With the Plumas and Lassen National Forests bordering the east, Bidwell Park running through Chico on the west, and Lake Oroville in the south, Butte County has miles of biking and hiking trails running throughout the region. So many, in fact, it’s nearly impossible to list them all--from easy to expert, urban to rural, there’s a trail for every activity and every skill level. You could spend a lifetime exploring them, and the locals definitely take advantage of their ability to do so!

If you’re visiting, though, you don’t have a lifetime to explore. Maybe you’re lucky to have a few days, or maybe it’s just an afternoon. Either way, you should know the best trails to experience while you’re in Butte County. So we reached out to a few of our local experts for their recommendations on trails worth traveling for.

If it's water fun you're looking for, you'll find endless opportunities in Butte County. With the Sacramento River to the west and the Feather River weaving through the county--filling Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Forebay and Thermalito Afterbay--you have plenty of water recreation options to choose from. For something unique to the area, we recommend that you head to Chico's Bidwell Park along Big Chico Creek for the best urban swimming holes in California.

After a long day hiking some of the best trails, on the water, or discovering Butte County on two wheels, you'll definitely need to refuel. Enjoy great restaurants with a delicious drink menu (or fun bars with a great food selection) to relax and get ready for your next adventure.