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Fairy Falls Trail to Shingle/Beale Falls

Penn Valley, California

4.1/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

4.87 miles

Elevation Gain

535 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

This a pretty hike in the Central Valley foothills that ends with views of the upper and lower Shingle Falls (Also called Fairy Falls).

Start at the Fairy Falls trailhead in Spenceville Wildlife Area Field Trial Grounds in Penn Valley (careful on the bumpy roads in). From the parking lot, cross a small bridge and make a right onto a dirt road. After about a mile you will follow the road to the right and continue through the gate. There will be a few signs to guide you along the way. Continue following the path, past a cattle guard, until you come to a spot where three trails split from the main road. There are signs to guide you, but you can take any of the trails to get to the falls as they form a loop. The one on the left takes you to the upper falls first, the middle goes to the lower falls, and the path on the right will take you along the river first. There is a short fence on the edge of the upper falls but there is river access along the path as well. There are plenty of great spots by the water to stop for a picnic too! The trail winds through grassy hills where there are plenty of cattle grazing so watch out for cow pies along the way. This trail is best to hike in the spring when the temperatures are cooler, wildflowers are blooming, and there is a lot of water at the falls.

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Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
River
Waterfall
Wildflowers

Fairy Falls Trail to Shingle/Beale Falls Reviews

Pretty neat place! The hike to the falls is kinda long but not bad. There's a cool little watering hole that's great for swimming in along the way, and when you're at the top of the waterfall (if you're brave), you can stand right up on the spot where the water flows over the edge.

Very fun hike I did with my dogs. Trail was well maintained and falls were still running in May. The upper falls has a few places one can relax and go for a swim. Loved it and so did my dogs :)

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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