Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Twain Harte is a rustic California mountain town full of fragrant pines, serene lakes, and rugged peaks. Though small, Twain Harte punches above its weight class when it comes to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing. The town adapts with the seasons and rolls out a solid lineup of festivals highlighting local foods and wine to holiday-inspired festivities, including the Winter Wonderland and the local Easter Egg Hunt.

In downtown you’ll find the iconic Twain Harte Arch beckoning locals and visitors to explore the boutique shops and eateries that line the main street. Sonora and Columbia, just two of California’s historic Gold Rush towns, are a short drive away, where you can learn about the rich history embedded in the county. And if you’re looking for the day trip to end all day trips, the waterfalls, rivers, and majestic granite rock formations of Yosemite National Park are less than 90 minutes down the road.

The summer and fall seasons are some of the best times to visit Twain Harte as the balmy weather makes conditions great for enjoying the mountain town’s favorite outdoor recreational activities. On the third Saturday of May, the town holds Twain Harte a la Carte, featuring food and wine from local restaurants and winemakers. The Annual Arts and Wine Festival, typically held during the last weekend in July, is a popular summer event that boasts arts and crafts booths with unique shopping opportunities and wine tasting.

In the colder months, powder-soft snow blankets the towering pines and small town streets of Twain Hare, transforming it into a wintry mountain utopia. Twain Harte is also near ski areas and snow parks, offering downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and the chance to glide down the snowy slopes on an inner tube. During the first Friday evening in December, the holiday spirit animates the town as Twain Harte hosts their Winter Wonderland Parade and Tree Lighting.

Eproson Park

Located off Meadow Lane, in downtown Twain Harte, is Eproson Park, home to hiking trails, a community garden, bocce courts, picnic areas, and a skate park. The park is also a picturesque spot for enjoying tennis, baseball, a kids’ playground, and several local events, including Concerts in the Pines and the community Easter Egg Hunt.

Pinecrest Lake

Just a 20-minute drive from Twain Harte lies Pinecrest Lake, a breathtaking lake and an especially popular spot for boating, fishing, and enjoying a peaceful paddle across the water. Dense forests of white firs, sugar pines, and cedar trees cocoon the lake, which also features a sandy beach, where you can lay out and take in the spectacular scenery.

Columbia State Historic Park

Situated amidst the oak woodlands at the base of the Sierra Nevada range, around 16 miles west of Twain Harte, is the Columbia State Historic Park. The former Gold Rush town became a state park in 1945, and it features exhibitions and a collection of gold rush-era structures. Preserved to represent its peak in the mid-19th century, downtown Columbia will take you on a time-traveling journey to the past.