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Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead
150 CA-193, Auburn, CA 95603, United States
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Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead

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St
Review №1

Love this trail as I have hiked this path multiple times now. I have to say it is a clean trial where people are respectful of the area and do no litter. It is not a tough trail to do and I feel like just about anybody can walk this trail. I recommend to try this trial if you havent as training hill is definitely a more advanced trail compared to this one.

Su
Review №2

Family friendly hike! Small trickling waterfall even in October! Come early in the day for a chance at parking and choose spring for better water flow. Highly recommend choosing this hike if you have young kids or seniors in the group or just want an easy 2 mile loop with good views from a tall bridge and a small waterfall.

Cr
Review №3

Beautiful trails with amazing views of the American River. We went on the North Fork side and had a blast. Our pup had fun too.Many trails leading to the river bank for a refreshing swim or soak in the water. Very relaxing hike.Only drawback, like other reviews is the parking. Hence, the four stars. Arrive early and it will not be an issue.This trailhead is very well worth the drive to Auburn.Be kind and clean after yourself and you pets.

Mi
Review №4

Nice easy hike/walk for the family. Dont expect to find close parking if you are not there early. With the exception of about 20 or 30 spots next to the trailhead, all other spots are pay for parking and they fill up fast. $10 for day use. Not a bad fee for nice clean trails. Cash only at the pay lot or you can use card at the ranger station.

Jo
Review №5

Wonderful family friendly hike with access to the water at several points! The full hike is approximately two miles. Parking is always an issue especially on weekends so arrive earlier than you think you will need to.Late spring - summer the falls are more of a trickle but winter to early spring it is gorgeous. Still worth the hike when the falls are not flowing though. There are several trails that are off the main which will take you to the water itself. Have a great time!

Ch
Review №6

Great place to hike, fall was smaller than I thought but still a beautiful area. Trails were fairly busy but easy to access for families or anyone. Nice swimming spot at the beginning as well. Just make sure to buy your parking ticket and park within the fog line or they will cite you.

Le
Review №7

Beautiful hike and great swimming spot absolutely packed on weekends though. My dog loves the hike and the river!

Sh
Review №8

Such a beautiful place to walk, hike, run, bike, walk a dog, ride a horse, walk by the water, I can go on and on. I love it here. There are some locations where you can park for free so do your research before going.

Ca
Review №9

Nice secluded places for social distancing. Water was freezing cold but felt gr8 on this warm day. You do have 2 hike down to the spot, but the trail is easy enough to hike down.

Li
Review №10

Zen.My boyfriend took me here on my birthday. I love the waters- it was part of the surprise. A lil hiking, sat near the water... very relaxing.

V
Review №11

Nice little hike. There are several routes you can choose from, the one I took was about 5 miles total (there and back). Nice views and easy terrain, perfect for beginners or enthusiasts. Check it out!

Ja
Review №12

Just minutes off of I-80, you can find a perfect spot to take the family for river swimming, relaxed kayaking, and very rewarding hikes with stunning views of canyon bridges.This afternoon swim destination capped off a day trip to Sacramento. After Café Rolle and Vampire Penguin, burning off some calories was probably a good idea anyway, so its a good thing this was already on the agenda. It ended up being a major highlight for the kids.Other posts indicated that finding parking can be challenging, and based on our weekday trip, I can second that. We found parking, but spaces were rare on the Friday we visited.Once out of the car, pure beauty, though. Warm day, easy hike, and plenty of fun watching the kids cliff dive into the river. Not for small kids--this was a 20+ foot drop needing some distance off the rocks.

Ah
Review №13

Nice and easy hike. Plenty of horse dung for your smelling pleasure. Nice friendly people as usual.

ME
Review №14

One of my favorite places to hike is this trail. You can park for free if you turn right going towards cool on highway 49 is free parking right after the bridge which is the entrance to the No Hands Bridge trail. This is a beautiful place, many other great trails on both sides of the river.

Vi
Review №15

Its a very nice place to hike no matter you hike with friends or family and Kids theres a plenty of trails. And you are going to get some magnificent views.

