Fern Gully
Ferndell Nature Walk in Griffith Park
As Jeff Goldblum's Dr. Ian Malcolm character famously said: Life finds a way. He may have been talking about a scary dinosaur takeover, but as California continues to face its worst drought in years, an abundance of tropical plant life tucked away in Griffith Park proves his point. This 1-mile (round-trip) Ferndell Nature Walk features a shaded dirt path, a running creek with miniature waterfalls, and lavish greenery that you have to see to believe. Start out on Fern Dell Drive and Black Oak Drive, where a gated entrance leads you into what feels like a lush Jurassic getaway. Over fifty species of ferns line the creek, including one with giant dino-sized leaves, something a stegosaurus would love to nibble at (or chomp on). Although the path runs right alongside the road, the sound of cars melts away with the bubbling of the creek. Bridges and benches along the way make good photo ops in front of tiny waterfalls. Photo bomb-asaurus!
BONUS: Trails Café sits at the halfway point of this easy stroll. Enjoy a slice of their famous seasonal fruit pie.
Ferndell Nature Walk starts at the intersection of Fern Dell Dr. and Black Oak Dr. and runs for half a mile up to Trails Café. Dog-friendly!
