American River Trail Challenge
A Cub Scout Hiking Incentive Program
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What is the American River Trail Challenge?
What is the American River Trail Challenge?
The American River Trail Challenge is a hiking-based adventure designed for Cub Scouts across the American River District in the Golden Empire Council (California). This program encourages Scouts to get outside, explore local trails, and build meaningful connections with their fellow Pack members while enjoying the natural beauty of our region.
Whether you’re walking along the American River Parkway, exploring a wooded trail in your neighborhood, or tackling a new hike with your Pack or Den, each step counts toward completing the challenge!
Goals of the Program
Goals of the Program
Promote outdoor activity and a healthy lifestyle through hiking
Strengthen community within Packs through shared outdoor adventures
Encourage exploration and appreciation of local parks, nature preserves, and trails
Foster environmental stewardship and a deeper respect for nature
Support advancement by integrating hikes with relevant achievements when possible
How to Earn the Patch
How to Earn the Patch
Participating Packs need to pre-order patches with the District.
Scouts must complete and record five hikes with their Pack within the American River District
Each hike must be a Pack or Troop-organized or Den-approved activity
Hikes should be logged on Scoutbook with dates and location
A Pack or Den Leader must verify participation and submit completion to the Pack's Advancement Chair
Once the five hikes are verified, each Scout who completes the challenge will be awarded the American River Trail Challenge patch to proudly wear on their uniform or display on their camp blanket or sash.
The patches will be ordered on September 1st, 2025. Please contact scouter.jocelyn23@gmail.com if you wish to order for your Pack or Troop.
The patches will be ordered on September 1st, 2025. Please contact scouter.jocelyn23@gmail.com if you wish to order for your Pack or Troop.
Optional Ideas for Packs
Optional Ideas for Packs
Combine hikes with service projects (like trail cleanups or nature restoration)
Include nature observation or geocaching as part of the hike
Celebrate the completion of the challenge with a Pack picnic or recognition ceremony
Where Can We Hike?
Where Can We Hike?
Click on the photos below for more information.
Dave Moore Nature Trail
Dave Moore Nature Trail
"The Dinosaur Hike"
Easy 1 mile loop
Near Lotus, CA
Bassi Falls
Bassi Falls
1.2 mile out-and-back
Near Twin Bridges, CA
Hinkle Creek Nature Area
Hinkle Creek Nature Area
1 mile loop
Near Folsom, CA
New York Creek Nature Area
New York Creek Nature Area
Easy 2.9 mile out-and-back
Near El Dorado Hills, CA
Ceder Park Trail
Ceder Park Trail
Easy 1.1 mile loop
Near Pollock Pines, CA
Old Salmon Falls Bridge
Old Salmon Falls Bridge
Easy 2.8 out-and-back (seasonal)
Near El Dorado Hills, CA
Dutch Creek Falls
Dutch Creek Falls
Moderately Challenging 1.4 mile out-and-back
Near Garden Valley, CA
Monroe Ridge Trail
Monroe Ridge Trail
Moderately Challenging 3.1 mile loop
Near Coloma, CA
Sand Bar Recreational Trail
Sand Bar Recreational Trail
Moderately Challenging 1.4 mile out-and-back
Near Placerville, CA
If you wish to add hikes to this webpage, please contact the webmaster at scouter.jocelyn23@gmail.com.
If you wish to add hikes to this webpage, please contact the webmaster at scouter.jocelyn23@gmail.com.
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