Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Auburn

What a great hiking trail! What better way to get in shape than to venture out in the great outdoors with a refreshing beverage, a backpack, and comfortable hiking shoes! This takes me to the Auburn, California area where I had the opportunity of visiting "Black Hole of Calcutta Falls" aka "Western States Trail".

In the 20+ years that I have lived in the greater Sacramento area, I have yet to take advantage of how much nature there actually is in the surrounding areas. I came across this particular trail using the AllTrails app on my phone. And as soon as I saw it having quite a few above average Yelp reviews, I am sold! Immediately, I was very curious to see what this place was all about.

Getting here is quite simple. From Sacramento, simply take I-80 eastbound, Highway 49 east towards Placerville, and right after you cross the North Fork of the American River, the trailhead is located on the right hand side. Parking though can be very challenging as you have to make a sudden turn since the small gravel spaces to park is adjacent to the highway. Fortunately, my friend and I arrived at around 5:30pm on the afternoon of 5/22/2021 so there wasn't too many vehicles during our arrival.

Once entering the actual trail, you will see several public porta-potties as well as a generous amount of life jackets. I highly recommend to NOT swim in this river as the currents can be very dangerous during any time of day. There are also signs warning visitors NOT to dive as there has been fatalities and drownings on past occasions. And with the river levels dangerously low due to the drought, it can be a recipe for disaster. Once you get past these signs, you will come across a very large bridge overlooking the American River. This bridge itself is very safe, wide, and has a high barbed-wire fence.

As far as the trail itself, it spans 2.2 miles one way (which eventually comes to a dead-end) and 4.4 miles total. This particular trail is on the much easier level and is great for beginner hikers. I do recommend bringing insect repellent spray as there there can be unexpected guests during your hike. We didn't notice any other wildlife except for a deer that was spotted quite far away and well as frogs croaking by a small stream. As I mentioned, this place is great for beginners but I don't recommend strollers as some of it involves a little muscle going down some bumpy rocks.

Overall, "Black Hole of Calcutta Falls" is a wonderful trail worth checking out and just a quick 30-minute drive from Sacramento. I recommend visiting here in the spring before the uncomfortably hot weather kicks in (from June through September). Be sure to take lots of pictures since everywhere around here as well as the bridge can be quite picturesque. My rating, a...

I enjoyed this hike. It's not difficult by any means. I take my kiddo out there and the trail is appropiate for a joggong stroller until the last 0.2 miles til the falls then you'll have to carry them or let them walk. The falls aren't huge by any means, but there is a small wading pool that you can cool off in. Probably goes knee high at the deepest point.

It can get busy with other hikers and sometimes people will let their dogs run loose . I don't mind dogs but you'll see an occasional horse come by and two or three dogs off their leash in the pool is just too much with little children around.

You will need to pay $10 for parking at the Ranger Station. They will break a $20 if they have the change. Bathrooms near the parking area are pretty clean. There is also a large area for river access, you're guaranteed a spot by the water. The water does have a strong current so sick to the inlets...

March 24, 2021: Western State Trail Gate #150 Park -- No Hands Bridge & Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead. This is a great trail to the waterfalls which is about 1.3 miles from Gate #150. The No Hands Bridge is just about a quarter mile past the gate. I understand the waterfall does not flow during the summer, so spring time is the best to see it. There is a wooden bridge at the falls to let you get close to the base of the falls. It is best to come early for parking. Plan on short stops along the way to see the scenery. Overall one should plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for the walk to the falls. More time if you want to follow the trail further.

Just to be specific this is a small waterfall, but still very much worth making an adventure to see. Along the way there are many concrete foundations. In particular one had the year 1921 very large and boldly...