This trail is over 40 miles in length with many shorter loop options.

The trail is mostly level except where it climbs up to and descends from Oroville Dam, where it gains about 700 feet in under 2 miles. On the western side of the dam, the trail is narrow with many twists and turns and has been used as a “Downhill Race Course”.

The bulk of the “Freeman Trail” is gravel service roads that surround the Diversion Pool (Foothills), Forebay and Afterbay (Valley).

Potter’s Ravine Trail

This trail is listed as 5.5 miles in length and loops past Potter’s Point North West of the dam. Access is from the western terminus of the road across Oroville Dam. There are two trails that climb northerly; both take you to the same gate to access Potter’s and Northfork Trails. The first trail is not as challenging as the second. Please close the gate behind you. The descent from the gate includes a sharp switchback followed shortly by an intersection with the “Handicap Access Trail”. The next landmark is a wooden bridge just before the intersection of “Cut Across Trail”, Potter’s continues to the right.

The next intersection encountered will be “Dead Cow Trail”, continue ahead on Potter’s to the bench that marks the “Potter’s Point Trail”, a nice out (descent) and back (climb).

From the bench the trail climbs an old jeep road until it once again meets “Dead Cow Trail” it then drops down to intersect with the “Cut Across/North Fork Trails”, a left turn will drop you down Cut Across and back to the bridge. Turn right to ride “North Fork Trail”.

Dead Cow Trail

“Dead Cow” is about two miles and can be a fast descent (north to south) or a grueling climb.

North Fork Trail

The “North Fork Trail” is about ten miles and is an “Out and Back”. Landmarks include a gate, stream crossing, picnic table and a horse-watering trough. This trail has very nice views of the lake.

Access is the same as Potter’s Ravine Trail. After the bridge, continue up Cut Across Trail, which climbs to the northern intersection with Potter’s.

Bidwell Canyon Trail

The five mile “Bidwell Canyon Trail” runs between the eastern side of Oroville Dam and the “Saddle Dam Day Use Area” off Kelly Ridge Road. The trail has long steep climbs up to the Visitor Center.

 Beginners may enjoy doing an out and back on the “Relatively level” section from the Saddle Dam Day Use Area to the Bidwell Campgrounds entrance.