The Old Flume Trail

I'm excited to announce a historical trail hike led by Dale Ferm.

Meet at the James Sierra Gateway Market at 9:00 am.
13432 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238

Trailhead is across from camp 3
35.80809, -118.45274

You can find this trail on Alltrails

This historic 100 year old trail is in fairly good condition. It is somewhat rocky and meanders up and down following along above the Kern River. Some areas have tall grass and there is poison oak in the area. Long pants are recommended. The hike is rated medium hard. Elevation gain will be approximately 1500 feet.
Trail is 4 miles out and 4 miles back for a total of 8 miles.
There are wildflowers on the hillsides including poppies in the spring. Most of the trail is about 800 feet above the Kern River so there are incredible views

The Old Flume Trail offers a rugged, scenic journey through local history, hugging the canyon walls high above the Kern River. This 8-mile out-and-back trek is a fantastic choice for hikers looking for consistent views and a solid physical challenge.
Trail Overview

* Distance: 8 miles total (out and back)
* Difficulty: Medium-Hard
* Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
* Location: High above the Kern River corridor

more details:
Steeped in history, this century-old trail remains in remarkably good condition, though it maintains a "wild" feel. The path is somewhat rocky and meanders with a rhythmic "up and down" flow rather than a steady climb. For the majority of the hike, you’ll be perched roughly 800 feet above the river, providing a constant bird’s-eye view of the churning water below.
Seasonal Highlights
If you visit during the spring, the hillsides transform into a vibrant gallery of wildflowers, with bright orange poppies stealing the show against the green slopes.
Pro Tips & Safety

* Dress Code: The trail passes through sections of tall grass where poison oak is common. Long pants are highly recommended to protect your legs.
* Footwear: Due to the rocky terrain, sturdy boots with good ankle support will make the "up and down" sections much more comfortable.
* Sun Prep: Since you're on the canyon side, shade can be sparse; bring plenty of water and sun protection.

*** PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY *** No one in the group is a guide or in any way responsible for your comfort or safety. Please be prepared with adequate gear and supplies for the trip. Please remember that going out into wilderness has risks associated with it and you should be aware and prepared to address any changes in weather, road conditions or to look out for/avoid random acts of nature, including insects, wild animals and natural hazards. It is your responsibility to evaluate the difficulty of any activity you participate in, and decide whether you are prepared by having the experience, skill, knowledge, equipment, and the physical and emotional stamina to safely participate.

*** WAIVER OF LIABILITY *** The Organizers and members in this group are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Kern Valley Hiking Club Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities.

By RSVPing you and those you bring with you as your guests ARE agreeing to the above statements.

Updated Ten Essential Systems for Hikers
Navigation: map, compass, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
Headlamp: plus extra batteries
Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
First aid: including foot care & insect repellent
Knife: plus gear repair kit
Fire: matches, lighter
Shelter: (can be a light emergency blanket or bivy)
Extra food & water: Beyond the minimum expectation
Extra clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation
The exact items from each system that you take can be tailored to the trip you’re taking. For example, on a short day hike that’s easy to navigate you might choose to take a map, compass and PLB, but leave your GPS behind. When deciding what to bring, consider factors like weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help.