New Folsom Bike Trail An Homage To Johnny Cash

Fans wearing all black came out for the groundbreaking of the 2.5-mile Johnny Cash trail, which will eventually link El Dorado and Placer Counties to Folsom’s historic district and the American River Parkway.

They got a surprise visit from the singer’s daughter Cindy Cash, who sat in with a cover band and talked.

“It’s part of dad, it defines him to some people. People think he was in prison because he played Folsom prison," Cash said. "That’s been a myth for his whole career that we’ve had to straighten out.”

Folsom Mayor Kerri Howell says naming the trail after Cash was a no brainer.

“When people ask me where I’m from, I say Folsom, and nine out of ten people within ten seconds make the connection to Folsom Prison and Johnny Cash," said Howell.

Almost 50 years later, new fans are discovering Cash’s musical legacy… and his Folsom connection.

“About three weeks before he passed away he received his double platinum of Folsom Prison Blues," Cash said. "I haven't told anybody that yet, because he gave it to me right before he passed away and it's hanging in my house.”

Phase one of the project,  a $3.8 million bridge-overcrossing modeled after the prison’s iconic East Gate guard towers, will open to the public this fall

--By Cody Drabble

Cindy Cash, daughter of Johnny Cash, poses with a cover band at the groundbreaking of a 2.5-mile bike trail named after the legendary singer. Cody Drabble / Capital Public Radio

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday for the Johnny Cash Trail Bike in Folsom. Cody Drabble / Capital Public Radio

Cindy Cash, daughter of Johnny Cash, attended a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday  for the 2.5-mile bike trail named after her legendary father. Cody Drabble / Capital Public Radio

Cindy Cash, daughter of Johnny Cash, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the 2.5-mile bike trail named after her legendary father. Cody Drabble / Capital Public Radio