Hike Ferndell to Berlin

Hike Ferndell Nature Trail to Berlin Forest in Griffith Park

Griffith Park hike to Berlin Forest

As Jeff Goldblum’s Dr. Ian Malcolm character famously says in Jurassic Park: Life finds a way. He may have been talking about a scary dinosaur takeover, but as California continues to face droughts, an abundance of tropical plant life tucked away on Griffith Park hike proves his point.

The 0.5-mile (one-way) Fern Dell 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!

The path ends at Griffith Observatory, and from there you head to Berlin! Berlin Forest is just half a mile from the Observatory, yet feels a world away. The forest is actually dedicated to LA’s sister-city of Berlin.

Directly across the street from Western Canyon Road's large lot are three parallel fire roads. Though the leftmost path merges later, take the middle one for sake of continuity on a 2.5-mile (round-trip) trek that gently ascends 600 feet. Sycamore trees and yellow mustard flowers hug the trail. As you near the top, be sure to take a quick, sharp-right detour just before you cross West Observatory Road to an awesome, western-facing lookout offering ocean views on a clear day, and a unique view of the Observatory. After continuing a short distance gradually uphill, you’ll reach a junction; to your right is the Mount Hollywood Trail, while the Berlin Forest lies a short way down the left path. It’s wonderful to reach the forest and take a break under the pines before returning the way you came. Nature is so nurturing!

Ferndell Nature Walk starts at the intersection of Fern Dell Dr. and Black Oak Dr. and runs for just over half a mile up to the Observatory. From the Observatory, if you continue Berlin Forest and return for an out-and-back, the entire hike is 3.5-miles. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View