One sunny weekend, we decided to take a trip to Fern Dell Trail, right in the heart of Hollywood. This green oasis in the bustling city was the perfect escape for our family with two little kids to unwind together. Let’s go!
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Ferndell Trail in Griffith Park is also known as the Fern Dell Nature Trail. It is considered one of the best free and easy hikes in Hollywood. And if you feel like going for a longer hike, consider heading up to the Griffith Observatory.
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for hiking, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
Trailhead Details
- Free admission
- Located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California
- A round trip of 0.5 miles (approximately 0.8 kilometers).
- A round trip of 2.6 miles to Griffith Observatory (about 4.2 kilometers).
- Features lush greenery and a serene atmosphere
- The trail is shaded with a variety of ferns and native plants
- Suitable for families and beginners
- Benches are available along the trail
- Accessible year-round, with parking available nearby
How to get there
- Address: Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Parking
- No parking fee
You’ll find free street parking along Fern Dell Drive, which is super convenient. On a weekend, it’s a different story, and you might need to drive further away to find parking and walk a bit more to get to the trailhead starting point.
I recommend arriving early or during off-peak hours, especially on weekends, to snag a spot easily.
Trailhead Entrance: Two options
The trailhead for the Fern Dell Trail is conveniently located at the intersection of Fern Dell Drive and Black Oak Drive. As you approach, you'll notice the entrance marked by a rustic wooden sign welcoming you to the trail. The entrance is easily identifiable and opens to a scenic area lined with lush ferns and towering trees, inviting you to step into nature’s tranquility.
Another option is to begin near the playground located across from The Trails Café, making the hike longer as you do two rounds. We parked conveniently close at the café, making it especially easy to start our adventure from there, particularly with two kids in hand.
Hidden Gem
The Fern Dell Trail is such a gem! It’s an easy, family-friendly hike that everyone can enjoy.
I love the lush, fern-filled landscape, complete with small streams and shaded pathways—so peaceful if you avoid the weekend crowd!
At just about 0.5 miles or less than 1 kilometer long, it’s the perfect quick hike to squeeze into a busy day.
As I strolled along the winding paths, I admired the beauty of this simple hike. Even though it was the weekend, we had a few moments of just us on the trail, and we were able to soak in the serene atmosphere.
Take Note
Some drawbacks we encountered during our hike included an unpleasant odor in certain sections of the trail. Some people said that this could be due to decomposing dead leaves or the stagnant water in the stream, especially in warmer months, and some suspected the presence of skunks nearby.
Some drawbacks we encountered during our hike included an unpleasant odor in certain sections of the trail. Some people said that this could be due to decomposing dead leaves or the stagnant water in the stream, especially in warmer months, and some suspected the presence of skunks nearby.
For the Kiddos
If you’re with kids, a visit to the huge playground near the end of the trailhead is a must. With swings, slides, and a climbing structure, it’s a great place for them to have fun before or after the hike. From here, you can go back to your car or make your way up to Griffith Observatory.
Baby Carrier
Food Options
There are nice picnic areas near the playground if you prefer to bring your own snacks.
If you’re in the mood to explore nearby, the Los Feliz neighborhood has some great cafes and restaurants. I particularly enjoy The Trails Cafe, just a short walk from the trailhead, where you can indulge in pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in a cozy, rustic setting.
The outdoor setting at The Trails Cafe was relaxing, and there’s even a section where you can play chess.
Fern Dell Trail truly felt like a hidden gem, offering us a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. It was a wonderful family day, discovering nature's beauty in such an unexpected place.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're excited to explore Old Pasadena: A Historic Gem of Culture and Charm in Los Angeles, California.
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