Hiking and Recreation
The serene trails within The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park give scant hint of the redwood forest’s turbulent natural and human history. For centuries, the jagged terrain of these 10,000 acres saved the original trees from loggers and settlers. Today the second- and third-growth forest canopy in earthquake country shades a recreational oasis with 30 miles of maintained trails and roads for hiking, biking, and running.
Hiking
Loma Prieta Grade Trail follows a steam railway bed from the mill to Hoffman’s Historic Site, named after a logging superintendent. This site was a camp that once housed 100 loggers and mill workers.
Biking
Bicycling and mountain biking are allowed on the Aptos Creek Fire Road and four single-track trails below its steel bridge. Cyclists may use the Aptos Rancho Trail, the Split Stuff Trail, the Terrace Trail, and the Vienna Woods Trail.
Picknicking
Picnic tables are available in several areas of the park including the Porter, Mary Easton, and Pourroy picnic areas. For further details please inquire at the entrance kiosk of the park.
Trails
Aptos Rancho Trail
This trail is on property that was once part of the Aptos Rancho land grant awarded to Rafael Castro by the Mexican government in 1833. Along this route, you will travel through open, sunny areas and the cool, shady Aptos Creek Canyon.
Aptos Creek Fire Road
The Aptos Creek Road/Fire Road travels through the heart of the park and provides access to most of the trails. Sections of this road follow old railroad grades built between 1883 and 1912. It is also possible to reach the Soquel Demonstration State Forest trail system which connects to the fire road 9.4 miles north of the Porter Family Picnic Area.
Oak Ridge Trail
The Oak Ridge Trail begins by wandering through a mixed evergreen forest then climbs to the top of a ridge and a forest of coast live oak trees as it loops back the the Old-Growth Loop Trail.
Old Growth Loop
The Old-Growth Loop Trail travels through an area which many people consider the most beautiful place in the park. Along this trail, you will see magnificent old-growth redwoods, attractive fern-covered canyon walls along Aptos Creek and a “crazy forest” of unusual redwoods called the Twisted Grove.
Buggy Trail
A leisurely stroll on this easy trail will complement a lazy day at George’s picnic area.
Vienna Woods Trail
While relatively short, the Vienna Woods Trail travels through two of the three vegetation zones in the park: creekside riparian and mixed evergreen.
Waggoner Overlook Trial
Starting from the Emmett Reed Picnic Area at the parks entrance station on Aptos Creek road, this 0.1 mile ADA-compliant trail takes you to a shady deck overlooking the picturesque Aptos Creek Canyon. State Park’s ranger, Gerry Waggoner, who for many years provided visitors with insights into the history and ecology of the park, was a strong influence in the formation and direction of the Advocates for Nisene Marks State Park.
Terrace Trail
The Terrace Trail takes the visitor through many scenic areas along Aptos Creek.
Split Stuff Trail
The Split Stuff Trail provides a connection from the entrance station parking lot to the Aptos Rancho Trail and the Old-Growth Loop Trail. “Split stuff” refers to wood shingles, posts, pickets and grape steaks that were frequently produced in the woods by hand at the site where the tree had fallen. Many stacks of split stuff were left behind and can be found by the inquisitive hiker in some remote areas of the park.