Fall Creek Lime Kilns
Discover historic lime kilns and lush redwoods in a cool, serene canyon. A perfect escape for nature lovers and history buffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Fall Creek Lime Kilns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover historic lime kilns and lush redwoods in a cool, serene canyon. A perfect escape for nature lovers and history buffs.
"By far the most beautiful hiking I've ever done.. and I hike a lot!"
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be prepared to park on the street. The main lot fills up fast!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven and sometimes wet. Good traction is key for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Lime Kilns
Fall Creek Trail
Explore the fascinating remnants of 19th-century lime kilns, reclaimed by nature.
Towering Redwood Forest
Various trails
Wander through a magical, shady canyon filled with majestic old-growth redwoods.
Babbling Fall Creek
Along Fall Creek Trail
Listen to the soothing sounds of the creek, with small waterfalls and clear water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be prepared to park on the street. The main lot fills up fast! 
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven and sometimes wet. Good traction is key for exploring.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Creek water is potable with a purifier.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
This section of Henry Cowell State Park is a no-dog zone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be prepared to park on the street. The main lot fills up fast!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be uneven and sometimes wet. Good traction is key for exploring.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Creek water is potable with a purifier.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
This section of Henry Cowell State Park is a no-dog zone.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable in the canyon.
🌿 Watch for Poison Oak
It's prevalent in the area, so stay on marked paths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fall Creek for its serene beauty, cool canyon temperatures, and the unique historical charm of the lime kilns. The lush redwood forest and babbling creek create a tranquil escape, making it a favorite for families and hikers alike. Some note the limited parking and the prevalence of poison oak as minor drawbacks.
"Great shady spot to walk or hike on a hot day or let the urban life fall away when it's cool and foggy and the creek is rushing. Expect the temperature to be 10-15 degrees cooler than Felton forecasts many days, multiple seasons. Expect poison oak. This has been my kids favorite local nature spot for more than 6 years."
Pamela Trounstine
"Nice little or longer hike, just off highway 9 a few miles north of the small town of Felton is the trailhead which goes up to the lime kilns and beyond into Henry Cowell state park. At the time I went (mid February) the recent light rains had nourished all the creeks, streams and even some babbling brooks. Cleaning off the normal dark sediment that I was used to seeing in the waterways. Seeing sandy based stream beds was a reminder that the Santa Cruz mountains are largely made of soft sandstone. Aside: one reason the roadways have problems with slip outs. I've hiked this area many times in the summer. This outing was special in the abundance of creeks, streams and mini waterfalls courtesy of the many downed trees. Later in the year I expect the sediment to accumulate once the flows slow as time shifts into the dry season."
John Hawklyn
"One of my favorite places to hike, I have been going here almost 30 years now. Fall Creek is one of the more beautiful creeks in the Santa Cruz Mountains to me because most of the rocks in the Creek are granite so there are many small waterfalls as you walk next to the Creek, similar to what you will find up in the Sierra Nevada. My favorite hike is the hike up to the Big Ben Tree on the Lost Empire Trail it really is one of the best hikes in the whole Santa Cruz Mountains IMO because it has a little history to it, you pass the old Lime Kiln area then you pass a old logging camp, it's a little steep so you get a nice workout and most of all there are really nice old growth Redwoods at the end of the trail! I continue on back to Fall Creek to make it a very nice loop trail."
David Martinez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located off Highway 9, a few miles north of Felton, CA. Look for the Fall Creek Unit entrance. There's a small, free parking lot that fills quickly.
Yes, there is a free parking lot, but it's quite small and can fill up by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Street parking is an alternative if the lot is full.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to the trailhead. Driving is the most common method.
The entrance is well-marked off Highway 9. Once you're at the trailhead, the paths are generally easy to follow, especially the main Fall Creek Trail.
Using a trail app like AllTrails and downloading the map beforehand is highly recommended due to spotty cell service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Fall Creek Unit and its parking lot is free.
As a state park unit, it's generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to check official California State Parks information for any specific seasonal hours.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
There are no restrooms directly at the Fall Creek trailhead. Plan accordingly.
Dogs are not permitted in the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail to the lime kilns is generally considered easy to moderate, with some gentle inclines. Longer loops can increase the difficulty.
