01
Best close-to-town hike
Willits Creek via Thimbleberry Trail
Brooktrails Greenbelt Just North Of Willits • Shaded Creekside Redwood Trail • Local Favorite For An Easy Escape
A mellow loop through second-growth redwoods and along Willits Creek that feels surprisingly tucked away for being so close to town[2].
Starting in the Brooktrails neighborhood, this route follows Thimbleberry Trail down to Willits Creek, then meanders under redwoods and firs with just enough up-and-down to feel like a real hike without being punishing[2][5]. It is a go-to for locals who want cool shade on warm days, the sound of water most of the year, and a dog-friendly outing that doesn’t require a big drive[2]. Expect a soft forest floor, occasional wooden bridges, and plenty of side paths if you feel like extending your walk into the wider greenbelt network[5].
02
Best network for casual exploring
Park Gulch Trail and Brooktrails Community Greenbelt
Brooktrails Subdivision, Northwest Of Downtown Willits • Forest Trail Network On Old Logging Roads • Best For Unhurried Wandering
A web of signed singletrack and old roads where you can build your own loop under tall trees and away from traffic[2][5].
Centered on Park Gulch Trail, the Brooktrails community greenbelt stitches together old logging roads and newer paths into a surprisingly extensive trail system right above Willits[2][5]. You can link Park Gulch with routes like Mike’s Trail, Nutmeg Trail, and Gooseberry Trail for anything from a 30‑minute stroll to a multi-hour ramble without ever repeating much[2]. The vibe is low-key and local—expect dogs, trail runners, and neighbors out for their daily loop, with occasional openings that offer filtered views back toward town[5].
03
Iconic redwood cathedral
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Ridge West Of Ukiah, A Scenic Drive From Willits • Old-Growth Redwood Grove With Short But Steep Access Trail • Worth-The-Drive Redwood Destination
A brief climb leads into one of Mendocino County’s most impressive old-growth redwood groves, wrapped around a quiet ferny flat[7].
Montgomery Woods feels like a classic redwood ‘cathedral’: immense, straight-trunked trees rising from a lush alluvial flat where the trail loops around a meandering creek[7]. The approach trail gains elevation quickly from the parking area before dropping into the grove, so you earn your time among the giants but the overall distance stays manageable for most hikers[7]. It is an excellent half-day outing from Willits when you want a concentrated dose of old-growth scenery without committing to an all-day coastal drive.
04
Best for longer forest loops
Jackson Demonstration State Forest (Highway 20 Access)
Along Highway 20 Between Willits And Fort Bragg • Expansive Working Forest With Signed Loop Trails • Best For All-Day Hikers
A huge mixed redwood forest with multiple trailheads off Highway 20, offering everything from leisurely loops to longer, more committing routes.
Driving west from Willits on Highway 20, you quickly enter Jackson Demonstration State Forest, a patchwork of second-growth redwoods, firs, and creeks threaded by a mix of hiking and multiuse trails. Signed loops near popular pullouts make it easy to tailor your day—short interpretive walks for a stretch break, or longer circuits that disappear into quiet, mossy canyons. It is ideal if you want a more backcountry feel than the in-town Brooktrails network but still prefer well-traveled routes with straightforward navigation.
05
Best pairing with wine country
Hendy Woods State Park
Anderson Valley, South Of Willits • Relaxed River-Bottom Redwood Park • Great For Families And Mixed Groups
Flat, kid-friendly trails wind through two old-growth redwood groves beside the Navarro River, making this an easygoing day trip from Willits[7].
Hendy Woods offers a gentler take on Mendocino County redwoods, with wide, mostly level paths looping through Big Hendy and Little Hendy groves just off Highway 128[7]. The trails are straightforward enough for families and casual walkers, yet the trees are big and old enough to keep seasoned hikers happy, especially in the quieter corners of the park[7]. Because it sits in Anderson Valley, many Willits visitors make a day of it—hike the groves in the morning, then swing through nearby tasting rooms or farm stands on the way back.