Fall Creek, Henry Cowell State Park, CA

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile part-loop
• Medium difficulty | Gain 520 feet
• Felton, CA | Santa Cruz Region
. Two individuals walking on a forest trail alongside a stream. The forest is dense with tall redwood trees, and the ground is covered with ferns and other greenery. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow on the trail.

Two individuals walking on a forest trail alongside a stream. The forest is dense with tall redwood trees, and the ground is covered with ferns and other greenery. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow on the trail.

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Trailspotting Map:

4★ Fall Creek Trail
3.5 mi part-loop, medium, gain 520 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

When you're visiting the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, don't miss the separate Fall Creek Unit which offers different hiking experiences that are also little less busy but a little more rustic.

Our mapped hike follows the route of Fall Creek into a forested canyon on a well defined trial with a slight gradient. Upon reaching the footbridge that crosses the creek's south fork you can choose whether to head west towards the ruins of the old lime kilns, or to continue upstream deeper into the shallow canyon. The latter option requires a couple of creek crossings that are somewhat makeshift and at times might require you to get your feet wet, but it's easy to turn back if you need to.

A fee is required to park at the trailhead, but if you've already paid to enter the main Henry Cowell State Park property then there's no additional cost. We have recommended trail reviews for that side of the park and have linked them below.

Hikers on the Fall Creek Trail.

A person standing on a small wooden bridge over a stream in a lush forest setting. The forest is dense with green foliage, and the stream has clear water flowing over rocks. The person is wearing an orange-red top and black pants, facing away from the camera, looking into the stream or possibly at the surrounding nature.

One of the intact Fall Creek crossings.

A yellow slug on a dark, moist soil surface, accompanied by a green clover plant with multiple leaves.

The banana slug, a UC Santa Cruz college mascot.

A small wooden bridge in a dense forest crossing over a stream. The ground is covered in lush, green moss, and sunlight filters through the canopy, creating dappled light and shadow patterns on the forest floor.

Fork west at this bridge for the lime kilns.

Tangents:
• Official: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
• Public Map at AllTrails: Fall Creek to Lime Kilns
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
• Trailspotting Nearby: Henry Cowell State Park Hikes

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