Whenever I have the opportunity to take young people on the trails, I choose the Rochford area. Here is an area filled with mining and railroad history that in some places is still quite evident. Look for an old restored church. Look for evidence of mining and old cabins. Castle Creek is a beautiful feature of the area and Rapid Creek falls is a great place to stop for a picnic.
If you have time for a hamburger stop at Moonshine Gulch Saloon. If you want to do some shopping try the Small of America.
Back Road Drives Out of TRAILHEAD:
Decimal Degrees: 44.1072,-103.6529