Fall Creek Open Space: Scenic Redwood Trails and Historic Echoes

Fall Creek Open Space: Scenic Redwood Trails and Historic Echoes

Part of the Fall Creek Unit in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Felton, Fall Creek Open Space (often called Fall Creek Unit) spans nearly 2,400 acres of fern-draped canyons and second-growth redwoods. This day-use-only area delights with babbling creeks, historic lime kilns, and peaceful forest paths.

A Lush Riparian and Redwood Mosaic

Fall Creek features towering redwoods, lush ferns, mossy banks, and the rushing creek that gives the area its name. Trails follow old logging roads past industrial remnants (kilns, barrel mill), blending natural beauty with history in a recovering watershed rich in birds, amphibians, and understory life.

Adventure With a Conservation Conscience

Nearly 20 miles of connecting trails include the scenic Fall Creek Trail (gentle along the creek), loops to Big Ben Tree and lime kilns (moderate-hard, 4 to 8+ miles), and options like Lost Empire Trail. Day-use focus with parking on Felton Empire Road.

Managed thoughtfully: no camping, pack out waste, no bikes on most trails (hiking primary), and caution on roots/rocks. The unit's quiet preserves fragile ecology.

Fall Creek Open Space delivers Santa Cruz scenic hiking trails amid redwoods and creeks. For seekers of shaded immersion and historic whispers, the ferny paths reward presence; a tranquil forest retreat.