Trinity Occupational Training Assists with
West Weaver Creek Trail Development

The West Weaver Creek Trail supports the community’s effort to complete a trail system that will be enjoyed not only by the local community, but also by tourists interested in hiking, running, biking, horseback riding and sightseeing in a close-to-town location.

This particular trail segment is rich in historical and natural features and highlights the overall historic theme of Weaverville. It also links two major residential areas, providing an important alternative transportation route that bypasses Highway 299. There are parking areas at both ends of the trail, on Mill and Oregon Streets, just south of West Weaver Creek.

The West Weaver Creek Trail is located on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM granted Trinity County a 50-year right-of-way for this trail in August 1999. This major milestone was critical, because most of the BLM lands near Weaverville were included in a proposed land trade. Without this 50-year right of way, public access to West Weaver Creek could have been denied by the new landowner. This right-of-way will now remain in existence if/and or when ownership changes.

Trinity County, Trinity County RCD, and Trinity RC&D Council have all attempted to obtain funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Recreational Trail Program (RTP) over the past three years to construct this trail, but the intense statewide competition for funds usually results in the money going to trails with much higher potential usage. The Bureau of Land Management encouraged the Trail Committee to find other ways to establish the trail so that we did not lose the easement. The opportunity to work with TOT and provide our dedicated Trail Volunteers with a project of this magnitude has resulted in a beautiful new section of trail for members of the community and visitors alike.

The vision that was put forth in the Weaverville Basin Trail Master Plan is for a trail on the south side of town that allows people to hike, bike or horseback ride all the way to the Industrial Park. This West Weaver Creek segment is an important first step in this effort. As one new user of this trail told Jim, “This is like a fairy tale trail!” Come check it out. Join the Weaverville Basin Trail Committee on a hike or a workday. Trail enthusiasts meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the RCD office. For more information, or to get on the mailing list, call us at 623-6004 or 623-2009 ext. 3.