Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

While the hiking season in Butte County is a year-round activity, fall and winter are particularly wonderful seasons for hiking. It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy hiking in California: the valley here has mild temperatures, leaves begin to change around late September through the middle of October, and the large amounts of snow that end hiking season in the High Country have yet to arrive. Here are our suggestions for the best seasonal hikes in and around Chico.

Oroville, CA

The break-taking hike to Phantom Falls is an easy 6.6 mile loop offering views of five waterfalls, which begin to flow just after the first big rain falls around mid-November due to thin soil on top of the Lovejoy Basalt. Because this hike has some cross-country routes, it’s highly recommended to use a reliable map and bring water.

Yahi Trail

Chico, California, United States

An easy 6.7-mile “shuttle’ hike that requires two vehicles since the start and end points of the hikes are not at the same location. The hike is along the most sustainable built trails in Upper Park, crosses Big Chico Creek, and offers tremendous views of the canyon, including Iron Canyon Waterfall.

3207 Rutherford Rd
Gridley, CA

The Gray Lodge Wildlife Area features an easy 2.4 mile stroll that features splashes of color as well as migratory birds and mammals. This area becomes heavily populated with birds as early as mid-October and ends with the Northern migration that happens around early spring. When the birds begin to migrate, the nice leisurely stroll around Gray Lodge becomes a place where you can admire over 300 species of migratory animals, such as snow geese, pelicans, ducks, and cranes.

Magalia, CA

There are several colorful hiking options in the Bureau of Land Management’s Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area. Park at the Doe Mill Bridge and you can either hike upstream (easy) or downstream (easy for the first half-mile, then moderate). Either way, you’ll see lush patches of big-leaf maple and Indian rhubarb during the fall season. The Indian Springs trail (moderate) brings you deep into Butte Creek canyon, but not before treating you to a dense canopy of colorful foliage.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

An easy 5.1-mile hike in Upper Park, it offers beautiful views of Big Chico Creek canyon at any time as well as Lovejoy Falls after significant rains. It also has a newly renovated picnic table where the Simmon’s cabin once stood, conveniently located to have a rest before heading up the steep hill.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

Formerly the Big Chico Creek loop, this is an excellent hike year-round but best when the creek is at lower levels. It’s a moderate 10.5-mile day hike, which crosses the creek and displays just how magnificent Upper Park is.

Petersen Memorial Way
Chico, CA

Lower Bidwell Park features a combination of beautiful native foliage and historical ornamental plantings that absolutely shines in the fall season! There are miles of paved and unpaved trails in Lower Bidwell Park that can be home to your autumn walk or bike ride.

Butte Meadows, CA

A short 3.8 mile hike, Jonesville Canyon features the headwaters of Butte Creek and a small Aspen grove. It’s the lowest in elevation of our High Country hikes and often is inaccessible after significant snowfall in late October.

Butte County, CA

The walk along Paradise Lake is easy and relaxing. You’ll be sure to notice the yellow and caramel leaves of the black oak trees as you stroll along.

3521 14 Mile House Rd
Forest Ranch, CA

The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve protects hundreds of plants and many of them put on quite a fall show! Parking is available for day hikes on 14-Mile House Road off of Highway 32 - just 11 miles north of Highway 99 in Chico.

2488 Cherokee Rd
Oroville, CA

For those interested in a more challenging hike, the Many Waterfalls Loop offers a challenging day hike. At 11.3 miles, the hike features at least 9 waterfalls and up to 14 if you go a few days after a major rainfall. You’ll also be treated to a view of Beatson Hollow, a spot where Bald Eagles have been spotted.