01
Best overall pick
Brooktrails Greenbelt Trails
Brooktrails Greenbelt Above Town • Shady Redwood Trail Network • Local Favorite For Everyday Miles
A web of soft, shaded paths right above Brooktrails, ideal for anything from a 20-minute loop to a half-day wander.
The Greenbelt trail system threads through the hills above the Brooktrails neighborhood, with multiple access points and a mix of short connectors and longer loops. Expect tall redwoods, quiet ravines, and a pleasantly cool feel even on warm days. Some junctions are unsigned, so it pays to study the map at the trailhead or snap a photo before heading out.
02
Best family-friendly stroll
Brooktrails Redwood Park
Near Brooktrails Community Hub • Compact Redwood Park With Short Paths • Best For Kids And Picnics
A small, easily accessed redwood grove with short walking paths, picnic tables, and a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Brooktrails Redwood Park offers a gentle way to experience big trees without committing to a longer hike. Short, mostly level paths loop past picnic spots, benches, and open space where kids can explore within sight of the tables. It is a good place to bring visitors, stretch your legs after work, or link into nearby Greenbelt trails if you decide you want more mileage.
03
Best creekside escape
Willits Creek via Thimbleberry Trail
South Side Of Willits • Creekside Forest Trail • Relaxed Half-Day Outing
A mellow path that follows Willits Creek through ferns, maples, and second-growth redwoods on the edge of town.
This route trades big climbs for a steady meander along the water, making it a good choice when you want time outside without a hard workout. The trail is mostly shaded, with occasional roots, narrow spots, and muddy patches after rain that keep it feeling like a real forest walk. Connecting paths let you shorten the outing or build it into a longer loop if you are feeling ambitious.
04
Best quick singletrack fix
Mike's Trail
Foothills Near Willits • Narrow Forest Singletrack • After-Work Or Quick-Morning Pick
A winding singletrack through Douglas fir and redwood that feels surprisingly wild for being so close to town.
Mike's Trail is a favorite for locals who want a focused, no-fuss hike with just enough up-and-down to get the heart rate up. The path is narrow and twisty, with a few tighter turns and short climbs that keep it interesting without being punishing. You may share the route with runners and mountain bikers, so keep an ear out and step aside where the trail narrows.
05
Best workout loop with character
Moss Rock Trail
Hills Above Willits • Steeper Wooded Ridge Trail • Good Training Hike
A hillier route that climbs through mixed forest past moss-covered boulders and occasional viewpoints over the surrounding ridges.
Moss Rock Trail gives you more sustained climbing than most nearby options, making it a solid choice when you want your hike to double as a workout. The footing can be uneven, with rocks, roots, and a few steeper pitches that reward sturdy shoes and a steady pace. Combine it with adjacent paths to create a loop, or simply hike to your favorite viewpoint and turn around when you have had your fill.