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Hinkle Creek Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 100 Google reviews · Running trail in Folsom, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hinkle Creek Nature Area'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.
What runners say about Hinkle Creek Nature Area
“Beautiful (at least in Jan) with peaceful creek water sounds, tadpoles in the creek, shade, trees, bird sounds.”
“Crosses a seasonal creek and offers a peaceful, natural hike on a trail that loops through grassy meadows and trees.”
“This is a great place to go on a short easy hike, while learning about the plants and trees that are native to the Folsom Area.”
Beautiful small hike and a great place to be with the nature. The loop can be completed comfortably within 45 minutes with a stop at the creek.
A wonderful peaceful park filled with oaks, birds and an easy trail alongside a seasonal meandering creek. Great for kids, families, dogs or just getting some solitude for self reflection next to the stream.
This is a great place to go on a short easy hike, while learning about the plants and trees that are native to the Folsom Area. Make sure you have a copy of the Hinkle Creek Trail Map with you to understand what the trail markers mean. Be careful of the poison oak.
Great little Trail, it was a short out and back for me, but there might’ve been a way to extend it that I didn’t see. A lot of flat areas that you could stop and hang out with your dog or kid. Most importantly it was free!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful (at least in Jan) with peaceful creek water sounds, tadpoles in the creek, shade, trees, bird sounds.”
“Crosses a seasonal creek and offers a peaceful, natural hike on a trail that loops through grassy meadows and trees.”
“Good short loop hike (30-45') along a small creek, half of the length is dirt, half asphalt, some elevation change.”
“Great for kids, families, dogs or just getting some solitude for self reflection next to the stream.”
“Good short loop hike (30-45') along a small creek, half of the length is dirt, half asphalt, some elevation change.”
“Note: trail may be muddy and slick after it rains.”
“Has a decent size parking lot, with plenty of spots typically available.”
Plan your run at Hinkle Creek Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefolsom.ca.us
- Phone(916) 461-6601
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Folsom
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
