The 2.5 miles of the Bigfoot Trail that follows the Mill Creek Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (Miles 347.6 – 350.1) is in the process of being renovated and realigned. Part of this $3.5 million project (it also includes new bathrooms, if you are shocked at the price tag) is the last mile of the Mill Creek Trail that includes a very special 1,300-foot elevated walkway through the Grove of the Titans. This section opened in September, 2021.
Researchers from Cal Poly Humboldt (Humboldt State University at the time) came upon the giant trees in this stand of redwoods in 1998 and gave the grove its name. Although efforts were made to keep the location secret, it was eventually discovered and publicized by 2011. The resulting onslaught of visitors threatened this sensitive treasure by creating unofficial social trails, compacting soil, exposing roots, and trampling the understory.
Through a collaborative effort, an elaborate solution was designed, financed, and constructed. Large grated metal sections were installed on supports that elevated this rather amazing, engineered trail. While the Grove itself is worthy of a visit, this new trail warrants a few ooh’s and aah’s too especially after grappling with the rest of the Bigfoot Trail.
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