Captivating Activity Connects Folsom and Sacramento

Think “Folsom,” and what comes first to mind? The Man in Black and his famous “Folsom Prison Blues,” of course. The Johnny Cash classic became a No. 1 hit in 1968 when the singer recorded it live among inmates at the penitentiary. Now the City of Folsom is paying tribute with a 2.5-mile bike trail that crosses prison property, sports a bridge designed to resemble the facility’s East Gate guard tower and connects with miles of existing trails. The final segment of the multiyear project opened in October 2017. Still to come: a 3-acre legacy park and interactive public art walk that eventually will hold eight larger-than-life sculptures, including a 40-foot steel rendition of the singer and a “ring of fire” display. Visitors can access the Johnny Cash Trail Art Experience at several points in Folsom or via the American River Bike Trail, which stretches 32 miles to downtown Sacramento. Lightrail transportation for riders and their bicycles (rented or owned) is available between the two cities, making this an easily accessible activity for attendees meeting at Sacramento hotels.