It's approximately 1.4 miles to the kilns from the parking lot, making for a roughly 3-mile round trip. Longer loops are possible.
You'll experience towering redwoods, a beautiful creek with small waterfalls, lush ferns, and the historic lime kiln ruins.
Yes, the main trail to the kilns is very family-friendly, with plenty to see like banana slugs and the creek.
Keep an eye out for banana slugs, newts, salamanders, butterflies, and various birds.
📸 📸 Photography
The lime kiln ruins, the creek with its waterfalls, and the sun-dappled redwood groves offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The combination of water features, ancient trees, and historical structures provides diverse and stunning landscape shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful soft light, especially with mist. Midday can be harsh, but the shade of the redwoods helps.
Yes, with patience, you can photograph the various small creatures like banana slugs and birds found along the trails.
Generally, no specific restrictions beyond respecting the natural environment and other visitors. Drone usage may be restricted in state parks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The shady canyon also provides a cooler environment, which is a bonus on warmer days.Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, wear sturdy shoes, and be aware of poison oak. While there are no restrooms at the trailhead, the overall experience is highly rewarding for young explorers. The gentle terrain makes it manageable for most children, and the variety of sights and sounds ensures an exciting outing.
+1🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Scenery
The sound of the water and the grandeur of the trees create a truly immersive natural setting. The lime kiln ruins add a unique historical element to the visual appeal.If you're looking for a longer, more varied hike, consider the loop that includes the Big Ben Tree and Lost Empire Trail. This route offers a more challenging climb but rewards you with stunning old-growth redwoods and diverse landscapes, as described by many enthusiastic hikers.
📸 Photographers
+1 The creek's waterfalls and clear water, especially after rain, create dynamic scenes, while the towering redwood groves offer opportunities for dramatic shots emphasizing scale and light.Best times for photography include misty mornings, which lend an ethereal quality to the redwoods, or late afternoons when the light filters through the canopy. The variety of textures, from moss-covered stones to rough bark, and the vibrant greens of the ferns and foliage, provide endless creative possibilities. Remember to bring a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the forest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Fall Creek Trail System
This trail is known for its gentle grade, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with young children. As you walk, you'll be enveloped by the cool, damp air of the redwood forest, with the soothing sounds of Fall Creek accompanying you. The creek itself is a highlight, featuring numerous small waterfalls and clear, flowing water, especially after rain.Beyond the main kilns, the trail system offers opportunities for longer hikes. You can connect to trails like the South Fork Trail or venture further to discover other historical remnants and old-growth redwoods. For those seeking a more challenging trek, routes like the Big Ben Tree via the Lost Empire Trail offer a significant workout and reward with impressive old-growth specimens and a glimpse into the area's logging past.
Key trails to consider include the Fall Creek Trail for a direct route to the kilns, and for a more immersive experience, loops incorporating the Big Ben Tree and Lost Empire Trail. Always be mindful of poison oak and stay on marked paths to protect both yourself and the delicate ecosystem.
The History of the Lime Kilns
The kilns were strategically built in this canyon to utilize the abundant local limestone and timber resources needed for fuel.Over time, nature has reclaimed these industrial relics. The towering redwoods and lush vegetation now surround the stone structures, creating a picturesque scene where history meets the wild. Exploring the kilns offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the labor involved in their operation. It's a fascinating contrast to the serene natural beauty that now dominates the landscape.
+1While the kilns are the main historical draw, remnants of old logging camps can also be found on some of the more extensive trails, hinting at the broader industrial history of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These historical sites add another layer of discovery to your visit, making it more than just a nature walk.
Wildlife and Nature Spotting
+1 You might also spot salamanders and newts in the moist undergrowth or along the creek banks.The towering redwoods and Douglas firs provide habitat for various bird species, so bring your binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. The creek itself supports aquatic life, and the surrounding flora attracts butterflies and other insects.
The natural beauty of the canyon, with its ferns, mosses, and the rushing creek, creates a vibrant ecosystem that is a joy to explore.Remember that this is a natural habitat. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing them. The presence of these creatures is a testament to the health and preservation of the Fall Creek environment.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit