shasta

Right in the heart of Oakland is the tiny enclave town of Piedmont. And in the center of Piedmont is a deep Canyon with a beautiful Park. every local should make it a point to hike here at least once. It might even be worth while for a tourist to go out of their way. Read up on the geology of this little Park. There are fantastic exposures of blueschist.

The hike was really good. Just be aware of trains that might come and go as you’re walking the trail. Great view of the waterfalls and the river too.

$10 entrance fee and multiple lots to park. Waterfall is a short walk from parking lot and looptrail includes 2 bridges and is doable for little kids.

This trail is wonderful. It is essentially two trails. One follows the many waterfalls and is quite beautiful but heavily trafficked. You can simply return along that trail or take the the contour trail back which I recommend. It will take you quite high and through a peaceful quiet part of the forest. The falls are very pretty and there are many of them in the first half of the loop.

After payment entrance, go all the way to the end at the locked fire road gate located next to a parking lot and bathroom (a little over a mile). It will save you a couple of miles. We didn't know so we parked at the first bathroom as suggested by Alltrails. The Alltrails map was spot on regarding direction. The hike is relatively subtle with a steady incline towards Maple Falls. The hike starts on the main road and continues through the fire road gate. From the fire road gate, there is a fork. Alltrails app will direct you to take the Bridge Creek Trail to the left which is the most direct and scenic route. Most tend to take the wide relatively flatter fire road all the way to Porter House trail which will connect you back to the Bridge Creek Trail. The fire road seems easier but does have a lot of traffic from bicyclists and joggers. It is an ideal trail to train on for Marathons and Trail Races. The hike is moderate because of the length. Not so much the elevation gain. However, as noted by many, the last 1/2 mile is a bit complex. There are about three sections where you will literally have to use your hands to help you get through. Not as bad as some has made it sound. 90-95% of the trail is shaded. Even when hiking during high noon, not much sunlight bled through the canopy of the trees. The waterfall is not intensely big or towering but worthy of the hike. In my opinion, the trail is well kept and suitable for all. As someone had mentioned, I did see quite a few branches knocked down by the strong winds. However, the wind felt pretty calm hiking at the base of the trees.

Pretty easy hike, really short but makes up for it with the amazing waterfall, FYI bring a pen!!!!!! You need one to fill out the park entrance fee, didn’t have one one me, so had to drive to a gas station to borrow one and fill it out.

Trail is not kid friendly- not towards the end. Some sections looks like high wind went through there. Requires creek crossing, climbing over trees & some rocks. I started .8 from the pay booth alltrails says 7.7 miles but I had over 10 miles. Hike is alright. Some areas do have high traffic but for the most part I did have the trail to myself

So crowded on the weekend

Awesome

This trail was beautiful, a shady forest the entire way. My husband referred to it as enchanted. At times, the choice of pathway was not clear and so I was glad I had downloaded the map. As most others have reported, long sections are very easy. However, the numerous slick creek crossings gave the last portion to the falls a very different feel.

Beautiful waterfall. kid friendly.

last .5 felt like an obstacle course, bring poles

Easily accessible for families....pretty heavily trafficked.

Beautiful trail going through the forest and along the creek. i didnt make it to the falls because once you get past the sign that says maple falls 1mile, it gets really sketchy you have to cross streams, slippery steep rocks, mud and very unstable surfaces. I felt like I was gonna fall at one point so I turned around. I wish there was a rope or something more stable to hold on to, to get over safely. it is definitely more than 7.7, we did almost 9 and didn't make it all the way.

The whole trail was shaded. Many small waterfalls along the river.

OKAY PLEASE READ This is NOT on Bull Creek Rd. like AllTrails says. It is actually on Greeley Hill Rd. it no longer changes name. Google Maps will steer you wrong if you put in Bull Creek About the trail. The first part of the trail is super easy but as you get neaer to the falls it will get narrow at some points with drop offs so if afraid of heights it can cause a little discomfort. YET the main falls are very pretty and there are several pool you could scramble down to to wade in.