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Short hike over the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River on a suspension bridge that leads to some old irrigation systems.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Point to Point

2,156' 657 m

High

2,065' 629 m

Low

106' 32 m

Up

30' 9 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

24%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fishing · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views

Family Friendly The Potwisha-Middle Fork is family friendly as it provides access to the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River where people can enjoy swimming in the river in the Summer time.

The area can be accessed as long as the General's Highway to Potwisha is open.

Description

The Potwisha-Middle Fork Trail is a short trail that provide access to the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River before climbing up the hillside to an old irrigation system. The trail leaves the far end of the parking lot that is on the right side of the road as you approach the Potwisha campground. The trail crosses through an area with some boulders. Here, people break off and find places to hang out along the river so that they can swim during the heat of the summer. Summer in the foothills is very hot, so make sure you bring sunscreen, head coverings or hats, and bug spray. Continuing upstream, the trail crosses the river via a suspension bridge and provides access to more space to swim. If you follow the trail to the right, the trail approaches an old pipe that carried water from the irrigation ditch down to the river. The trail climbs up a couple of switchbacks to the top of the hill where an old irrigation system sits there. You can see how the concrete structure winds around the hillside and old sluice gates that controlled the water flow. You can enjoy views of the surrounding hillsides and look down on the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. After exploring the irrigation system, you can return to the river to swim and then back to your car. You can make this a short little trip or turn it into a full day adventure hanging out by the river.

Flora & Fauna

Deers and turkeys can be seen in the area, especially in the early morning or evenings. Bears can be seen in the area, so make sure to lock up your food or keep an eye on it when you are at the river.

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#1

in Foothills

#7699

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Foothills

#638

in California

#7,699

Overall
16 Views Last Month
472 Since Aug 11, 2020
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Trailhead
Jun 26, 2023 near Three R…, CA
The swinging bridge crossed the river.  The river is a popular spot in the summer as people try to cool off.
Aug 15, 2020 near Three R…, CA
A small waterfall above the swinging bridge flows fast even in the summer.
Aug 15, 2020 near Three R…, CA
Old sluice gates sit at the end of the trail.
Aug 15, 2020 near Three R…, CA

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Check-Ins

Apr 2, 2021
Kristy Van
walked along irrigation to heavy water rock fall area. saw lots of red lizards in the irrigation channel
Aug 8, 2020
David Hitchcock
Nice hike across a swinging bridge up to the old sluice gates above the river. 0.4mi
Oct 19, 2018
Scott Crane
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