The Trail To Faery Falls Also Leads To An Abandoned Hot Spring Resort In Northern California
Hiding in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a hiking trail that truly has it all. The trail to Faery Falls is short, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a basic hike. Lush views, historic ruins, and a gorgeous flowing waterfall at the end make this a trail that you simply need to add to your bucket list. The cascading waterfall may be the end destination, but this is a journey that will have you enthralled every step of the way.
Waterfall hikes always make for a great time but add an abandoned hot springs resort into the mix and you've got the makings for a truly unique adventure. The trail to Faery Falls near Mount Shasta has a little bit of everything and it's an adventure you don't want to skip.
You can find the trailhead by taking exit 738 from I-5 N toward Mount Shasta. Take a left on W Lake St. and continue on Hatchery Lane, turning left onto Old Stage Road. After two miles, keep right onto A Barr Road before turning left on Ney Springs Road. Stay on Ney Springs and the trailhead is on the right.
The trail is just under 1.5-miles round-trip and is comprised of an old dirt road. Upon starting the trail, you'll be led through a densely forested canyon that contains the lively Ney Springs Creek. It's a slight climb to the waterfall but is overall an easygoing hike.
Along the way to the falls you'll come across the old Ney Springs Resort—well, what's left of it. The site contains bits of rusting equipment and stone ruins, including an old stone wall and spigot that are completely covered in bright green moss.
Believe it or not, Ney Springs Resort was actually a thriving destination at one time. John Ney stumbled upon the area's mineral waters in 1887 and turned it into a destination resort. In its heyday, the resort contained accommodations for 50 guests along with several outbuildings. However, little of it remains.
After exploring the abandoned hot springs site, you can continue along the trail to reach the brilliant Faery Falls. About .15-miles past the resort is when you'll come across a sign for an unmarked trail that takes you to the falls.
Dropping 50-feet down a canyon wall and into the basin below, Faery Falls is definitely a beauty. Hikers can enjoy a front-facing view of this lively waterfall for the perfect end to a lovely little hiking trail.
