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A loop with waterfalls that are tucked away and only visible once you reach viewing decks.


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Map Key

8.6

Miles

13.8

KM

Loop

982' 299 m

High

431' 131 m

Low

811' 247 m

Up

812' 247 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Overview

This trail wraps around Coon Creek with plenty of resting spots, including two viewing decks that overlook majestic waterfalls.

Need to Know

Driving to the trailhead can be a bit tricky since there are a lot of turns a mile before the parking lot. It's best to look up the directions beforehand since GPS can be spotty in that area.

If you choose to head to the falls directly instead of taking the loop, the entrance is off of the North Legacy Way trail. It is unmarked, but there will be an opening in the fence followed by rocky stairs.

IMPORTANT! Reservations are required on the weekends and other high use days. Please visit the Placer County website for more info.

Due to covid 19 they ask only local community members use the park

Description

The trail begins down Poppy Trail which contains some switchbacks. While heading down, there will be a spot where the trees open up to a wide view of the hillside. Poppy Trail ends at the first major intersection. There will be a sign with two arrows, one pointing to the left toward South Legacy Way, and an arrow pointing right over Whiskey Diggins Bridge toward North Legacy Way. This will be the same bridge on the return trip. South Legacy Way bends at this intersection, so there will be two paths to choose from. The loop will continue on the path closest to Coon Creek.

Take South Legacy Way all the way until you reach the 2nd restroom. At the 1st restroom, you really have your pick of trails that will all connect back to the 2nd restroom (South Legacy Way, Gold Finch Trail, and Great Egret Trail). Personally, I like Great Egret Trail since it stays close to the river.

Crossing over the Salmon Run Bridge at the second restroom marks the halfway point in the loop and the lowest elevation (397 feet) before starting the climb back up. Make a hard right onto the Creek Side Trail. This trail will hug the northern side of the river. Interestingly, right where the trail merges with Grey Squirrel Trail, Creek Side Trail becomes a one-way trail, not something often seen.

Creek Side Trail merges into North Legacy Way, a wide gravel road. Before crossing the Canyon View Bridge, you have the opportunity to jog up to first Viewing Deck for a snack break. You may even see Canyon View Falls from up there. This Viewing Deck is the only one that will have a roof to help shield against rain or sun.

As you make your way back down to the bridge, make a right after crossing to continue on to Hidden Falls Access Trail. After a short quarter mile, you'll reach the last Viewing Deck where you'll be treated with a full view of Hidden Falls.

Once you've had your fill, and gone back on Hidden Falls Access Trail, there will be a right turn to take you past this opening in a fence. Make a right past this opening and it will lead you back to the first major intersection past Whiskey Diggins Bridge. From there you'll finish the last leg of the loop backtracking on the Poppy Trail to the parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff with improvements by Scott Sandow and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 12 votes

#2367

Overall
  4.2 from 12 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#311

in California

#2,367

Overall
144 Views Last Month
19,510 Since May 25, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

8%
0%
75%
0%
17%
0%

Photos

Hidden Falls.
May 25, 2016 near North A…, CA
Hidden Falls Park
Apr 28, 2015 near North A…, CA
Hidden Falls
Aug 15, 2022 near North A…, CA
Viewing deck with an awning past Canyon View Bridge.
May 25, 2016 near North A…, CA
Viewing deck above Hidden Falls.
May 25, 2016 near North A…, CA
Whiskey Diggins Bridge.
May 25, 2016 near North A…, CA
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