Pilot Hill: Trails and History

Pilot Hill brings together outdoor activities and historical sites dating from the Grange and Gold Rush eras. Cronan Ranch is known for its trails and day trips; Grange Hall, Cemetery, and Bayley House offer different historical highlights. For planning, it’s worth considering the trails and history as separate focuses.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Cronan Ranch Trailhead in Pilot Hill has a total of 12 miles of trails. This figure refers to the combined length of the trails at the trailhead, not the length of a single trail. A corridor trail associated with Cronan Ranch along the South Fork American River runs from Greenwood Creek to Salmon Falls. The mileage refers to the trails at the trailhead, while Greenwood Creek and Salmon Falls mark the endpoints of the corridor trail. Cronan Ranch is intended exclusively for day trips; check current use advisories before you go.

The South Fork American River can be accessed from many points along Highway 49; whitewater rafting and kayaking are possible on the river.

The Acorn Creek Trailhead at Salmon Falls Ranch has a large gravel parking lot and a portable toilet; drinking water is not available there. Be sure to plan your water needs accordingly.

When planning your visit, consider the two trailheads separately: the 12 miles of trails are associated with the Cronan Ranch Trailhead in Pilot Hill; the parking lot, portable toilet, and lack of drinking water apply to the Acorn Creek Trailhead at Salmon Falls Ranch.

Cronan Ranch was transferred to a public trust for recreation and wildlife protection. Recreation and wildlife protection are therefore among the purposes of the area.

History and Landscape

The historical timeline stretches from the Gold Rush through the late 19th century. Pilot Hill Cemetery, also known as Centerville Cemetery, was established in 1850 for the community of Centerville at the start of the Gold Rush. Construction of Bayley House began in 1861; the house was built with 22 rooms. Pilot Hill Grange No. 1 was organized on August 10, 1870, with 29 founding members. The Grange Hall at this site was dedicated on November 23, 1889. There are 19 years between the two Grange dates: they mark the organization of the Grange and the later dedication of the hall, which are distinct events.

The site of California’s first Grange Hall is on State Highway 49, 0.2 miles north of Pilot Hill.

Pilot Hill Cemetery lies in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, amid gently rolling pastures and horse farms. This landscape provides a specific geographic setting for the cemetery; the name Centerville Cemetery connects it to the community for which it was established.

Discover more destinations: Camino, Echo Lake, Placerville, Coloma, Kyburz, South Lake Tahoe, Upper Forni, Rescue

For the broader travel overview: El Dorado.