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    Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook

    4.4 (31 reviews)

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    Maruko X.

    Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook is a 1.5 mile moderate loop trail, which features a great forest setting, and you would expect a lot ups and downs, and unpaved zigzag roads. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips, and dogs are also allowed to use this trail.

    Beginning of trail.
    Heidy M.

    This is a great hike in a great location right off of Muholland Dr in a residential area. The only downside to this trailhead is the parking. The parking lot is very small, and street parking would be on the side of the road if you can find any, as there are many parking restrictions. We arrived early morning on a cool day and found a spot after 10 minutes of waiting. There are no restrooms here or drinking fountains, bring plenty of water,especially on a hot day.The trail is clean, a mix of loose and compact gravel and easily accessible. The trail was busy with runners, many dogs on leashes, including ours and enjoyed by all fitness levels. There's not much shade or places to sit off the trail so wearing layers / sunscreen is recommended as it can get cool or very hot in the summer. If you are planning to visit, definitely be sure to put this location in your GPS and not Fryman Canyon Park / trailhead as this is often referred to. It's two different locations, but only 10 minutes apart from one another. Enjoy!

    View
    Ilhan H.

    Great place to relax and unwind in nature. Plenty of parking not many people. The view of the San Fernando Valley is definitely breath taking up here. Make sure to bring your water bottles , a snack, and a jacket so you're well prepared.

    Overlook view
    Melanie D.

    This is a small, almost hidden overlook with about 40 parking spaces off of Mulholland. There is a vast view of the valley and mountains. Just a short distance from the lot begins a dirt trail that quickly becomes single track trail, with choices to do an easy loop or continue on to the Fryman Canyon area. The trail is partly wooded/shaded but can get hot quickly on a sunny day.

    View at Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook
    Orsolya D.

    Stop for a moment and think about what your idea of "romance" entails. Is it a nice dinner and flowers for the special lady? An expensive but unexpected gift? A hand-written note and breakfast in bed? My ideal image of romance doesn't involve dinners, gifts, or money at all. I prefer something from the heart, thoughtful, and best of all: free. Picnics, walks, a poem. You get the picture. The Nancy Hoover Pohl overlook on scenic Mulholland Drive is easily accessible from the Valley moments from beautiful neighborhoods in Laurel Canyon and yet it takes you away to a serene and natural ecosystem. You tend to forget that you are actually moments from Mulholland Drive. The overlook consists of benches and maintained rest areas, paths leading to Fryman Canyon, and a parking lot larger than most LA restaurants. The unabashed environment captures beauty and peace with a view of the Valley which displays splendor and greenery versus the 101 and Ventura Blvd. If you told me it WASN'T the Valley, I may believe you. It truly is beautiful. For the animal lover, you will be happy to know that several butterflies hover above your head, hummingbirds buzz by, owls hoot, frogs croak, snakes rattle, and gophers pull plants underground and then cover their hole. Yes, I saw these things happen and it made my experience even better. I fed a gopher who was cuter than the one in Caddyshack and he seemed to be a model and very photogenic (see photo). Perhaps, wildlife isn't your thing, but I assure you that you will feel safe at the overlook, regardless. The best thing about the overlook is the romantic essence in the aire. With a wine glass in my hand (don't tell the park rangers!) and my boyfriend at my side; we certainly had a lovely evening. The spot is also so quiet, that you can grab an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, perhaps a cowbell and have a folk sing-a-long in the canyons where the movement started in the first place. Romance to me is free. Good job, Nancy, good job.

    Teresa A.

    I made a stop at the Nancy Pohl Overlook today. It was awesome. The views of the mountains in the distance and the city down below was nice. There is a hiking trail next to the parking lot. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking spots. It is dog friendly. There is a nice viewing deck. I'd love to make a return!

    Jennifer B.

    What a beautiful hidden little place in the middle of the city! The trail is on the short side but enough for some much needed exercise.

    Dana K.

    I have been going to this hike for years. This hike is a secret to most people and I grew up out here. Around the corner you have Fryman (yelp calls it Franklin Canyon) and Tree people. It's weird but all these hikes connect. There are several trails on this hike but overall they are fairly easy. Over the years many people have had their dogs off leash, even though it isn't an off leash hike. Over the last year the ranger comes and gives out tickets which is kind of a bummer. Mostly tickets if your dog is off leash. The cool thing about this hike is that is very deserted and there are days I see no one there and some days I see a few people. There are also some pretty views too. There are two ways to hike starting from this park. The way to the right is pretty flat and easy the whole way. Takes 30 minutes or so. The other way, to the left is more steep and a little more challenging on your way back up. You will cross little ponds and it's more exciting. If you keep going that way it will bring you through the rain forest area then back to Fryman...but it gets tricky so don't get lost.

    Jessica W.

    I love this place. You can take an easy hike if you're just craving a relaxing breath of fresh air or you can take the Bettie Dearing Trail for a more moderate to hard hike or trail run. You can't beat the view because it's honestly breathtaking. This hike is the less-crowded, less dog-poop filled version of Runyon which makes it a thousand times better. If you're not feeling like exercise you can just come up to the seating area at the entrance and if timed right, admire the gorgeous sunset.

    Emily G.

    I don't know that I would call this a hike so much as a nature walk, but boy is it beautiful! From the moment you park you get get a gorgeous view of LA from the overlook, and once you start following the trails, there are even prettier spots. This is definitely a hike that almost anyone could do - a lot of the trail is wide and there aren't really any hills. My friend and I did wander down some side trails off the main one that were fairly steep, but that's not something everyone has to do! We actually got a little lost at one point and sort of wandered into a field with high grass - we saw really pretty flowers, plants, and several lizards. My favorite part about this area is that it wasn't crowded at all (I think we saw three other people the whole time we were there), which is a nice break from more well-known places like Runyon. It is definitely child and dog-friendly, too. Finally, there's a nice little free parking lot, which everyone knows is a treasured rarity for LA! I'll definitely be back here for fresh air and a break from city life.

    Candace B.

    I really enjoyed hiking here today. I took the trail to the left which was a winding road that went downward and up in some spots. It was like walking through a shaded forest. There were a few water streams. I called it an interactive walk lol because I had to duck under a tree, walk across a small bridge and climb stairs and a few steps but I loved every minute and the view was beautiful. The hike going back was a great workout so the sweat was intense. No parking issues or overcrowding like you sometimes experience at Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park hike trails - the weekend traffic sucks. I only hiked an hour but when I return I'm going all the way to the end of the trail, Id like to see where it ends.

    Winter P.

    This place is great! Love the views! Family friendly and lots of trail options. Free parking and easy to find. Will be back!

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    15 years ago

    Love the never ending ending trail and views along the way ... Just be careful the paths do get pretty narrow ...

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    Ask the Community - Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook

    Does anyone know the backstory to the yellow and orange vehicle along the trail?

    When you get to the split in the path, which is the best way to go? Left or right (up or down)?

    Left!!!! If you go right you will end up at someone's backyard entrance and met by surveillance cameras

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    Review Highlights - Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook

    The view of the San Fernando Valley is definitely breath taking up here.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The 101 & The Hollywood Bowl.
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    Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook - parks - Updated August 2026

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