01
Best overall pick
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Fall Creek Unit
Just North Of Felton • Shaded Redwood Canyon Trails • Closest Wild Escape From Brookdale
A network of cool, ferny canyon trails that feel wild yet start just a short drive from Brookdale.
Local hikers treat Fall Creek as their backyard gym, with shaded loops past old lime kilns and along a lively creek. Elevation gains come in short, punchy bursts, so you can tailor a quick workout or link trails for a longer half-day wander. In winter and spring, expect slick roots and plenty of mud, but also peak moss and rushing water.
02
Best for relaxed redwood strolls
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Main Area
Felton • Classic Riverfront Redwood Park • Best Easy Family Hike
Iconic redwood-grove walking with flat, well-signed trails and easy access right in Felton.
Start with the flat Redwood Grove loop to walk among some of the biggest trees in the valley, then branch out to river or sandhill trails if you want more miles. This is the go-to spot for mixed groups, with picnic tables, train whistles from Roaring Camp, and a visitor center that helps first-timers get oriented.
03
Best for classic big-park feel
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Northwest Of Boulder Creek • Backcountry Redwood Wilderness • Iconic All-Day Outing
Still the region’s signature big-park experience, with recovering redwood canyons and longer routes that reward committed hikers.
Trails from the current headquarters area dip into recovering redwood forest, with signed routes that keep you in the safest, most scenic zones. Plan extra time: parking reservations, limited services, and longer loop options make this more of a full-day commitment from Brookdale. Clear days reward you with deep-forest quiet and a sense of how this classic park is slowly coming back to life.
04
Best for mountain vistas
Castle Rock State Park
Skyline Ridge Above Los Gatos • Rocky Ridge And Vista Trails • Best For Views And Bouldering
A quick hop up Highway 9 and Skyline delivers big scenery, rocky outcrops, and sunset-worthy vistas.
From the main lot, the Castle Rock and Saratoga Gap trails thread through madrone and oak forest to overlooks where paragliders and fog banks share the skyline. The rocky knobs around the castle rock formation are a favorite for scramblers and climbers, but even casual hikers can find short view hikes with lots of payoff. Pack layers—the ridge can be windy and much cooler than Brookdale, especially in the late afternoon.
05
Best for trail runners and distance hikers
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Above Aptos In The Southeastern Hills • Quiet Deep-Forest Trail Network • Best For Long, Quiet Miles
A deep, quietly spectacular redwood canyon above Aptos, with long, steady grades that reward trail runners and distance hikers.
Nisene Marks feels a bit farther from Brookdale, but the trade-off is thinner crowds and miles of uninterrupted singletrack. Fire roads follow the main canyon, while side trails dive into side gullies, old logging sites, and high ridges that feel surprisingly remote for being so close to the coast. Foggy days here are atmospheric rather than dreary, with mist hanging in the redwoods and the creeks running strong.