2012 Map of French Corral

About this map

The Bridgeport Covered Bridge spans the S Yuba River at a critical point where the landscape transitions from high ridges like Kentucky Ridge to deep river canyons. This area of Nevada County preserves a rugged settlement pattern defined by 19th-century mining and ranching hubs, including the community of French Corral and the nearby Birchville. The geography is deeply marked by water management and power generation, evidenced by the Colgate Powerhouse and Colgate Tunnel, which harness the convergence of the Middle Yuba River, N Yuba River, and Yuba River. Local history is visible in the network of ranch properties such as Schwartz Ranch and Richards Ranch, while river crossings at Rice Crossing and Bridgeport indicate the historic routes through this gold-bearing region.