The signs are plain to see.

An orange sign marks the start of the little gravel road as private property, no trespassing allowed, and several “no parking” signs ensure that vicinity stays free of cars.

But that doesn’t mean that the many bicyclists, joggers, hikers and equestrians who use the little road, which acts as Fall City’s main connection to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, are ready to give up their historic access route.

Trail changes

In spite of the signs, “People are on this all day, every day,” said 39th Street resident Tom Walsh.

The busy path begins where the pavement ends on 39th Street, about a mile from Fall City Park. Known to some as the “old dump road,” the connection was built circa 1911 when the Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad reached Fall City, according to resident Jack Kelley’s history of the community.

Closed to car traffic by a gate some decades ago, the path remains a corridor for recreationists, in spite of the fact that it runs over several parcels of private property, including Weyerhaeuser land, and is not owned by King County.

“It’s been used forever,” said Sue Gorton, a resident of 39th Street and a member of the Raging River Riders horse club.