West Pitman Trail, aka, Pittman Pond Trail
After leaving the “Old Spenceville Road/Trail” about 0.4 mile downstream of the parking area and the concrete bridge, the trail ambles over a small ridge and then drops down to Pittman Pond. Open meadows and oaks share the gentle ridge and valley.
Pittman Pond is one of the larger ones in the WA and one of the better fishing sites for bass and perch.
One of the best ponds in the area is Horeshoe Pond...
DESCRIPTION:
1.3 miles; Moderate; Elevations: 350’-480’; Time: 45 minutes; Tread: single-track, but mostly free of rocks and roots. Trailheads: southern end on Old Spenceville Road just down Dry Creek from the gate on the North Pittman Road. Northern trailhead intersects with the Bunker Trail about 0.2 miles west of North Pittman Road. Open to Equestrian and Hikers.
A short distance to the east of the trail North Pittman Road (administrative use) parallels the trail and is available to mountain bikers. Hikers and Equestrian users too, but why pass up the delightful trail? The WA headquarters sits on the road and can be seen from the trail but is a field station not available to public
This trail provides access to Bunker and North Valley Trails and a little further north you can access Four Ponds and Walsh Trails. One of the best ponds in the area is Horeshoe Pond that lies immediately to the right (east) on the North Pittman Road after the single-track trail ties into the administrative road. A few rustic picnic tables under the oaks makes this pond a pleasant visit. Fishing opportunities are good too.
A small variation I enjoy on the southern end, is a secondary trail about another 0.4 mile downstream along Dry Creek along that trail. The faint trail climbs to the right (north) along a small swale with three tiny ponds that provide fertile wildlife habitat. It ties into the South Pittman Trail on the saddle above Pittman Pond.
Pittman Pond is one of the larger ones in the WA and one of the better fishing sites for bass and perch. Be prepared for dense water plants during summers.
DIRECTIONS:
To West Pitman Trail, aka, Pittman Pond Trail
From the east and Grass Valley: Drive 12.5 miles via Highway 20 west of the Highway 49/Highway 20 intersection in Grass Valley. Continue to the black-topped Beale Air Force Base road (Hammonton Road). Turn left (south) and drive 3.8 miles to Smartville Road Turn left again (south) on the blacktopped road and drive 1.8 miles to graveled Waldo Road. Follow south until cross the Waldo Bridge and then left again onto Spenceville Road. Trailhead parking and a small camping site just before it lies another 2.3 miles. Park near the old concrete bridge. Follow the “Old Spenceville Road/Trail” west, downstream for 0.4 miles to the South Pittman Trailhead.
From the west and Marysville: Follow Highway 20 towards Grass Valley and east as it climbs into the Sierra Foothills. After 15 miles turn right (south) onto the Beal Air Force Base road (Hammonton Road). After leaving the highway follow the directions above.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
Ambles up the rise across the small draw west of the North Pittman Road. Makes great connections to several nearby trails
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
Great meadows, ponds, swarthy old oaks.
