The first stage of the ride travels on a single track trail along<br />
the historic Centerville flumes that were built during the gold<br />
rush period of the late 1800's and early 1900's<br />
(for more history visit the Centerville Museum).<br />
Most of the first half flume trail is dirt but the latter half is<br />
mostly 1 foot wide metal platforms on top of the flumes.<br />
<br />
Some of these metal platforms are very long, possibly 1/2 mile in length.<br />
For a shorter ride there are bridges at several locations along the first half<br />
that connect to roads leading up to Centerville Rd and back to Centerville.<br />
Depending on your skill level the metal platforms can be ridden by bike <br />
but some are a bit wobbly so if you are at all uncertain of the situation it<br />
is best to walk across them.<br />
<br />
The views from the flume trail are quite spectacular.<br />
The hillside is so steep that nothing man made, other than the flumes themselves,<br />
can be seen in any direction.<br />
There are many waterfalls along the cliffs and the sound of the raging river<br />
can be heard below.<br />
At about half way along the flumes you can see several gigantic rock formations that<br />
protrude hundreds of feet out from the forest and are flat on either side.<br />
<br />
There are rattle snakes in these areas (tall grass, rocks) so keep an<br />
ear out for their hissing rattle.<br />
<br />
At the end of the flume trail is the De Sabla Powerhouse.<br />
Up De Sabla Powerhouse Rd is an almost 1500 ft 4-5 mile grind up to Magalia.<br />
At the top it is short trip to the De Sabla Reservoir to cool off in the water.<br />
<br />
From Magalia the fastest way down is along Humbug, Nimshew and then Centerville road.<br />
The first section is paved but most of Centerville road is a dirt.<br />
The road can get quite bumpy at times but for the most part it is decently<br />
maintained.<br />
<br />
Once back at Centerville it is a short walk down to the Centerville Powerhouse for<br />
a swim in the refreshing water.
The trail starts/ends at Centerville, CA.<br /><br />Coming in towards Chico on Hwy 99 take the exit for the Skyway towards Paradise.<br /><br />Turn left on to Honey Run and then left on to Centerville Rd.<br /><br />Park along the road in front of the old Centerville school house and the museum.<br /><br />If you see the cemetery you have gone too far.
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