Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers an enchanting hiking experience. Our 7-mile round trip hike was filled with scenic beauty and natural wonders. Along the way, we encountered a serene creek accompanied by mini waterfalls, adding a soothing soundtrack to our journey. At one point, we had to cross the creek by balancing on small logs and stones, which added a touch of adventure as we helped each other across. The creek was shallow enough to wade through, but we chose to keep our shoes dry. Throughout the hike, we spotted peculiar mushrooms growing on the bark of trees and even came across a banana slug, its bright yellow hue contrasting vividly with the green surroundings. There were many picturesque spots, perfect for capturing memories. The elevation gain was gentle, around 1500 feet or less, making it a pleasant hike suitable for most hikers. Parking was decent, but it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. Additionally, there are plenty of shops and stores nearby, so you don't feel like you've left the Bay Area. The recent rainfall had turned everything lush and green, and the towering redwoods stood out like ancient giants amidst the vibrant foliage. The hike offers both loop and out-and-back options, with easy to moderate trails. It typically takes between 1 to 4 hours to complete, making it a great choice for nature painting, running, and more. It was a delightful and memorable trip, one that I would gladly embark on again. The experience reminded me of hiking in the Pacific Northwest, and I believe folks from Washington state would find it equally enjoyable. This hike is a perfect blend of natural beauty, light adventure, and peaceful moments, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.

This is a beautiful and lush forest. Located north of the “main” Henry Cowell State Park. The Fall Creek Unit is just as amazing. The trail that follows the creek is amazing. I highly recommend it. The trail is mostly flat with a few creek crossings. I will definitely come back and explore this place again.

We only made it out to the limekilns and back but what we saw of the unit was beautiful, calm, and cool. A nice escape from the sun, the trail follows along Fall Creek and takes you through beautiful fern filled forests. Plenty of spots to dip your toes!

Parking lot off Felton Empire Road between Ley Road and Featherston Way. About 30-40 spaces and pretty available depending on time of arrival. Beautiful day, beautiful creek flow, and beautiful scenery all around. Multiple trail options depending on how long you want to walk. Recommend taking snacks, getting comfortable somewhere near the creek, and relaxing to the sound of the water. Felton is small but beautiful. Check out the different foods, shops, old Bridge, and horse stables. It's definitely worth all the steps.

Our local hike! Or family and friends have been enjoying the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell State Park for decades! Miles of hiking! Beautiful spring fed Fall Creek runs strong all year round! ❤️ You can go out and back or go for a loop!

Good variety of trails. The ones on this map I would call moderate for the most part. Most people should wear a sturdy shoe or a light hiking boot. Trails generally well-marked. Went midday on a Wednesday and I usually went 3-4 minutes at a time without seeing other hikers, though went more than 10 at one point. Lovely creek sounds much of the time.

A great hiking area with some great scenery. There are various trails and the main one follows Fall Creek and leads to a few historical sites. The landscape is beautiful and in the fall the colors are amazing.

In A Nutshell: -Fall Creek is a nice place to hike under many shaded areas. -It's only a 50 minute drive from San Jose. -The parking lot is small which is good, since that means less people on the trails. -There's probably room for about 25 cars. -You'll find many young families taking their kids out into the wilderness, but not enough to annoy you. -If you like seclusion & privacy, this is the trail for you. -Beware of poison oak it's all over the place! Overall, Fall Creek is a nice place to gets your steps in w/out having to deal a ton of people.