Hiking the Moorman Pond Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
The Moorman Pond Trail, also called the Moorman Grove Trail, is a short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) out-and-back day hike in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park that is most comparable to the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail, just to the north.
Named after Charles H. Moorman, a Sixth Circuit judge from Kentucky, and his wife Lily, the short Moorman Pond Trail to the Moorman Grove is a great kid-friendly option because the elevation change is very minimal, and you never wander too far from the trailhead.
Moorman Pond Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Moorman Pond Trail is located in a small turnout directly off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
However, whether you’re driving north or south, know that the trailhead can be easy to miss, as it’s generally not a popular place that most people visit.
Google Maps Directions: Moorman Pond 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 Moorman Pond Trail
The Moorman Pond Trail is a relatively flat hike, with the exception of one small hill within the first 0.25 miles (0.4 km) of the trailhead.
Other than this, most hikers should find the trail to be very easy and straightforward.
Once along the hillside, the trail through the Moorman Grove simply follows an out-and-back path along Sweet Creek until it comes to an obvious endpoint.
These fallen trees mark the end of the short Moorman Pond Trail.
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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