Parkway Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Thomas Barrett Park Mary Gomez Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parkway Park is a beautiful and serene park located in the state of California, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

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Summary

The park is known for its stunning views of the American River, as well as its wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.

One of the main attractions of Parkway Park is its extensive network of trails, which wind through the park's wooded areas and along the river. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or on horseback, and can enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Another popular attraction in Parkway Park is the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, which offers a range of educational programs and exhibits focused on the natural history of the area. The nature center is home to a variety of live animals, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals.

Visitors to Parkway Park can also take advantage of the park's many picnic areas and barbecue grills, which are perfect for a relaxed afternoon with friends and family. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, and visitors can try their luck at catching salmon, trout, and other fish in the American River.

Interesting facts about Parkway Park include its designation as a National Recreation Trail, as well as its role in preserving and protecting the natural beauty of the American River Parkway. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and even the occasional mountain lion.

The best time of year to visit Parkway Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, visitors can enjoy the park year-round, and each season offers its own unique charms and activities.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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