Aw
Review №16

It was nice to be there but I was expecting to see better. It’s good for families.

Sa
Review №17

Nice trail! Great to take with friends or the dogs! Definitely go earlier if it’s gonna be warmer, some spots don’t have a lot of shade.

Jo
Review №18

Great quick hike. With challenging or easy trails and the cool ones you have to find.

Be
Review №19

This is a beautiful place to hike along the American river. There are a variety of trails of varying degrees of difficulty for casual hikers, trail runners, people out walking their dogs, or even riding horses. The main problem is the parking, it has always been difficult every time I have visited. You may have to hike a mile or two from your vehicle just to get to the trail you are interested in, depending upon the day. There is a mix of pay and free parking available, depending on location.

Ja
Review №20

Nice easy trail if you arent looking for anything strenuous. Pretty walk along the American River with lots of trails down to the water. Pretty waterfall destination.

Ma
Review №21

Beautiful area! Amazing trails. Definitely check it out.

Ma
Review №22

Very beautiful for spring hiking. The late summer and into the fall is dry and the water isnt as powerful. There are a few lots to park but we always end up parking on the road and paying $10 cash for the day parking ticket. I dont like that there is no path to cross the bridges, you end up walking along side traffic in some narrow places depending on where you park. Overall very nice for the day. Poison oak lines all the trails so be prepared.

Ma
Review №23

Quick hike to a little falls. Parking at 10:30 Sunday morning was ok.

Ja
Review №24

Beautiful spot to stop and chill out for a little while before heading up the mountain. Beautiful spot to stop and take a hike. Beautiful spot to stop with the group on motorcycles. You can walk down to the river from the parking spot but it is a little challenging depending on what kind of shoes you have on. Going back to hike the trail hopefully before winter and will post the beautiful pics I’m sure will follow.

Jo
Review №25

Awesome trail and the water is amazing! Definitely a place to relax or hike or have fun in the water definitely going back always a blast with friends or family

Je
Review №26

A trail along one of the last stretches of the Western States Trail, from historic No Hands Bridge, up to a great winter and spring creek and waterfall (by Summer, its starting to dry out). Its an easy out and back from No Hands. Its a steep and challenging out and back from the Ranger Station.It is worth noting that this trail follows the old railroad (yes, the Mountain Quarries Railroad) bed from No Hands all the way back to Auburn. The old quarry (on the other side of 49), had a train that brought the rock back to Auburn along their private railroad, terminating at Railhead Park in Auburn. If youre paying attention youll find about a dozen footings for bridges over various creeks and ravines from the old railbed. No Hands Bridge is the last remaining Bridge

Ti
Review №27

I really just want to write a review to keep people away, but I know that wont work. So bring money for parking ( us smart people have a parking pass), and pick up your trash. Some of us locals actually go down there on the week day and pick up after everyone. I havent because it happens during my work hours.

Br
Review №28

Easy to Moderate hiking at times; pending your personal fitness. If you hike and have a regular cardio routine, this is not challenging. Great place to get out and breathe, this is a “why” being out doors is amazing! With spring in bloom a lot of beauty visually popping everywhere.- Quiet (less people hiking) during the week- Weekends are really busy- Free Parking above along roadway; same-side of the trail-head. See picture.

Na
Review №29

Gorgeous river views and just a beautiful hike! There are several areas where you can walk down to the river too!

Br
Review №30

All closed down. Beautiful and pristine with river water running fast. Dont bother visiting. All turn outs, parking lots and off highway parking on 49 have been closed off with cones and warning signs. No ability to use any of the trails or hiking areas. Rangers are busy monitoring the closed off parking areas and passing out citations.

Al
Review №31

Loved it. Very beautiful place.

Ja
Review №32

Great trailhead with lots of options for beginners to more advanced hikers. The river is gorgeous as well

Br
Review №33

Great location and great hiking trail. The trail was mostly flat and has plenty of sight seeing. The trail follows the river and the historic old railroad route through the hills. The waterfall in the middle of June 2018 was still flowing but only a trickle. The small pond that forms below the waterfall is peaceful and a great place to rest in the shade before hiking back to the trailhead.

