The Lake Natoma Loop Trail is an 11-mile loop around Lake Natoma in Folsom that works well for dogs with varying fitness levels. The path has gentle elevation changes and takes you past wooden bridges crossing Willow Creek and Alder Creek—good stopping points where you can catch your breath and take photos. The real draw for dogs is the shoreline access. There are plenty of spots where your dog can wade or swim in the lake on hot days. Bring a towel, because they will get wet and want to shake off right next to you.

The trail sees a steady mix of dog walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers, so you’ll likely run into other people out with their dogs. Keep your dog leashed throughout since cyclists come through regularly and sometimes move fast. It’s one of those trails where staying aware of what’s happening around you makes the experience better for everyone.

Parking gives you several options depending on which section you want to start from. Old Town Folsom is the most convenient if you want to begin near the Lake Natoma Inn—you can access the trail right from that area. If you prefer a different entry point, there are fee parking areas at Willow Creek and Nimbus Flats. There’s also the option of taking the light rail to the Iron Point station if you want to combine some public transit with your hike, which can be fun if your dog travels well on trains.

The section with the creeks feels more forested and shaded, which is nice during summer months. The open shoreline stretches offer different scenery. Most of the trail is easy enough that you could do the whole loop in an afternoon, though many people break it into shorter segments depending on their dog’s energy level and the day’s heat. Plan for extra time if your dog is the type to stop frequently for sniffs and water breaks.