Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park — Attraction in Scotts Valley

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...

Absolutely a must hike trail if you are visiting the greater Santa Cruz area. This trail is easy for anyone that considers themselves a hiker. For the occasional nature conisuer there are a few steep parts on the trail that might take a small amount of effort, but as long as you're in okay shape it's not a huge deal. The trail runs parrell to the creek and makes for a beautiful backdrop the whole way. The lime kilms are a nice stop and a great place to get some history in with your nature hike. Others have mentioned the Kilms can be crowed. I hiked this trail on an August weekday in the afternoon and the kilms where not crowed. Overall a...

This is the trail I've been looking for. It's a moderate hike with multiple options. I chose the 3-mile loop taking me to the kiln ruins and back. Most of the trail is along a small creek offering all sorts of terrain and scenery. Because the trail has limited parking and is not part of the main Henry Cowell park, it's much less crowded and quieter. The small parking lot is a double-edged sword -- you may have to wait a bit for an opening (we got lucky and found someone pulling out as we came in). Also, there are no restroom facilities but the town is only 0.5 miles away with stores and...