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Print Friendly MapThe South Fork River Trail follows the dry waterway through Santa Clarita, providing many of its residential communities with access to the area's great trail network. Easily accessed from Placerita Junior High School near its southern end, the trail additionally provides a non-motorized transit option for students.
The trail's northern end occupies a former Southern Pacific Railroad corridor, and a railroad trestle from 1898 has been restored for trail use. Vistas of the surrounding hills and dry riverbed from this section of the trail are framed by the roller coasters of nearby Six Flags Magic Mountain.
North of the steel railroad trestle, a trail roundabout seamlessly links the trail with the San Francisquito Creek Trail. At McBean Parkway, a quick trip north over the bridge leads to the Santa Clara River Trail, which heads east on the north side of the river. Pick up the Chuck Pontius Commuter Trail at Valencia Boulevard instead to follow the Metrolink commuter rail line to points east.
Parking for the South Fork River Trail is available at the new Iron Horse Trailhead (25311 Magic Mountain Parkway) in Santa Clarita. The large trailhead features a dedicated equestrian staging area and horse trailer parking.
This trail is one of the many beautifully maintained connected trails in Santa Clarita. It runs through basically residential areas with the dry river bed on one side. (At least it is dry in now, in February). I think this would be a more scenic trail in the summer when the trees have leaves. However, there is a certain beauty to the dry riverbed. It follows along the power lines and provides a flat, smooth surface perfect for easy biking, running and generally any kind of "rolling" be it skateboards or roller blades. There is usually a separate lane for pedestrians making it very safe for runners and walkers.
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