Ney Springs Ruins
Explore moss-covered ruins of a historic resort and discover the enchanting Faery Falls on this scenic Northern California hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best weather and trail conditions
Ney Springs Ruins
Best Time
Best weather and trail conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore moss-covered ruins of a historic resort and discover the enchanting Faery Falls on this scenic Northern California hike.
"Feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale with mossy waterfalls and old resort ruins."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The road to the trailhead can be rough. Consider parking at the entrance and walking if you don't have an SUV.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be muddy and steep, especially to Faery Falls. Good hiking shoes are a must!
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ney Springs Resort Ruins
Trailhead area
Explore the mossy remnants of a historic 19th-century resort, rumored to have healing waters.
Faery Falls
Short hike from Ney Springs
A magical 50-foot waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks, a true hidden gem.
The Healing Spring
Near Ney Springs ruins
Taste the mineral-rich spring water, once believed to have therapeutic properties.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
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Trail Conditions & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The road to the trailhead can be rough. Consider parking at the entrance and walking if you don't have an SUV.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be muddy and steep, especially to Faery Falls. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your garbage with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The road to the trailhead can be rough. Consider parking at the entrance and walking if you don't have an SUV.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be muddy and steep, especially to Faery Falls. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your garbage with you.
🗺️ Follow Trail Markers
Look for the small path to Faery Falls marked by stones and 'F.F.' on a tree.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical Faery Falls and the intriguing historical ruins of Ney Springs Resort. The short, rewarding hike makes it a popular spot, though some find the trails steep and muddy. The unique mineral spring water and the natural beauty are consistently praised, but litter can be an issue for some.
"This trail can take you also to Faery Falls (a 5* for sure!) but for sake of clarity : both locations share the same parking area and camping grounds around, however the NEY SPRINGS is a close walk from it with a little steep way down if you want to get to river portion (on left) and easy access to area where you can drink the spring water (to right of trail, looking like mossy "ruins" where you can get the water). Up ahead on trail you will find forks, if looking for Faery Falls keep going until you find a small path veering to the left with 3 stones at bottom marking location as well F.F. on tree across from it. It is harder to get to, but work the hike ❤"
Andre
"Uphill walk most of the time and in well define trails.
Despite having an suv with good ground clearance we preferred to park at the entrance and continue walking. It was a good call because there were some trees downed across the road and that would make us having to rear gear for about 500ft in a narrow road.
The falls are amazing, I just wish people would take their trash with them.
It was well worth the 15-20min walk to climb."
Ricky Sanders
"The trailhead itself can be a little hard to find if you aren't familiar as it is down a dirt road, but it's a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. It's not too bad with small kids. I love the ruins from the hotel."
Zoe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from San Francisco to Mount Shasta is scenic and takes about 4-5 hours. From Mount Shasta, you'll head towards the Ney Springs trailhead. The final approach involves a dirt road that can be challenging; some visitors opt to park at the entrance and walk the rest of the way.
The dirt road can be rough and may have downed trees. While some SUVs can navigate it, it's advisable to check current conditions and consider parking at the main entrance and walking if you have a lower-clearance vehicle.
The trailhead is down a dirt road. It opens up to a parking area. If you try to continue around a bend, you've likely gone too far. A wide trail just before the parking area leads to Faery Falls.
GPS can be helpful, but be aware that the dirt road might not be perfectly mapped. Look for signs or landmarks mentioned in trail guides.
No, public transportation is not available to Ney Springs Ruins. A personal vehicle is necessary for access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Ney Springs Ruins and Faery Falls. It's a free public access area.
Ney Springs Ruins and Faery Falls are open year-round during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to visit during safe daylight conditions.
Parking is free at the designated trailhead area. However, be prepared for potentially rough road conditions leading to the parking spot.
Camping is available in the general area around the trailhead and parking grounds.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Faery Falls from the Ney Springs ruins is relatively short, often described as about 1.5 miles round trip, taking around an hour.
You can explore the mossy remnants of the old Ney Springs Resort, including structures and the area where the healing spring water was accessed. 
The hike is generally considered moderate. It involves some uphill walking and can be steep and muddy, especially on the path to Faery Falls.
Some visitors report a significant number of bugs, especially if hiking along the water. Wearing insect repellent is recommended.
The spring water is accessible and was historically known for its mineral content. However, it's always recommended to check local advisories or bring your own water.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the atmospheric ruins with moss and greenery, and frame the cascading Faery Falls with its lush surroundings. Early morning light can be magical.
Yes, Faery Falls is a picturesque waterfall. The short hike makes it accessible for photographers looking for beautiful natural scenery.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for both the ruins and the waterfall. Midday sun can be harsh, but the forest canopy offers some shade.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of Ney Springs and Faery Falls. However, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will offer more creative control.
The juxtaposition of the old resort ruins against the natural beauty of the waterfall offers unique photographic possibilities.
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