Hidden Falls Regional Park in the Sierra Nevada foothills northwest of Auburn, California

Slope with trail switchbacks between Hidden Gateway and Whiskey Diggins Bridge

On the rocks near Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls Regional Park in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Auburn and Lincoln currently has approximately 30 miles of multi-use trails [1-3], which are all listed and rated in the insert table of the Trail Map. There are riparian and lowland foothill trails through oak and pine forests on both sides of the Coon Creek watershed. The Canyon View Bridge and the Salmon Run Bridge cross Coon Creek. The Whiskey Diggins Bridge near the Hidden Gateway crosses Deadman's Creek.

Hidden Falls Park is named after the 30-foot waterfall of Deadman's Creek, just before it meets Coon Creek.

The park includes scenic observation decks, areas for picnicking, fishing access and interpretive panels. The trails are well marked by signposts. Trail maps have been posted at various spots. If you enjoy to plan your own route—loop by loop, this is your park.

Getting there
The Location Map provides an excellent overview of the Hidden Falls Regional Park vicinity. You may want to find the shortest connection to the park depending on your starting location. Non-locals typically plan their visit as part of a sideways road trip north of Interstate 80.
From I-80 in Auburn take Exit CA 49 north toward Grass Valley and Nevada City. After 2.7 miles turn left onto Atwood Road. From this intersection, the Hidden Falls Park entrance is about 4.5 miles away. Go west on Atwood Road and, after 1.7 miles, continue northwest on Mount Vernon Road, winding between orchards and estates through lush and hilly ranchland. At most road junctions you'll find signs directing you to the park. Turn right on Mears Road and find the park entrance at Mears Place. Drive downhill to the parking lot and information kiosk. This trailhead area is also known as Hidden Gateway.

Canyon View Bridge crossing Coon Creek

Keywords: hiking, jogging, biking, equestrian activity, fishing, outdoors, open space.

References and more to explore
[1] Placer County, California: Hidden Falls Regional Park [www.placer.ca.gov/departments/facility/parks/parks-content/parks/hidden-falls].
[2] The GeekHiker: Hidden Falls Regional Park [http://geekhiker.com/2013/05/28/hike-hidden-falls-regional-park/].
[3] Gus Thomson: Expanded Hidden Falls Regional Park now open. Auburn Journal, May 23, 2013 [http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/expanded-hidden-falls-regional-park-now-open].