One of California's best-kept secrets lies quietly amid Sacramento's bustling streets: the Lower American River. While many Sacramentans enjoy a sunny day paddling down its waters or picnicking at Discovery Park, far fewer are aware of its many hidden trails and access points waiting to be explored.
Now you can traverse these trails, thanks to Ashley Shult Langdon, a local mother and outdoor enthusiast whose debut book, Mildly Scenic: A Trail Guide to Sacramento's Lower American River, offers readers a fresh way to discover the beauty right in their backyard.
A Pandemic Project Turned Passion
Langdon's journey toward writing Mildly Scenic began during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools, playgrounds, and museums closed, Langdon faced the challenge of keeping her young sons active and engaged.
She was searching for wide-open spaces where her kids could burn off energy. She also needed those places to be close to home. Long car trips to well-known — but far-off — hiking destinations were out of the question with young children who did not want to spend half the day in the car. So Langdon began seeking wild spaces within Sacramento County, turning the situation into an opportunity to explore the hidden corners of the lower American River.
Langdon's first instinct was to pick up a book of hikes to get started. While she found several books about the American River Parkway, Langdon couldn't find one that offered what she needed: those secret "local" spots where she could adventure with kids.
She had to discover the trails and spots off the beaten path herself.
Over the course of six months, she and her boys spent mornings discovering secret trails, climbing trees, and splashing in the river. For Langdon, these outings weren't just about survival—they were a way to reconnect with nature, stay sane, and, ultimately, uncover something magical about her home city.
Sacramento author Ashley Shult Langdon debuts Mildly Scenic: A Trail Guide to Sacramento's Lower American River. Image courtesy of Instagram.com/mildly_scenic
The Mildly Scenic Treasures of the Lower American River
The American River Parkway, which stretches from Folsom Lake to downtown Sacramento, is a state and federally-designated wild and scenic river. It offers a ribbon of green that threads through the city. However, much of its charm lies in the lesser-known dirt trails, hidden coves, and off-the-beaten-path access points Mildly Scenic brings to life.
"It's the guide I wished I had at my disposal in 2020," Langdon said.
Langdon's book offers a curated selection of more than 70 trails, many of which are unfamiliar even to seasoned locals. From grassy meadows and rocky washes to shady wooded paths and sandy riverbanks, Mildly Scenic showcases the diverse beauty of the lower American River in a way that appeals to everyone—from families seeking an easy picnic spot to avid runners craving a quick five-mile trail loop.
Langdon's guide divides the river into 18 distinct access points, each serving as a launchpad for bite-sized adventures. The routes range from short, child-friendly paths to more adventurous loops, offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. The book also covers parking fees, entry points, and seasonal trail tips.
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Local Support Helps Bring Trail Book to Life
Writing and self-publishing a guidebook during a pandemic was no small feat, but Langdon found support from unexpected places. After visiting East Village Bookshop, a local bookstore owned by fellow guidebook author Sabrina Nishijima, the idea for Mildly Scenic was born. Nishijima, who authored 1001 Things to Do with Kids in Sacramento, encouraged Langdon to put her months of river exploration into writing.
Langdon partnered with Sacramento State's Geography Department to create the book's maps. What began as a cold call to the department seeking map help became a semester-long class project. The geography students, under the guidance of their professor, transformed Langdon's notes and GPS coordinates into professional-grade maps that make it easy for anyone to navigate the trails.
You can find Mildly Scenic at East Village Bookshop and many other Sacramento-area bookstores.
A River Trail Guide that Celebrates the Changing Seasons
One of the standout features of Mildly Scenic is its attention to the river's seasonal changes. Langdon's tips help readers plan their visits based on the time of year, ensuring that each adventure is tailored to the conditions. For example, a sunny winter morning might be perfect for a brisk walk along the river, while summer visitors are directed to shady trails and cool swimming spots to escape the heat.
Whether you're looking to spot river otters during your lunch break or enjoy a quiet run beneath the oak trees, Langdon's guide has something for everyone. It provides a much-needed resource for Sacramentans who may feel intimidated by venturing off the paved bike path. As Langdon notes, many of the trails in her guide are located in plain sight but remain underutilized simply because they haven't been properly mapped—until now.
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Langdon's Love Letter to Sacramento
While Mildly Scenic is a practical tool for hikers, runners, and families, it's also a love letter to Sacramento's natural beauty. Langdon, who has traveled the world, found that some of the most captivating wild spaces were right in her own backyard.
Mildly Scenic's name is a play on the Lower American River's state and federal designation as a "wild and scenic" river. While it may not possess the grandeur of the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park, Langdon's love of the "mild and scenic" river destination.
With Mildly Scenic, Langdon has gifted her fellow Sacramentans a chance to reconnect with nature, one bite-sized adventure at a time.
Ready to Explore?
Mildly Scenic offers the perfect trail guide for Sacramentans looking to explore their city in a new way. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a family looking for an easy afternoon outing, Langdon's book is packed with everything you need to make the most of Sacramento's hidden wilderness. So grab your copy, lace up your hiking shoes, and discover the mildly scenic wonders right in your backyard.