Hidden Falls Regional Park spans 1,200 acres across Auburn’s Sierra Nevada foothills, with 30 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that actually work well for dogs of varying abilities. The park’s main draw is Hidden Falls itself—a 30- to 50-foot waterfall that runs year-round and looks especially dramatic in spring. The easy 5.6-mile loop trail to the falls is the most dog-friendly route, and you’ll have plenty of places to stop and let your dog catch their breath while you both take in the views.

Dogs need to stay leashed throughout the park since you’ll encounter wildlife and other visitors, plus there’s an active grazing program with sheep and goats scattered across the property. If your dog does well around livestock, these animals add genuine character to the hike without feeling staged. The trail itself is manageable terrain that doesn’t require scrambling, which matters when you’re watching your footing and your dog’s at the same time.

If you need a break, several picnic areas are scattered through the park where you can sit down with your dog. Restrooms are available, and parking is plentiful—they’ve even got dedicated spaces for horse trailers since the equestrian community uses these trails regularly. There’s also a quarter-mile concrete path that’s fully ADA-accessible, so if anyone in your group has mobility limitations, that option exists.

Timing your visit matters. Spring when the waterfall is most powerful is obviously the obvious choice, but the trails can get busy on weekends. The park opens early enough that an early start gives you quieter trails and cooler temperatures for your dog, which helps since there’s limited shade on stretches of the route. Bring plenty of water—not just for you—since the trail doesn’t have water stations once you leave the parking area.