Hidden Falls Regional Park Expansion Update

Placer County’s gem of a regional park, Hidden Falls, received two new bridges that now span a scenic creek that wends its way through the foothills property. The bridges provide access to both the north and south of the creek for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians and also provides access to emergency service vehicles.  Both bridges were delivered in pieces and then spliced together and lowered into place with a crane. The metal bridges are designed to rust over to a protective rustic finish.  The first bridge was set on Fri., Oct. 20, and the second was lowered into place on Tues., Oct. 30.

The bridges are part of an expansion for the popular park, which is located in the rural, rolling foothills between Auburn and Lincoln. The park is currently 220 acres and when the expansion is completed in 2013, will encompass 1,200 acres. The new bridges will allow park users access to the northern side of the creek. 

The expansion will add more than 23 miles of trails and ranch roads in addition to the current seven miles. New rest stops and picnic areas will also be included, as well as interpretive panels, access to a second waterfalls and a new overlook deck.

“I encourage residents to visit and soak in the park’s beauty and charm,” said Supervisor Robert Weygandt, whose Second District includes the park. “It’s a magical place that I’m confident will have them coming back for more.”

Hidden Falls first opened in 2006 with the aforementioned seven miles of multi-use trails, a staging area, and observation deck over the Deadman Creek Falls. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians use the park throughout the year.

Trails provide visitors with scenic views of the riparian habitat along two creeks.  The two bridges will give trail users and emergency vehicles access to all parts of the Park.  Other park amenities include a paved access road, 50-space paved parking lot, equestrian staging area, and , restrooms

The development of Hidden Falls is made possible by the Placer Legacy Open Space Program with the support of funding partners and volunteers that include the California Natural Resources Agency, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, California Conservation Corps, REI Inc., Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition, Sun City Lincoln Hills Hiking Club, and California State Parks.

To visit the park, take Atwood Road west from Highway 49 in Auburn until it becomes Mt. Vernon Road and follow it to Mears Road. Turn right (north) on Mears Road and follow to Mears Place. Park hours are from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset daily.