01
Best overall pick
Hendy Woods State Park
Near Philo Along Highway 128 • Classic Redwood State Park With Loop Trails • Best Overall Hiking Base
Towering redwoods, soft forest loops, and river access make Hendy Woods the most complete hiking option near Boonville.
If you only have time for one hike near Boonville, make it Hendy Woods. The grove trails are mostly gentle, well signed, and shaded, so you can wander among massive trees without worrying about steep climbs or getting turned around. It’s easy to tailor a visit here, from a quick redwood fix to a longer half-day circuit with a picnic by the Navarro River.
02
Closest to town
Faulkner Park
Just West Of Boonville On Mountain View Road • Small County Park With Ridge And Creekside Paths • Quick Local Escape
A low-key local park with a short ridge trail and quiet picnic corners, Faulkner Park is where Boonville residents sneak in quick walks.
Faulkner Park doesn’t have the drama of the big redwood groves, but it wins on convenience and everyday charm. The ridge trail gives you a bit of elevation and woodsy solitude without a long drive, while the lower areas stay cool and green in summer. It’s a practical pick for stretching your legs before wine tasting or breaking up a drive over Mountain View Road.
03
Best scenic drive-and-walk combo
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Redwood Corridor Between Philo And Navarro • Scenic River Corridor With Informal Paths And Pullouts • Best For Roadside Leg-Stretch Walks
This long, narrow park turns the final stretch of Highway 128 into a tunnel of redwoods with plenty of spots to pull over and wander.
Rather than one big trailhead, Navarro River Redwoods is a string of groves and river access points that reward a slower pace on the drive toward the coast. Park at a pullout, follow informal paths toward the river, and you can be standing under redwoods or skipping stones in minutes. It’s ideal when you want fresh air and scenery without committing to a full loop hike.
04
Best mellow forest stop
Indian Creek County Park
Highway 128 East Of Philo • Intimate Redwood Campground With Short Trails • Best For Mellow Forest Rambling
A compact park along Indian Creek, this spot offers quiet, low-effort walks beneath tall trees and easy access to the water.
Indian Creek County Park flies under the radar compared with Hendy Woods, which is part of its appeal. Short paths meander between campsites, redwoods, and the creek, so you can improvise a stroll without planning a formal route. It’s a peaceful place to linger with a thermos of coffee, listen to the water, and enjoy a softer side of Anderson Valley’s landscape.
05
Best half-day adventure
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Over The Hill Toward Ukiah • Remote Old-Growth Redwood Preserve With A Steep Approach Trail • Best For Committed Hikers
A short but steeper trail drops into one of Mendocino County’s most impressive old-growth redwood groves, worth the winding drive from Boonville.
Montgomery Woods feels wilder and more remote than the valley parks, with a curvy approach drive and a trail that climbs and descends rather than just strolling flat. Once you drop into the main grove, the trees are enormous and the mood is cathedral-quiet, especially on misty mornings. It’s a rewarding outing for hikers who don’t mind a bit of effort and want to make a half-day adventure out of leaving Boonville behind.