01
Best overall pick
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Main Section)
Felton / Highway 9 • Classic Redwood State Park • First-Time Visitor Must-Do
Easy-to-moderate loops through towering redwoods make Henry Cowell’s main section the go-to hike from Mount Hermon.
Just down the road from Mount Hermon, Henry Cowell’s main entrance gives you quick access to the famous Redwood Grove Loop and longer routes like the River and Eagle Creek trails. The walking is mostly gentle, with plenty of shade, big trees, and river overlooks that work for mixed groups. Arrive early on weekends for easier parking and a quieter feel on the popular loops.
02
Best shady creek network
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Fall Creek Unit
North Felton • Shady Creek Canyon Network • Local Favorite For Cool, Quiet Miles
Steeper, narrower trails along Fall Creek offer a wilder, cooler alternative to the main Henry Cowell entrance.
The Fall Creek Unit sits a few minutes north of Felton and feels more like a locals’ back pocket than a showcase park. Rooty singletrack follows the creek past old lime kiln ruins, with steady up-and-down that suits hikers looking for a workout and a bit of solitude. Expect deep shade, mossy bridges, and plenty of dog walkers and trail runners, but far fewer crowds than the main redwood grove.
03
Best lakeside escape
Loch Lomond Recreation Area
Above Felton And Scotts Valley • Lakeside Forest Trails • Best For A Mellow Half-Day Outing
Rolling forest paths along a quiet reservoir make Loch Lomond ideal for an unhurried hike with views and picnic options.
Loch Lomond feels surprisingly tucked away, with loop and out-and-back routes that trace the shoreline and climb to occasional viewpoints. The grades are moderate, the forest is dense, and the reservoir peeks in and out through the trees, giving the walk a relaxed, meandering rhythm. Combine a hike with a picnic or a rental boat if you want to turn it into a full day without leaving the hills above Mount Hermon.
04
Best coastal-and-canyon mix
Wilder Ranch State Park
Santa Cruz North Coast • Bluff And Canyon Coastal Park • Scenic Choice For Varied Terrain
Wilder Ranch pairs clifftop ocean views with inland canyon trails, giving hikers near Mount Hermon a big-scenery change of pace.
A short drive over toward the coast brings you to Wilder’s miles of trail, from easy bluff-top walks above crashing surf to longer loops into the oak and redwood-lined backcountry. The coastal stretches are mostly open and breezy, while the inland canyons offer shade and more climbing. It is a good pick if you want to trade forest-only views for a mix of farmsteads, cliffs, and quiet ravines in one outing.
05
Best in-town greenbelt
Pogonip Open Space Preserve
Santa Cruz Greenbelt • Oak And Redwood Open Space • Best For Quick, Close-To-Town Hikes
Pogonip weaves together forest, meadows, and old club grounds in a compact trail network just above Santa Cruz.
From Mount Hermon, Pogonip is one of the fastest ways to get onto dirt without committing to an all-day drive. Trails range from gentle, family-friendly paths across open meadows to slightly steeper routes that drop into redwood-lined ravines and connect with UC Santa Cruz. Expect a mix of hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers, plus a few historic remnants along the way that hint at the area’s resort past.