Hiking the Grove of the Titans Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7 km
The Grove of the Titans Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of the most stunning yet popular day hikes across both Redwood National and State Parks, due largely to the impacts of social media.
For this reason, in the summer of 2022, an elevated boardwalk was completed to protect the delicate forest understory from being trampled by visitors, creating the Grove of the Titans Trail that we have today.
That said, the Grove of the Titans Trail is actually a small part of the much longer Mill Creek Trail, which begins near the Old Stage Trailhead and Boy Scout Tree Trailhead to the south and stretches all the way to the Smith River to the north—about 4.7 miles (7.6 km) each way. However, it is truly the much shorter side trail, now known as the Grove of the Titans Trail, that has become such a renowned favorite—especially since the Grove of the Titans is now one of the best-constructed and maintained trails across all areas of the Redwoods!
Grove of the Titans Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Grove of the Titans Trail is located directly off the side of Howland Hill Road.
These photos, as well as the photos on the trail, make the hike look uncrowded. However, make no mistake, by mid-morning, especially during the summer, the trail sees a large number of hikers, which can make finding parking in the small parking area challenging.
I recommend starting early to avoid this, and I would even go as far to say, hike the Grove of the Titans first thing in the morning. Then, go get breakfast in Crescent City.
The same could be said about Stout Grove, but it just depends on how much you care about dealing with the crowds.
Google Maps Directions: Grove of the Titans Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Redwood National & State Parks.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Grove of the Titans Trail
Overall, the Grove of the Titans Trail is a fairly easy hike, which makes it one of the better kid-friendly options throughout the Redwoods.
That being said, these photos are only an accurate representation of the Mill Creek Trail if you are up and ready to hike early!
These photos may make the elevation gain seem significant, but it amounts to no more than 200 ft. (61 m) of elevation change each way on the trail.
Mill Creek Elevated Boardwalk
As you near to the Grove of the Titans, the trail transitions in to a “newly constructed” elevated boardwalk that extends 1,500 ft. (457 m) on the most popular sections of the Mill Creek Trail.
Most importantly, dogs or other leashed animals are not allowed on the Grove of the Titans Trail, and one couple who didn’t listen to the signs at the trailhead had to carry their dog across all the elevated sections because the gratings were too painful for the dog to walk on.
At about halfway, there is a small overlook to learn about Mill Creek.
Grove of the Titans Junction
Then, when the trail splits, go left to reach the Grove of the Titans shortly ahead.
Grove of the Titans
The Grove of the Titans houses the largest-known trees within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods!
Overall, the grove is only a short section of boardwalk to explore, but it’s a great place to slow down and take your time beneath these giants!
More Redwood Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Redwood National & State Parks, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Throughout the Redwoods, Elk and Black Bears are common, and it’s important to know how to react in the event of either wildlife encounter.
Moreover, while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Redwood National & State Parks
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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