Fall Creek Unit
About
Fall Creek is the northern area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. One of the park’s best-kept secrets, it is 2,390 acres with about 20 miles of hiking trails. Several trails were recently cleared and restored following the CZU Fire in 2020, which burned in a portion of the park. All trails are now open.
Learn more in the California State Parks brochure: English | Spanish.
Directions
The park is located at 1101 Felton Empire Road, about 4 miles west of Highway 9 in Felton.
By Bus: Take Santa Cruz METRO route 35 towards Highway 9/Scotts Valley to Boulder Creek Mt. Store via Glen Arbor. Exit on Graham Hill Rd & Hwy 9 (Covered Bridge). Head northwest on Graham Hill Rd toward Hwy 9. Slight left onto Felton Empire Rd. Turn right to enter Fall Creek Unit.
Things to do
HikingFall Creek contains about 20 miles of trails. Pick up a trail map at Henry Cowell State Park Visitor Center.
Fees and Passes
Parking is free.
Services
There are no facilities.
History
Fall Creek, a unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, is in the unceded homelands of the Awaswas-speaking Ohlone village known as Sayanta, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Sayante. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.
In the early 1950s, Samuel “Harry” Cowell proposed combining his family-owned property with an adjacent county-owned park to create a single park. Named after his father, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park was established in 1954.
The Fall Creek Unit was later deeded to the state in 1972 by the Cowell family’s foundation. The park contains nearly the entire Fall Creek watershed, extending southeast from Ben Lomond Mountain.
Portions of the park were damaged by the CZU Fire in 2020 and closed, but trails were rebuilt and the park fully reopened in spring of 2022.
Regulations
- Horses are permitted only on designated trails.
- Dogs, bikes, firearms, camping, fires and smoking are not allowed in the park.
- All plants, animals and historical artifacts are protected. Do not remove them.
Recreate Responsibly
Before you visit, check the Recreate Responsibly page to protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures during your visit.
More Info
(831) 335-4598
