History and Hiking
Learn the history, then hike through where it happened.
This post includes Georgetown and Volcanoville newspaper clippings from 1896 – 1958.
A trails list and links to additional reading and community resources are at the end.
Enjoy!
Georgetown
Is the Georgetown Hotel Haunted? [FrightFind.com]
Volcanoville
1897 Oakdale Graphic
Hiking Trails
Quarry Trail
This wide, level and easy, 5.6-mile trail connects Hwy. 49 to Poverty Bar. It follows the route of an old, Gold Rush-era flume – a man-made channel used to convey and harness the power of river water for hydraulic gold mining operations. Part of this trail was later used as the Mountain Quarries railroad, which transported limestone from the adjacent quarry. Elevations average approximately 700’ along the length of the trail.
Stagecoach Trail
Originally a stagecoach line built in 1852, this “moderate up, easy down,” 1.8-mile trail connects the Confluence to Russel Rd. and offers spectacular bird’s eye views of the Confluence Area and the American River canyon. From the Confluence, the Stagecoach Trail begins at an elevation of 567’, climbing to a maximum, ending elevation of 1,256’.
PG&E Road Trail
This “moderate-up, easy-down,” 1.3-mile trail offers spectacular views of the Middle Fork American River, as well as present and past limestone quarrying operations. This trail is best accessed from the Quarry Trail. There is no parking available at the upper end of the trail. Elevations range from approximately 700’ to 1,300’.
Olmstead Loop Trail
This easy to moderate, 8.8-mile loop parallels Hwy. 49 near the Town of Cool on one side and the American River Canyon on the other. It passes through rolling oak woodlands and includes canyon
More Local Links
Sierra Nevada Geotourism
Georgetown
Articles, Books & Blogs
Adventures in History – Trey & Monica Pitsenberger
Legends of America – Volcanoville
Miscellaneous
Mine Data – Josephine & Shields Mine
Georgetown Divide History Facebook Group
Map of Georgetown Divide, El Dorado County showing portions of the Placerville and Forest Hill Divide with the ditches, mines, and other properties of the California Water Company.
University Falls YouTube Video
University Falls is 11 miles east of Georgetown, Ca. About a 3-mile hike down to the falls themselves, the last 30 – 400 yards is pretty steep with a rutted trail.
Publication researched and prepared by Lisa Redfern
