Iconic Burney Falls in California will use the park’s visitor limits as crowds fill up
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One of California’s best-kept secrets now requires advance reservations, as crowds keep officials from reaching the iconic Burney Falls.
The falls are located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Shasta County, California, about 60 miles northeast of Redding.
Burney Falls is known for its flow throughout the year – even in drought conditions – and for the water that seems to flow smoothly from the volcanic cliffs.
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The falls were once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Theodore Roosevelt, according to SFGate.
But that beauty has come at a price, and officials are launching a pilot program starting May 15 to limit access and ease congestion.
The California State Parks system is closing vehicular access daily to Burney Falls as part of an pilot program to reduce congestion. (Stock)
The park now requires advance reservations until September 27, and will only allow 241 cars per day while the pilot program is in effect.
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Burney Falls was previously protected from excessive tourism “due to its rural location in northeastern California and lack of community,” said a May 1 statement from California State Parks.
“For generations of visitors, it has had the reputation of a small, family-oriented park and one of California’s best-kept secrets.”
“For generations of visitors, it has had a reputation as a small, family-oriented park and one of California’s best-kept secrets,” officials said.
“However, in the last decade, and especially with the growth of social media, that secret has now become world famous.”
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Annual visitor numbers have nearly doubled since 2015, pushing the park “beyond sustainable and creative capacity.[es] many problems.”
Those issues include environmental degradation, traffic data retention, illegal parking, safety concerns and sanitation issues.
The rise of social media has helped turn Burney Falls from a “well-kept secret” into a major draw, according to local officials. (Stock)
Reservations are required Friday through Sunday, and visitors should book day-use reservations in advance, with limited morning, afternoon and full-day parking available for $10 per vehicle.
Same-day bookings will not be allowed, and all guests, including annual pass holders, are required to book in advance.
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“Large vehicles, vehicles pulling other types of trailers, buses and recreational vehicles are not permitted in the park during daytime use,” the statement said.
“Tour buses and commercial tour groups are not allowed in the park without a pre-approved permit.”
Burney Falls’ steady flow throughout the year has helped fuel its rise as a must-see despite drought conditions. (Stock)
California State Parks said the pilot program is intended to “minimize the impacts of overcrowding.”
The plan’s goals are to “reduce strain on park services and infrastructure, and improve visitor safety during busy summer days, when large crowds often cover the park and surrounding area.”
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This plan also aims to prevent visitors from being driven away as the park tends to come to the area on weekends.
Armando Quintero, the state parks director, described Burney Falls as “the crown jewel of the California State Park System.”
“We want every visitor to have an enjoyable and memorable experience when visiting this one-of-a-kind property.”
“We want all visitors to have a fun and memorable experience when they visit this one-of-a-kind place,” he said.
“By allowing visitors to make reservations in advance, we can help keep the crowds under control and not push park resources past their breaking point.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to California State Parks for additional comment.
