Empire Mine State Historic Park in California offers several picnicking options for visitors. The park has designated picnic areas where guests can enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings. These spots are equipped with tables and benches, making it convenient for families or groups to gather together. Some sites also have BBQ grills available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Visitors can bring their own food and beverages along with them as there aren't any restaurants within the park itself but remember that alcohol is not allowed inside state parks.
The lush green lawns near Empire Cottage Garden area provide another perfect spot for an impromptu picnic while enjoying views of vintage buildings from Gold Rush era.

1. Union Hill Trail: This is a 3.6-mile loop trail that offers scenic views and wildflowers during the spring season. It's an easy-to-moderate hike with some elevation changes, suitable for all skill levels.

2. Hardrock Trail: A short but educational trail of about half a mile long which takes hikers past several historical mining sites including old mine shafts and machinery remnants from Empire Mine's operational days.

3. Randolph Collier Interpretive Loop: An approximately one:mile-long interpretive nature walk through mixed coniferous forest featuring informational signs on local flora, fauna, geology as well as history of gold extraction in this area.

4. Osborne Hill Trails: These trails are more challenging due to their steep inclines; however they offer stunning panoramic views over Grass Valley region making it worth the effort.

5. Maggie's Peak Hiking Path: At around two miles round trip,this moderate difficulty path leads you up Maggie's peak providing breathtaking vistas across surrounding landscapes at its summit point.

6. Empire Cottage Grounds Tour: Although not technically a hiking trail,the walking tour around historic Bourn cottage provides insight into life during California Gold Rush era while also offering pleasant strolls along manicured gardens filled with roses,rhododendrons,and other ornamental plants.

7. Panorama Tailings Overlook Route: This moderately difficult route spans roughly three miles leading towards Panorama tailing overlook where visitors can view remains of waste rock piles left behind after ore processing operations.

8. Hard Money Lane & Orleans Grade Routes: A combined total length exceeding four miles these routes traverse both flat terrain and sloping hillsides taking walkers by various points interest such abandoned mineshafts,relic equipment pieces or even wildlife sightings occasionally.

9. Woodpecker Wildlife Preserve Walkway: An easy level pathway stretching less than mile within preserve dedicated protecting habitat woodpeckers alongside numerous other bird species.

10. Gold Hill Trail: A 2-mile loop trail that takes you through a beautiful forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers several activity options and is accessible year-round.

11. Pennsylvania Gulch Loop:This moderately challenging four mile long route winds its way around Pennsylvania gulch offering hikers chance to explore diverse ecosystems ranging from dense woodlands open grassy meadows.

12. The Pasture Loop: This easy, flat one:and-a-half-mile-long path provides an opportunity to see the park's wildlife in their natural habitat including deer,turkeys,and various birds of prey.

Drive 24 miles north of Auburn on Highway 49 to Empire Street exit in Grass Valley. The park is located in Grass Valley at 10791 East Empire Street.
Latitude/Longitude: 39.2063 / -121.0444