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Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 255 Google reviews · Running trail in Felton, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Shady forest park featuring hiking trails, a creek and a stream.
What runners say about Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
“We only made it out to the limekilns and back but what we saw of the unit was beautiful, calm, and cool.”
“It’s a fantastic trail that is completely shaded and not sunny at all, making for a very comfortable walk.”
“Along the way, we encountered a serene creek accompanied by mini waterfalls, adding a soothing soundtrack to our journey.”
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.
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.
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.
You can choose your own journey through this series of trails in the Henry Cowell Redwoods. I started off following the Fall Creek Trail along the water's edge, which weaves back and forth over the water surrounded by ferns and lush greenery.
Trail conditions & character
“We only made it out to the limekilns and back but what we saw of the unit was beautiful, calm, and cool.”
“Because the trail has limited parking and is not part of the main Henry Cowell park, it's much less crowded and quieter.”
“The elevation gain was gentle, around 1500 feet or less, making it a pleasant hike suitable for most hikers.”
“Along the way, we encountered a serene creek accompanied by mini waterfalls, adding a soothing soundtrack to our journey.”
“The hike offers both loop and out-and-back options, with easy to moderate trails.”
“It’s a fantastic trail that is completely shaded and not sunny at all, making for a very comfortable walk.”
“Our 7-mile round trip hike was filled with scenic beauty and natural wonders.”
“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.”
“Also, there are no restroom facilities but the town is only 0.”
Plan your run at Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(831) 335-4598
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Felton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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