The Simpson - Reed Trail

With the Peterson Memorial Trail

Length 0.9 mi · Climbing 20 ft

California > Redwood National and State Parks > Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

The Simpson-Reed Trail

Background

This short roadside loop, located on a flat along the banks of the Smith River, starts from a well-signed pullout along the side of busy Highway 199. The visibility and convenience of this trail ensures a steady stream of visitors, making it the most popular trail in the park.

Although it's a nice trail, it's a little surprising how different it is from all the other trails in the park. In contrast to the open, cathedral-like appearance of Stout Grove or the Boy Scout Tree Trail, the Simpson-Reed Trail has an unusually dense, junglelike look. Greenery covers every available surface, and the smaller trees are encrusted in moss and lichens. There are some big redwoods but it's not as impressive as the area around Howland Hill Road. Surprisingly, although the trail is just off Highway 199, the traffic noise fades quickly and is not an issue for most of the walk.

The path is compacted gravel and is flat and level throughout. A few interpretive signs discuss forest ecology.

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Hike description

The Simpson-Reed Trail

The well-marked trailhead is located by a pullout on the north side of Highway 199. Stay to the right as you enter the woods, then turn right at the Peterson Memorial Trail. Cross a footbridge and continue along the trail until it crosses another footbridge and re-joins the Simpson-Reed Trail. Turn right, passing by a memorial bench and then a large fallen tree before returning to the highway.

The Simpson-Reed Trail