Trail Overview
Set within a rugged pine forest in the Tahoe National Forest, Old Smith Mill - FS 0089-040 is an adventurous out-and-back spur that rewards travelers with striking waterfront views. Accessed from Highway 89, this 2.6-mile route serves as a fantastic excursion for outdoor recreationists looking to reach the scenic reservoir shoreline. The journey begins past a seasonal gate, immediately transitioning into a narrow, unyielding single-track carved into the reddish earth. Hugging the mountainous terrain, the path eventually opens up along a dramatic cliffside, offering sweeping, unobstructed panoramas of the valley and water below. Because of the demanding conditions and steep hillside shelf, this trail moves at a slow, deliberate crawl, ultimately concluding at a dirt turnaround point just above the water's edge. From the terminus, visitors can easily hike down to the shoreline to fish, paddle, or simply relax by the lake.
Difficulty
Earning a technical Grade 3 difficulty rating, this 2.6-mile out-and-back spur features a demanding, rocky dirt surface requiring precise tire placement. Navigating this route involves crawling over loose, chunky cobbles, managing off-camber slopes, and traversing a deep rocky wash early in the drive. Additionally, the track features loose, silty dirt that limits traction and a narrow cliffside segment where side clearance is exceptionally tight. Drivers must maintain steady momentum, employ high clearance to bypass larger embedded boulders, and remain cautious of the exposed drop-offs along the shelf sections.
