Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

We stopped by on a Friday afternoon and the sun was peaking in and out from the clouds. The opening to the trail can be easily missed so just pay attention to the signs. The address on Yelp is not accurate so I would suggest using Google for directions. Parking is limited so if you don't get lucky with snagging one of the parking spots in the front then just park down the corridor and make the walk back up.The entire trail itself is flat with very little to no incline. We had my three younger nieces with us and they were able to physically complete the hike with no complaints. As you reach the bridge, walk across it and keep going to see the end prize of a gorgeous waterfall. The hike will amaze you with some scenic views of beautiful mountain backdrops with clear waters roaming down the stream. It was a very peaceful and therapeutic experience. We were able to have conversations without the disruptions of life, and we had a chance to soak in nature without the nuances of digital connectivity.So -- bring some water, snacks, and maybe a light lunch to enjoy the short and yet breathtaking experience with your loved ones.P.S. you will pass a few mini waterfalls before getting to the grand prize. Even if you don't see or hear anything for a while, just keep going because once you turn the corner -- it will all have been worth it.Although I'm an avid hiker and have walked through many trails throughout the state, this trail will remain my favorite trail in all of California.

What a great hiking trail! As I have recently canceled my monthly gym membership (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), what better way to get in shape than to venture out in the great outdoors with a refreshing beverage, a backpack, and comfortable hiking shoes! This takes me to the Auburn, California area where I had the opportunity of visiting "Black Hole of Calcutta Falls" aka "Western States Trail". In the 20+ years that I have lived in the greater Sacramento area, I have yet to take advantage of how much nature there actually is in the surrounding areas. I came across this particular trail using the AllTrails app on my phone. And as soon as I saw it having quite a few above average Yelp reviews, I am sold! Immediately, I was very curious to see what this place was all about.Getting here is quite simple. From Sacramento, simply take I-80 eastbound, Highway 49 east towards Placerville, and right after you cross the North Fork of the American River, the trailhead is located on the right hand side. Parking though can be very challenging as you have to make a sudden turn since the small gravel spaces to park is adjacent to the highway. Fortunately, my friend and I arrived at around 5:30pm on the afternoon of 5/22/2021 so there wasn't too many vehicles during our arrival.Once entering the actual trail, you will see several public porta-potties as well as a generous amount of life jackets. I highly recommend to NOT swim in this river as the currents can be very dangerous during any time of day. There are also signs warning visitors NOT to dive as there has been fatalities and drownings on past occasions. And with the river levels dangerously low due to the drought, it can be a recipe for disaster. Once you get past these signs, you will come across a very large bridge overlooking the American River. This bridge itself is very safe, wide, and has a high barbed-wire fence.As far as the trail itself, it spans 2.2 miles one way (which eventually comes to a dead-end) and 4.4 miles total. This particular trail is on the much easier level and is great for beginner hikers. I do recommend bringing insect repellent spray as there there can be unexpected guests during your hike. We didn't notice any other wildlife except for a deer that was spotted quite far away and well as frogs croaking by a small stream. As I mentioned, this place is great for beginners but I don't recommend strollers as some of it involves a little muscle going down some bumpy rocks.Overall, "Black Hole of Calcutta Falls" is a wonderful trail worth checking out and just a quick 30-minute drive from Sacramento. I recommend visiting here in the spring before the uncomfortably hot weather kicks in (from June through September). Be sure to take lots of pictures since everywhere around here as well as the bridge can be quite picturesque. My rating, a perfect five stars.

Beautiful Saturday.We hike a little and enjoyed the scenery. As always, social distanced ourselves, gave the bikers on the trails the right ow way cos it's steep and don't forget to clean up after you're done eating.Bathrooms and two picnic tables can be found bear the info station and before you walk down one of the trail.The drive is winding and make sure you know how to parallel park :D The places doesn't get crowded by the water, so that's really nice. You can pick whichever trail you want to hike.No bbq's after July 1st. No diving, glass bottles. If you're hiking make sure to examine for ticks. If you like rafting/canoeing this is one place to go.PS. Find the zen rocks I've built and take a picture of it with you This is heaven on earth.Our favorite spot for hiking/picnic/both. So tranquil, clean and fresh air.Juan wanted to surprise me on my birthday, so, we went here earlier. So beautiful and relaxing. If you need a place to zen out, walk, take a dip, canoe... this is one place to go

