Hikes in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Fall Creek Unit
1 Jan 2012
Henry Cowell is a gem of a park in Felton, a few miles north of Santa Cruz. The park has two sections. The 'Fall Creek Unit' is the northern section of the park. It is less developed, has fewer visitors and feels more pristine than the southern section.

Notes: In Dec 2010, after heavy rains, some of the bridges along Fall Creek Trail had been washed away. So we had to wade through cold water to cross Fall Creek. In Jan 2012, there had hardly been any rain during the last two months, so all bridges were intact.

Fall Creek Trail

The most gorgeous trail in the park is Fall Creek Trail, which meanders next to a creek for almost three miles. Any loop going through this trail is bound to bring you joy. Listed below are routes that combine Fall Creek Trail with Truck Trail, which runs parallel to its east. Other routes that combine a trip to Big Ben Tree are listed in the section below.

Notes: In Dec 2010, after heavy rains, some of the bridges along Fall Creek Trail had been washed away. So we had to wade through cold water to cross Fall Creek. It is best to call park services to figure out the status of bridges. In Jan 2012, there had hardly been any rain during the last two months, so all bridges were intact.

6.0 miles
800 ft
Fall Creek Trail
This route stays all along Fall Creek Trail. The return trip to the parking lot is also along the same trail.

7.0 miles
1500 ft
Truck Trail - Fall Creek Trail - Route I
A gorgeous redwood hike next to a creek for several miles.

9.2 miles
1600 ft
Truck Trail - Fall Creek Trail - Route II
A gorgeous redwood hike next to a creek for several miles.

Big Ben Tree

Big Ben Tree is a medium sized old growth redwood tree. The Lost Empire Trail climbs up to where the tree is located. This trail has a couple of steep sections for good cardiovascular workout. Some interesting loops may be formed by combining Fall Creek Trail and Truck Trail with Lost Empire Trail.

8.2 miles
1800 ft
Big Ben Tree and Fall Creek
The ascent to Big Ben involves two steep sections, which are great for a cardiovascular workout. The descent is mostly along Fall Creek which has plenty of water in winters and spring.

8.9 miles
1800 ft
Big Ben - Truck Trail
An awesome shaded hike in Fall Creek with some steep sections for good cardio workout.

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