Distance: 2.5 miles to river one way; 1 hour down, 2 hours up (hiking)
Difficulty: Easy down, moderate up

This old road provides a wide, easy route from Applegate to the waters of Lake Clementine. Much of the trail is in the shade of conifers and oaks. It affords a bird?s eye view of the Lake Clementine beach area, as well as scenic views up and down the North Fork American River. A side trip can be made to an old lime kiln.

The Applegate Road to Lake Clementine Trail starts just before the black oak on Boole Rd. In less than 300 feet the dirt road reaches a small clearing. Continue straight through the clearing to the trail proper, which is a wide, nicely graded old road that drops gently down the hillside towards the North Folk American River.
The trail alternates between sun and shade, with occasional glimpses of the river through the trees. At approximately 1½ miles, a wide opening is reached where 3 trails meet. The main trail continues downhill on the left. The trail that enters at a 90-degree angle on the right meanders downhill to an old limekiln. A side trip to the lime kiln adds 2 miles round trip.
Before continuing on the main trail, another highly recommended side trip provides some awesome views. To make this short side trip, rather than continuing down the road on the left, walk straight ahead towards the vegetation at the end of the clearing. There is a small narrow path on the left, through the trees and shrubs that leads to a large limestone outcropping. Caution: watch out for poison oak on this trail. This brings you to a small platform atop a limestone outcropping. From this beautiful overlook, views of the Long Point sandbars in the river below and the Long Point Fuel Break Trail on the opposite ridge can be seen. The river is about 450 feet below and about a mile away. The large gravel beach area below, where the main trail will end, as well as the Lake Clementine beach area across the North Fork are also visible.
Back on the main trail, continue down to the beach and river. The trail is wide, and generally shaded but at a slightly steeper grade and not as well graded as the upper portion.
Although the trail is easy down to the river, take an opportunity to relax and cool your feet in the cold river before starting the more difficult trip back. While in mid and late summer the river is rather easy to ford, take extra caution during the spring melt off.