R
Review №34

I visited during the first few weeks of statewide quarantine. While the surrounding area is beautiful, this place was fully coned off and closed, signs everywhere indicate temporary closure and the ranger station marquee is indicating citation if parked illegally. I took my son up here to go on a short hike and didnt think his little legs would be up for hiking from the distant spaces that arent coned off.. hope it fully re‐opens soon.

Ja
Review №35

Best place to find yourself . Nature lovers will be at home here. A place of peace and excitement. Will go back a day I will never forget.

Ra
Review №36

Beautiful, wide trails, cold water. Nixed a star due to parking.

ME
Review №37

The entire American River Canyon area near Auburn, especially the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River, is beautiful, with so many great trails to choose from. These rivers are pure beauty, but watch out! The waters run fast all year round. Appearances are deceiving and we lose many people every year.So enjoy the beautiful area, but please be careful in the water!

Jo
Review №38

Good clear trails. beautiful river

St
Review №39

Absolutely perfect for all you hiking needs. Love this place and all the hiking options it offers. Its a good idea to research just a bit before you go so that you know what trail options they have. Whether youre a novice or hardcore, they have options for you. The river is dope if you just want to chill as well. It gets super hot and dry here in the summer and poison oak is abundant (just like all northern California hiking spots), so make sure to plan ahead, stay hydrated and watch your step. Enjoy!

Sh
Review №40

A favorite, connecting trail to home!

aa
Review №41

Great Hike! Not too hard but not too easy.

Ch
Review №42

Great well marked trail.

Si
Review №43

Great hiking all around this area!

Cr
Review №44

Absolutely love this hike! It is very easy and picturesque, but be warned that for this same reason it is usually packed with tail runners, families, people on their horses...There is a beautiful small waterfall about a mile in.Make sure to come in early (before 8am on the weekends to find parking).

Ja
Review №45

Beautiful scenery, many trails to go in different directions. Its just beautiful at this time of year

Na
Review №46

Several really nice trails start here. Decent amount of traffic though and parking isnt easy.

Be
Review №47

Awesome place to hike! Good for families!

Ge
Review №48

Really nice hike with great scenery and not too many people

Ka
Review №49

Love hiking here, beautiful and peaceful

Ha
Review №50

This is an Amazing place for family. My kids loved the view and hiking on this trail. If you like nature, here is the right place to visit.

Cl
Review №51

I love hiking here rain or shine ️

Ma
Review №52

Nice hike without any elevation, but parking lot is busy

Ev
Review №53

From Waterfalls to beautiful vistas of white.water rapids in crystal.clear waters! Wow, worth the hike & climb ,

GA
Review №54

If you Need to get away THIS GEM will definitely give you an Adventure. Waterfalls an trails an horses an runners an people picnicking an walking ENJOYING NATURES BEST OXYGEN AN SITES! Take the family or go Alone GREAT TIME!

St
Review №55

Easy walking trail. Great views.

fa
Review №56

Easy to get to. No technical trails to navigate when hiking from No Hands Bridge. Lovely river views along route. Fairly close to car park areas. Slighty technical descent (for non-hikers/runners) to get to the bridge that straddles the seasonal fall crossing under. Sometimes you get the fog rising and this makes it enchanting. Can get very busy over holidays.

De
Review №57

The view is beautiful. I love the butterflies and the little wildlife.

Ms
Review №58

Can be really sunny and hot. Go early in the morning. Beautiful views. Out and back trail that goes for many miles.

Al
Review №59

Nice cold water

La
Review №60

Phenomenal view with trails well kept. This place is a hidden gem and I had hoped no one would find out about this treasure, but I knew the day would eventually come. Just a wonderful sight, you won’t be disappointed.

Ge
Review №61

Lovely trail with lots of views of the river. Had a picnic at the river off the first switchback trail down.

