Walks and Hikes

Rangers' Tips For Selecting Walks and Hikes

There is no single "best trail" out here. Any trail in old-growth redwoods is going to be "the best trail". Also, a quality experience in one or two places may be better than trying to see it all.

There are dozens of trails with hundreds of miles of hiking and biking opportunities in the redwoods. Some (not all) of these trails have parking for larger vehicles like recreational vehicles or trailers. It is important to read the recommendations for details about what size restrictions are in place for each trailhead.

You might have heard about the "Tall Trees Grove". It is a steep hike and you'll need an online permit issued at least 48 hours ahead of time. We have dozens of much easier trails to get to - with equally stunning redwood trees.

Our visitor centers, visitor guide and newspaper and our backcountry trip planner also have detailed information about walks, hikes, and trails.

 

Quick Ideas for Walks and Hikes

• 

  Have Less Than An Hour?

  Try To At Least Do Some of These

  Ideas for visits lasting less than an hour.

• 

  Only Have A Few Hours?

  Any Of These Options Will Be Worth It

  Quality experiences can happen on these trails.

• 

  You've Got Half A Day? Excellent!

  Suggestions For Half Day Activities

  Half a day will immerse you in some amazing places.

• 

  A Full Day To Fill? Awesome!

  The parks are full of day-long hikes.

  Hundreds of miles of trails to choose from.

• 

  Yes, Fido Can Sniff (some) Redwoods!

  See where leashed dogs can be taken.

  Learn how your pet can become a BARK Ranger!

 

Planning Your Walk or Hike

No matter your comfort level and experience, there are walking and hiking options for you in the redwoods. For orientation purposes, we consider the Klamath River as the boundary between the northern and southern areas of the parks. Crescent City and Hiouchi is in the north, Klamath is in the middle, and Orick is in the south.

Be aware that most of the trails north of the Klamath River do not have parking large enough for trailers or RVs. Many of the trails south of the Klamath River do have parking for trailers or RVs.

Start making your plans based your answers to these questions...

• Do you have less than an hour, or a full day?
• What is the fitness level of your group?
• Which area of the parks are you visiting?
• Do you need easy parking, and paved roads?
• What are your accessibility requirements?

 

Pet on Trails?

Pets do not mix well with wildlife like bears, Roosevelt elk and mountain lions on our trails. Pets are not allowed on any national and state park trails. This includes Fern Canyon and Tall Trees Trail.

However, there are options for walking with a leashed pet in the parks. There are two dirt roads under old-growth redwoods that are friendly for leashed pets. Service dogs are welcome on any of our trails. Learn more about pets in the park.

 

What To Expect?

More than 200 miles of trails weave through a variety of environments; including prairies, old-growth redwood forests, and beaches. Elevations range from sea level to just over 3,000 feet (1,000 m). Consistently mild temperatures make year-round exploration a possibility. The parks' trails are well maintained - though weather conditions may make the trails slippery. Few trails are paved.

Due to the wet winters and the strong winds we have, large trees often fall, and they will block trails. These natural events will cause a trail closure. Find out more about current conditions.

Walking through a redwood grove on a fog-shrouded morning can be an unforgettable experience. Sounds are reduced to the musical gurgle of water trickling amongst ferns and mossy rocks. Light ebbs with the somber mist and shafts of sun hang like cobwebs. Stillness and peace weave their spells upon the respectful traveler.

 

Accessible Trails

ADA accessible trails take you through old-growth redwood forests in many locations.

North: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

• Simpson-Reed Grove.
• Leiffer Loop.

South: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

• Big-Tree Wayside.
• Elk Prairie Trail.
• Foothills - Prairie Creek Loop. (Nov 2021: the Prairie Creek Trial has been renamed the Karl Knapp Trail)
• Revelation Trail.

Note: The Lady Bird Johnson Trail in Redwood National Park is partially paved, but it has some steeper slopes and is not ADA accessible.

 

Details About Our Trails

Finding the right trail for you depends on which areas you plan go to, how long you want to be walking, and the size of vehicle you are driving.

• Learn about trails in the north.
• Learn about trails in the south.
• Lean about the The Coastal Trail.

 

Seasonal Bridges

In summer, seasonal foot-bridges are constructed across some waterways to allow for easier access to some of the parks' frontcountry, and backcountry highlights. Check our current conditions page for day-today updates on the bridges. Depending of the water-levels, these footbridges can installed by June and may be removed by October. These trails are not wheelchair accessible.

• Redwood Creek's bridges are in the backcountry of Redwood National Park and allow for easier access to several backcountry campsites.
• Fern Canyon's bridges are in the front-country of Prairie Creek State Park. Fern Canyon is a popular summer destination, and it will be very busy.
• Smith River's bridges in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park allow for walking access to Stout Grove.