I have done this trail multiple times over the last 5 years and every time, I have been around 300 lbs. It is a great hike for beginners in that it is "mostly" flat and level. There is some incline and decline but it's not excessive. I have done this hike with a group of friends that wanted to walk forever and I have done it with a tired partner who wanted to turn around at 8K steps, so it is really versatile. I like that I can bring my dog and I keep her on a leash for this particular hike because I am unsure if off-lease is allowed but you will see many people with their pups off-leash witch is fine because they always seem to be under voice control. What you don't see is people cleaning up after their pups on this trail, which is a shame. There are two porta-potties at the beginning of the trail and they are surprisingly clean, so I recommend using them. What I don't care for is that it can get pretty busy and parking can be tough. It also sucks that there is so little water like 9 months out of the year...the "falls" are a trickle and everything is dry and yellow. I really recommend doing this trail in the rainy season or very early in the day as there is not a lot of shade but if you are looking for something to get you out there, this trail is a good start.

Super easy walk for kiddos! Do recommend wearing shorts if they like to get wet. The waterfall and wading hole were a blast for my kids, and having horses come through for a drink was the icing on the cake. They can't wait to go back with some friends.

We don't venture out to hike. Not because I don't want to. The wifey and teen are homebodies and just go for neighborhood walks for exercise. They don't like too much sun, etc. Finicky about outdoors. Hehe. But since a gal pal of my wife wanted to go as 2 fams, we woke up at 5am to leave at 6am to go here. Nice drive. Maybe 35-40 miles to Auburn from Natomas. But man the lines of cars. Throngs beat us there and got prime parking along the road spots. Crazy. I don't wake up for shit. Fires, alarms, helicopters etc. Nothing. Nada. Iam a true night owl but trying to adjust my sleep habits. I digress. Getting there was cool.We parked waaaay up on the hill. Walked down. Then left past the bridge to the trail. Long hike until we hit the water area. Perfect for a dip but did not plan and have the right clothing. Damn. Water...so inviting. Just under the hulking Foresthill Bridge and the closer bridge near us. See pics. Hung out for maybe 30. Had about 8 fams or groups in the water or along. We did not bring food or plan a chill picnic. I would have been down for that! Then we walked back. By the time we hit the uphill we all suffered. We barely made it back. Brutal. Out-of-shape I would say but still a hard incline angle climb to the car avoiding peeps and bikes. Back to the car around 10am. We and our friends said to eat back near home and not Auburn. I aaid there was a 4.5 star deli/market and a 4.5 burger joint but they declined. On way back no one stopped. Went to their house. They ordered Bonchon wings and made some filipino and American food. We chowed down. All slept like babies that night never working the bod like that in ages! Great place to hike and make a day of it!

I love this place so much!Went there with my sister and her husband, so beautiful and you can swim there too.I will recommend this for sure !

Hiked here on a random day last summer. Even though it was an easy hike, I love nature and something about it calms me. It was a very nice hike and I will come back again this spring/summer. It can get hot though and barely any shade on the trail so be sure to stay hydrated.

Wow! I think I've found my new favorite hike in the area! This is a relatively easy hike, we hiked four miles round trip. There were several waterfalls when we went, but that may not be the case depending whether there was much rainfall that year. Aside from the waterfalls, the trails have subtrails that lead you to the beautiful American River. The river is usually a dark blue to emerald depending on what season you visit. Presently, it was brown due to the amount of rain and it's February. The entrance is at Gate 150. Do not use the map provided by Yelp. This isn't a fault of Yelp, but by users who pinned it to the specified location....and it's about a half mile off. The gate is located on your right hand side after you drive past the bridge. Although we hiked four miles, we could've gone further. There are endless marked trails here! All of the paths are at your discretion. You can take the high or low road. The trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, and horseback riders. Dogs are allowed as well, with or without leashes. I recommend with. I also recommend that if you have the slightest inkling that you gots to pee, go at the port-a-potty at the foot of the hike. There isn't one available, as I found out the hard way! Pack snacks for energy, water for hydration, binoculars and cameras to capture the beauty, and make memories!

How could one rate such a beautiful hiking ground anything less than five stars? The place offers different trails. depending on the time of the day, you can go through shadier places or be by the river and enjoy the sun and maybe (depending on the time of the year), even go in the water as many families were already doing. The trail is really easy, so as a result, it's a popular location. If you want to go for a "people free" nature kind of a day, you'll have to go early in the morning, and preferably during the weekdays. Even though you'll see plenty of people even then. The parking here isn't ideal, and the free spots fill up fast. watch out for poison Ivy, and enjoy your hike!