Al
Review №62

Great place for a 3 mile hike

El
Review №63

The maps said this trail was moderate. I almost busted a lung. This route was almost straight up for over a mile! Beautiful scenery though and worth the trek. Just be prepared for a tough slog.

Al
Review №64

Great places. Tight spaces

Ad
Review №65

Fun and beautiful but alot of people were there

Ha
Review №66

Opens at 7a I couldnt find anything that said so. I tried to go on a sunrise hike but was afraid of getting a ticket

Le
Review №67

Love this place the water is so beautiful nice pools for swimming rapids for rafts and trails for hiking

An
Review №68

Part of the Western States Trail you will see many horses training out here for the Tevis ride

Li
Review №69

Ive heard its beautiful

Le
Review №70

The trail starts with about a mile or two of easy hiking, if you follow the main path. It does increase in difficulty further along, but I wouldnt say it ever becomes especially difficult save for a spot or two, but its easy to stop and take breaks. The scenery is beautiful, with plenty of deer as well. The river is nice, but can be very crowded on weekends when its warm or during the summer, as its a popular swimming spot. Parking is a bit difficult if youre parking along the side of the cliffs, but its to be expected.

Ka
Review №71

Nice hike! The trail is well maintained. Busy, but thats to be expected on a holiday weekend.

Ma
Review №72

Love swimming here its just a rough ride down the roads real bad but its a beautiful beautiful place

La
Review №73

We love all the trails up here. Its nice to have so many different ones to choose from.

As
Review №74

Easy hike. Great for the family! Just follow the trail on google maps and the falls is halfway in between the ranger station and the begining with all the parked cars. There is also two portapotties there towards the entrance as well. Just went a few days ago and the falls was pretty small. Looking forward to come back in the next season! Btw, there was alot of horse poop. And look forward to your shoes being covered with red dirt!!

Da
Review №75

Nice

Ot
Review №76

Nice place to catch a view breathe fresh air and to take a nice stroll with friends and loved ones.

Er
Review №77

It was closed but am looking forward to going when it reopens

An
Review №78

The perfect plan for a family Sunday!

Ja
Review №79

Good place to go hiking but parking is vary few unless u want to pay to park .

Hy
Review №80

One of my favorite hikes in the Auburn area.

St
Review №81

Steep hiking if you want it. Between no hands bridge and the waterfall is not so steep. Beautiful waterfall!

Ra
Review №82

Beautiful

Jo
Review №83

Beautiful and serene. Great day to be alive great day to be riding my motorcycle.

Ma
Review №84

Easy hike for young kids to a small waterfall to get wet for the hike back.

Mi
Review №85

Love this place, when friends and family come to visit this is where I bring them.

Af
Review №86

So fun!

He
Review №87

Seeing as how this is one of my regular spots I was totally disheartened at the fact that it was overrun with people that were throwing their garbage everywhere and being obnoxious totally rude. Now that everybody else in the world goes down there I guess Ill stop

S
Review №88

Great place for hikes and runs.

je
Review №89

Awesome scenery, challenging hike up the trail. Id recommend this park for exercise, fitness and entertainment any day.

Va
Review №90

I didnt see the falls

Za
Review №91

Supurb hiking. Look at maps before you come bc there is no cell service.

Ri
Review №92

Great family hike!

Da
Review №93

Nice river

Br
Review №94

Great place to go for a walk

Je
Review №95

Absolutely loved it, even though you have to pay for parking on the weekends. Just be careful of poison oak.

Bo
Review №96

It is amazing and my dog loved it too

Ga
Review №97

Great Amazing Place to enjoy family time!

St
Review №98

Love this hike. Fairly short, level hike. Great for families. Fun to cross No Hands Bridge (old cement railroad trestle) over the American River. The waterfall is at the end of the hike is very pretty.

Je
Review №99

Beautiful area to hike, small waterfall to sit by.

Jo
Review №100

Beautiful trail with a pleasant waterfall. The bridges on the way there offer very pleasant views. These bridges also reduce the gains and losses making the trail accessible for almost anyone.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:150 CA-193, Auburn, CA 95603, United States
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Hiking area
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:No
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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