Bicycling In The Redwoods

 

Bicycling Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

NPS Collection

Redwood Cycling Routes and Tips

Bicycling in Redwood National and State Parks can be both challenging and awe-inspiring. The parks feature several hike/bike trails, with the main biking hub located in the southern part of the parks. Ride through ancient redwood groves, pedal under second-growth forests, or follow coastal cliffs with sweeping ocean views.

Although most national and state parks prohibit biking on backcountry hiking trails, Redwood National and State Parks offer several bike trails—primarily on rehabilitated logging roads. These old roads are sturdy enough to minimize erosion and wide enough to safely accommodate multiple users. Please help protect other trails by respecting areas where bicycles are not permitted.

Biking in the Parks Brochure

Print or pick up a biking in the parks brochure (Oct 2020) at any visitor center for more information.

 

Suggested Bike Routes (North to South)

Whether you're looking for a challenging ride through rugged terrain or a leisurely pedal through towering redwoods, these suggested bike routes offer something for every adventurer. From the high ridges of Little Bald Hills to the coastal views of Gold Bluffs Beach, each trail tells a story of the landscape’s rich history and ongoing restoration.

• Little Bald Hills Trail: On Howland Hill Road, 4.8 miles on parks' side. Continue on the USFS Paradise Trail for 5 more miles. Steep. (No e-bikes).
  
• Coastal Trail, Last Chance section: Located at the southern end of Enderts Beach Road or at milepost 15.6 on Highway 101: 6 miles. Some steep areas. (No e-bikes).
  
• Ossagon Trail Loop: Starts at milepost 132.9 on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: 19-mile loop when combined with Coastal Trail, Gold Beach section, Davison Road and back to the Scenic Parkway.
  
• Coastal Trail, Gold Bluffs Beach section: Accessed via Ossagon Trail or Davison Road: 3 miles. Easy. (No e-bikes).
  
• Streelow Creek Trail: 1.8 miles on mostly single-track that connects Davison Road in the west with Davison Trail in the east. Easy.
  
• Davison Trail: Start at Elk Meadow Day Use Area or at the south end of Elk Prairie campground: 3 miles. Easy. Combine with Streelow Creek Trail and Davison Road for a 7½ loop. Easy to moderate. Carry on to Lost Man Creek trailhead for another 2½ miles. Moderate.
  
• Lost Man Creek Trail: Located 3 miles north of Orick or 6½ miles up Bald Hills Road off Hwy 101: 11 miles. Combine with Bald Hills Road and Highway 101 for a 20½-mile loop. Add on four miles by going to Elk Meadow Day Use Area. Moderate with some steep grades.

 

Day use area map.

NPS

Elk Meadow Day Use Area

Elk Meadow Day Use Area is the hub for connecting different bike trails in the Greater Prairie Creek watershed. Most of these bike trails are on old logging roads that go through second-growth forests. However, a mile of ancient redwoods can be explored by bike at the western end of the Lost Man Creek Trail.

In late 2019, an ecosystem restoration project called Redwoods Rising began in the park. One of the goals is to repair degraded second-growth forests and rivers in the Greater Prairie Creek Watershed. There may be temporary bike / trail closures in place during this years-long process. Be sure to check our website or ask at a visitor center before your trip.

 

Visitors riding bikes along the parkway.

NPS photo.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Hike and Bike Days

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers a breathtaking 10-mile ride through towering redwoods on a paved road open to cyclists year-round.

From October to May, on the first Saturday of each month, the Parkway is closed to motorized vehicles, creating a peaceful and safe experience for cyclists and walkers alike. This special event allows visitors to enjoy the redwoods without traffic, making it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Parkway is mostly flat, except for the northern one-mile section, where the road climbs and descends over 400 feet. Plan accordingly for this elevation change.

 

Electric Bikes

E-bikes are permitted on hike/bike trails that lie entirely within the boundaries of Redwood National Park.

However, some trails in Redwood National and State Parks cross into state park land, where different regulations apply. Due to variations between state and federal laws, e-bikes are not allowed on the following four hike/bike trails:

No E-Bikes Allowed On:

• Little Bald Hills Trail
• Coastal Trail – Last Chance Grade Section
• Ossagon Trail
• Coastal Trail – Gold Bluffs Beach Section

For more information on how national parks are integrating electric bikes into their trail systems, visit NPS e-bike policy.

 

Other Local Biking Opportunities

There are local businesses that offer rental bikes and other services that might be of interest to you. Check with the Brookings OR, Crescent City, Klamath, Orick, Trinidad, McKinleyville, Arcata or Eureka Chambers of Commerce for more information.

To our north and east there are lots of biking opportunities in the Smith River National Recreation Area which is managed by the Six Rivers National Forest. About an hour's drive to our south is the Arcata Community Forest - this is a popular location where locals ride single-track routes through 100-year old redwood forests.