The Johnny Cash Trail has reached a new milestone in the journey to honor the legendary "Man in Black." On November 21, 2024, after years of planning and advocacy, the first art piece of the trail's visionary art experience was installed.
The Johnny Cash Trail is now home to Cash's Pick No. 1, a 7-foot-tall black bronze guitar pick paying homage to Johnny Cash's life, music, and legacy. Cash's Pick No. 1 can be found adjacent to Greenback Lane near Scott Street in Historic Folsom, at the starting point of the Johnny Cash Trail.
Cash’s Pick No. 1., installed in November 2024 at the trailhead of the Johnny Cash Trail.
The Path to Bring Art to the Johnny Cash Trail
The Johnny Cash Trail opened on October 14, 2017, offering 2.75 miles of scenic bike and pedestrian paths connecting Folsom's Historic District to the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail. Folsom's deep ties to Johnny Cash and love for outdoor activities made the trail an instant hub for recreation and cultural tribute. Since its completion, the City of Folsom has worked to transform the trail into a world-class art destination.
Sacramento artist Adan Romo of Romo Studios, LLC, designed Cash's Pick No. 1 to symbolize the start of Cash's musical journey, highlighting the importance of a simple guitar pick in launching his larger-than-life career.
Standing tall on a 20-foot cast-iron "record deck" near the trail's lower entrance at Scott Street and Greenback Lane, Cash's Pick No.1 will greet visitors with a piece of history uniquely tied to Folsom. "The pick rests on a large record, symbolizing both music and the ripples of Folsom Lake," Romo announced at the art piece's unveiling. "This gateway piece represents the first plucking of the strings for this trail, a song yet to be fully told."
Another pick, Cash's Pick No. 2, is planned for the opposite end of the trail once funding is secured between the next 10 months to one year.
Cash’s Pick No. 1., installed in November 2024 at the trailhead of the Johnny Cash Trail.
Celebrating Art and Nature
Adan Romo addressed a crowd eager to see the unveiling of Pick No 1., despite rainy weather. The artist described standing on the land before the trail existed, envisioning a project that would blend art and landscape.
With additional support secured through state funding, Folsom is gearing up to continue the Johnny Cash Art Trail project. RRM Design Group oversees landscaping and engineering for upcoming installations while Romo Studios prepares to fabricate and install the second guitar pick. Once complete, the trail will feature a seamless blend of art and nature, celebrating Cash's undeniable mark on music and his connection to Folsom.
Whether you're a fan of Johnny Cash or simply seeking a unique outdoor experience, the Johnny Cash Trail offers a journey unlike any other. To learn more about the trail and its ongoing art project, visit folsomcasharttrail.com.