Italian Bar Access is the trailhead for a historic 2. 12-mile miners' trail descending steeply (with sections up to 35% slope) to the North Fork of the American River, offering river access for paddling and scrambling along the riverbank.

The rocky road to the trailhead requires high-clearance vehicles and is located approximately 30 miles from Interstate 80 via Foresthill Road and Humbug Ridge Road. Water is not reliably available along the trail, so visitors should bring their own supply.