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!
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.
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).
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.
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.
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?