McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Anticipating Record Crowds This Summer: Visitors Should Plan Accordingly to Avoid Peak Hours
Contact: Lori Martin I 530.225.2065
BURNEY, Calif. – California State Parks is experiencing record crowds at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Located northeast of Redding, the state park has had a significant increase in day-use attendance in the last several years. The park’s main attraction, a beautiful 129-foot waterfall, is drawing visitors from all over the world. Popularity and high visitation can mean full parking lots, congested roads, busy trails, long lines and wait times for park facilities.
To enhance your visiting experience, California State Parks recommends:
- Visit the park during the week and during the off-peak hours during weekends – sunrise to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to sunset.
- Carpool.
- Park in designated areas only. Vehicles parked along Highway 89 outside of the park, may be towed away and subject to citations.
- Avoid parking and hiking the mile-plus trek on Highway 89, which is for vehicles only and is not a safe passage for pedestrians.
- Exercise patience, as a full park will create longer waits for park facilities, such as restrooms.
- Review and obey park rules. Stay on open and established trails. Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas. Closed signs and warnings are in place for public safety and to prevent further trail damage.
- Practice safety. Use a “buddy system” – hike with a friend or family member. Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours). Wear sturdy comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
- Never feed or touch wildlife. Our state parks are home to a variety of wildlife. Help us keep these animals wild by viewing them from a safe distance. Do not approach or attempt to move sick or injured wildlife. Please report encounters with aggressive, sick or injured animals to a park ranger.
Burney Falls was named after pioneer settler Samuel Burney who lived in the area in the 1850s. The McArthurs were pioneer settlers who arrived in the late 1800s. Descendants were responsible for saving the waterfall and nearby land from development. They bought the property and gave it to the state as a gift in the 1920s.
For more information on McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, please visit California State Park’s website at www.parks.ca.gov or call one of the following phone numbers: (530) 225-2065 or (530) 335-2777.
With 280 state park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites and 4,5000 miles of trails, California’s state park system provides wonderful recreational, educational, and inspirational opportunities for more than 67 million visitors annually. Find a California state park online at www.parks.ca.gov.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.