It was 90 degrees, and I was done. Despite it “only be a 5.3-mile run”, it wasn’t the plan, and my body was done with the run.

Getting Lost on the Middleridge Trail (Fair Oaks, CA)

In all, running at Middleridge Trail was great, and I did enjoy the views. If you’re in the area, I highly suggest it!

You can see all trail runs and hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you been to the Middleridge Trail or Folsom Recreation Area?

When was the last time you got lost?