When introverts go exploring
Hiking Leiffer and Ellsworth Loops: Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park
Hiking the Leiffer and Ellsworth Loops in November will make you remember it’s still Autumn. The old growth wears the fallen yellow, red, and orange leaves of bay and maple. Winter may be right around the corner, but here in the quiet November forest, Fall endures.
The hike
Get lost in the misty redwoods hiking the Leiffer and Ellsworth loops, located a few miles outside of Crescent City, in Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park. Something interesting I learned this time was that the trail travels along a section of the 19th-century Crescent City Plank Road. Lots of history in these woods!
It doesn’t matter which trailhead you start from. Your hike begins on an easily accessible trail, a flat path that meanders for about half a mile before you have the option of a bit of a climb in either of the loops. All Trails says this is about a 2-mile hike, but my GPS has always read more like 3 miles.
Field notes:
▪ There are a few spur trails that take one to some interesting side bits.
▪ Exposed roots on the loops can make for a treacherous hike or run if it’s been raining.
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