Empire Mine, Penn Gate

Ever popular with local equestrians, the Penn Gate trailhead provides ample parking for horse trailers and their associated vehicles.

Directions: The trailhead is adjacent to the Penn Gate parking area (N39.20940 W121.05714). From Grass Valley, take Highway 49 to the Empire Street exit. Proceed east on Empire Street 0.6 miles to the Penn Gate parking lot on the right side of the street at the intersection of Empire Street and Empire Court.  

By following the Hardrock and connecting trails, you can loop the Hardrock Trail Area. It is about a 2.4 mile circuit with less than 150 feet of net elevation gain and loss.You can access the Hardrock Trail from Penn Gate and loop around the walled historic area of the park.