Henry Cowell State Park - Fall Creek Unit Park

Henry Cowell State Park - Fall Creek Unit

Featured Trail: Stone Kiln - Lost Camp

Felton, California

Distance Difficulty Level Elevation
( Min / Max )		 Bicycles Dogs Equestrian Backpacking Remarks
6 Level: 8
Challenging Hike: Includes one steep but short segment. The hike to the lime kiln area is easy with just a slight climb. 		500 -- 1400 Yes No No No Much of this hike is shaded by redwood trees. Children will enjoy playing in the creek along the trail. Although there are no picnic tables, there are places along the creek to stop. Be sure to take Mosquito Repellent.

Trail Map

Featured Trail Introduction: Fall Creek Unit is is in the same area as Big Basin and includes beautiful scenery comparable to Big Basin. Much of the hike follows running creeks (except in mid to late summery)and winds through century old redwood trees. Segments of the trail are very narrow, wedged between rocky hills.
Featured Trail: Follow trail marked in "Red" starting at Note 1.

Important Trail Notes

  • Note 1: Getting to Fall Creek: From Highway 1 in Santa Cruz, turn north on Highway 9 and drive five-miles to Felton. Turn left (west) on Felton Empire Road and proceed 0.5 mile to the small Fall Creek parking area (also know as the Felton - Empire Parking Area). Caution: If you are driving at a normal speed, the parking area is easy to miss . Turn right immediately after Ley Avenue.
    Trailhead Follow the Bennett Creek Trail toward the lime kiln.
    Map:Trail maps are not available in the parking area. Either download a simplied Fall Creek map from the above menu or purchase a detailed map at the main Henry Cowell gift shop.

  • Note 2: When you reach the bridge: Cross the bridge and take the South Fork Trail and Lime Stone Kilns. Don't follow the trail to the right.
  • Note 3: Before you explore the lime kiln, be sure to read the signs giving some interesting background. For a better look: follow the trail heading up the hill and around the back of the lime kiln. The elevation at the lime kiln is approximately 800 feet.
  • Note 4: To get to Lost Camp follow the sign to Barrel Mill Area.
  • Note 5: 0.4 miles from the lime kiln, follow the sign to Lost Camp via the Lost Empire Trail. The trail is steep for approximately one-mile: Elevation at the sign is 800 feet and the elevation at the top is 1,500 feet. There is a sign indicating that you are at Lost Camp. This is a nice place to stop for lunch but there no historical artifacts, only beautiful natural sites.

Getting There

  • Find your way to the junction of CA-17 and Mount Herman Road in Scotts Valley
  • Head northeast on CA-17 N 2.0 mi
  • Take the Granite Creek Rd exit toward Scotts Valley Dr 0.2 mi
  • Turn right at Granite Creek Rd (signs for Scotts Valley Dr/Glenwood Dr) 0.2 mi
  • Turn left at Scotts Valley Dr 1.7 mi
  • Turn right at Mount Hermon Rd 3.1 mi
  • Turn right at Graham Hill Rd 0.2 mi
  • Continue on Felton Empire Rd''


    Google Map