Folsom Opens Second Phase of the Johnny Cash Trail

The California city of Folsom officially opened the second section of its Johnny Cash Trail over the weekend. The 2.5-mile trail pays tribute to the iconic country music and his famous 1968 album, "At Folsom Prison".

Saturday’s festivities included a ribbon-cutting with a festival, community bike ride, and fun run. Cash’s daughter, Cindy Cash, spoke at the dedication. 

“If my dad could see all of you people here, 14 years after he died, he would say, ‘Why me? Why did everyone do this for me?’ ” she said.

The newest section of trail runs from behind Folsom City Hall to the Folsom Prison Museum. Phase one of the roughly $8 million project was completed about three years ago. The initial phase saw a 1.2-mile segment of the Class I bike trail opened. Saturday’s celebration marked the official opening of the second phase. 

The City of Folsom plans to create a linear public display to honor the country music icon. Eight large pieces of art stationed along the trail will tell Cash’s story. 

Sacramento artist Adam Romo, the Fine Art Studios of Rotblatt-Amrany and RRM Design Group are collaborating on the artwork. Pieces include a pair of 7-foot tall bronze guitar picks at the trailheads, a “Ring of Fire” that will glow like flame, and a four-story statue of Cash, according to the project’s website. 

Additional plans include a 3-acre park and amphitheater to be located at the corner of Folsom Lake Crossing and East Natoma Street.

The public art will cost $8 million and the city is already raising funds. Johnny Cash bike jerseys and commemorative “JCASH50” license plates were for sale at Saturday’s festival. 

Proceeds from the day’s events also went toward the project.

Roughly 600 runners and 150 cyclists participated in the weekend ceremony.