This half-mile loop through old-growth redwoods delivers maximum forest immersion with minimum effort. The Simpson-Reed Trail sits in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, where level terrain and interpretive panels make it accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone who wants to walk among thousand-year-old giants without breaking a sweat.
Trail Details
- 🏃Activities
- Hiking
- 📊Difficulty
- Easy
- 📏Distance
- 0.8 miles
- 🪨Surface
- aggregate gravel
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, october, november, december
- 📍Location
- CA
- 🐕Dogs Allowed
- No
- 💵Fee
- Free
Overview
The Simpson-Reed Trail cuts a gentle loop through some of the most accessible old-growth forest in the redwood parks. This isn't backcountry solitude — you'll share the path with families and first-time visitors — but the forest here is legitimate ancient redwood habitat, complete with nurse logs, creek crossings, and the cathedral quiet that comes with trees this size.
The double-loop design means you can extend or shorten your walk depending on time and interest. Interpretive panels scattered along the route explain the natural and cultural history without overwhelming the experience. The path stays level throughout, making this one of the few places in the redwood parks where mobility limitations don't limit access to genuine old-growth forest.
What to Expect
The trail surface is smooth and firm enough for wheelchairs and strollers, winding through redwood groves that include the full supporting cast of coastal forest species. Expect to see western hemlocks, dense fern understories, and huckleberry bushes threading between the massive redwood trunks. Creek crossings add sound and movement to what can otherwise feel like walking through a living museum.
The interpretive wayside panels cover both ecological and cultural history, though the forest itself provides most of the education. Nurse logs demonstrate the redwood lifecycle, while the scale of the trees becomes visceral when you're walking beneath them rather than viewing from a car window. The loop structure means you can take the shorter route if weather turns or extend the walk if the forest holds your attention.
Tips & Logistics
Access requires a sharp turn north from Highway 199 onto Walker Road — it's easy to miss, so watch for it about 3 miles west of Hiouchi toward Crescent City. The trailhead sits just 0.1 mile up Walker Road, with designated accessible parking including two accessible spaces. RVs and vehicles with trailers can't park here, so plan accordingly.
No permits or fees required, and the trail stays open year-round. Cell coverage is minimal to nonexistent, which matters for emergency situations but probably won't affect a 30-minute forest walk. Pets aren't allowed on any park trails, and off-trail travel is prohibited to protect the sensitive forest floor.
The park service recommends 30 minutes for the full loop, though the actual time depends on how long you spend absorbing the forest. Early morning or late afternoon light filtering through the canopy provides the best photographic conditions, but the forest maintains its cathedral atmosphere throughout the day. Restrooms aren't available at the Simpson-Reed trailhead, so plan stops at other park facilities if needed.
This trail works well as an introduction to redwood forests for visitors who might find longer hikes intimidating, or as a quick forest fix when time is limited. The accessibility features don't diminish the authenticity of the experience — these are the same ancient trees that backcountry hikers seek, just without the effort required to reach them.