What was once a quiet hiking route through Chino Hills has now become the subject of an Internet craze after social media videos of the Eucalyptus trail’s natural beauty went viral. The Eucalyptus/McCoy Loop Trail—part of the larger Helen McCoy Loop system in Chino Hills Community park—is a 2½ mile hiking path that takes walkers through grassy hills filled with greenery, grazing cows, and pet-friendly trails.
“This is a trail I used to walk a lot with my family,” Chino Hills resident Kayla Iniguez (12) said. “It’s interesting seeing it blow up because it’s such a casual hike for me.”
In January, TikTok videos featuring Eucalyptus Trial’s emerald green hills and locals feeding the nearby cows amassed millions of views, leading to a sudden spike of foot traffic in the local area. However, the sudden surge in hikers posed some challenges for the city and residents.
“Driving to school and during the weekends, there are way more people walking the streets than usual. It’s causing a lot of traffic for us,” Kate Lee (10) said.
In the past weeks, city officials have attempted to counter misinformation spreading online after an AI-generated image falsely announced the trails would close at the end of January. This incorrect claim caused backlash from locals and those interested in visiting Chino Hills.
“There are not plans to close this trail,” Chino Hills announced on their social media accounts and website
The surge in hikers has also caused problems for local businesses, specifically the caretakers at Red Bucket Rescue and Sanctuary, which is situated near the trail. Disrespectful behavior, including feeding animals, has posed risks to their livestock. Workers have posted signage, urging visitors to simply observe from a distance, rather than interacting with their animals and causing further harm.
Despite the problems associated with Eucalyptus Loop’s rise in popularity, visitors are still encouraged to hike the trail, as long as they respect the city and its guidelines. Pedestrians are invited to park at the Community Center, McCoy Equestrian Center, or the Community Park, and enter the trail through the entrance at the park.
“I came from Eastvale because I saw the trail on TikTok, and it was beautiful,” Sophie Han (12) said. “We took photos and made sure not to litter.”
After finishing the trail, many visitors stop by the Gordon Ranch to try Toro Tea and Commence Coffee, two new, popular drink destinations in Chino Hills. A recent video of a line for Toro Tea wrapping around the plaza went viral, showing the drastic increase in popularity of local businesses due to the Eucalyptus Trail’s trendiness.
As both locals and tourists come to Chino Hills to check out its natural beauty, the city ensures that they are open to anyone interested in experiencing what it has to offer.
“The trail is here for everyone, and we love seeing people explore the beauty of Chino Hills. Just remember, leave no trace and leave it better than you found it,” the city said on its website.
