01
Best overall pick
French Hill Trail
Gasquet – Smith River Nra Corridor • Steady Forest Climb With Big-Ridge Views • Classic Challenge For Strong Hikers
A stout climb straight from the visitor center up to French Hill, rewarded with sweeping views over the Smith River canyon.
French Hill packs a lot into 5–6 miles, climbing quickly from the Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center into quieter forest and open viewpoints. The grade is consistent and feels like a true workout, but good trail design and shade make it manageable if you pace yourself. It’s a go-to local hike when you want a half-day outing that feels remote without a long drive on dirt roads.
02
Best river-access hike
Craig's Creek Trail
South Fork Smith River Area • Shaded Creek-Side Walk With Swim Spots • Best For Relaxed Half-Day Exploring
A moderate, mostly shaded trail that winds down to Craig’s Creek and the South Fork Smith River, with pockets of gravel bars and swimming holes.
Craig’s Creek is a favorite when the weather is warm and you want water close by almost the entire time. The trail rolls gently through mixed forest before dropping to the creek, making it approachable for newer hikers who don’t mind a few short climbs. Bring sandals or water shoes if you plan to poke around side channels and cobble bars along the South Fork.
03
Best short nature walk
Myrtle Creek Trail
Near Hiouchi And Highway 199 • Botanical Canyon Stroll With Mining History • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
A one-mile interpretive-style trail that follows Myrtle Creek through a lush, narrow canyon dotted with old mining relics and diverse plant life.
Myrtle Creek squeezes a surprising amount of scenery into a short distance, with dense greenery, rock walls, and creek sounds never far away. The grade is easy enough for kids and mixed-ability groups, yet there’s still plenty to look at, from wildflowers in season to remnants of the area’s gold-mining past. It’s an ideal first stop if you’re new to Smith River hiking or have only an hour to spare.
04
Best redwood-to-meadow traverse
Little Bald Hills Trail
Between Hiouchi And Redwood National And State Parks • Long Rolling Backcountry Route Through Forest And Open Hills • Best For Full-Day Or Light Overnight Adventures
A longer, gently undulating trail that climbs out of redwood country into open prairies and oak-dotted hills with wide-sky views.
The Little Bald Hills Trail feels like a journey between worlds, starting near towering redwoods and gradually opening into bright grassy clearings and scattered trees. The distance and rolling profile make it better for hikers who are comfortable being out all day, and it links into a broader network used by backpackers and equestrians. On clear days, the mix of forest shade and sunlit meadows keeps the scenery changing enough to justify every mile.
05
Best remote-feeling route
South Kelsey Trail
Upper Middle Fork Smith River Backcountry • Rugged River-Canyon Trail Into Deep Forest • Best For Experienced Hikers Seeking Solitude
A longer, lightly traveled trail that traces the Smith River drainage into wilder country, with cool forest, clear pools, and a backcountry feel.
The South Kelsey Trail offers one of the more immersive experiences in the Smith River basin, with stretches where you may not see anyone else all day. Expect sections of rougher tread, downed logs, and occasional brush as you work along the canyon, with the reward of quiet pools and big trees along the way. It’s a solid choice when you want to step beyond roadside access and sample the area’s true wilderness character.