Nisene Quiet

Hiking Forest of Nisene Marks to Maple Falls

The sublime Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is popular for good reason, but head to its far reaches and you’ll be awestruck by the solitude beneath the looming redwoods. The Loma Prieta Grade Trail is the start of a 7.6-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop hike that takes in one of the park’s waterfalls, especially beautiful after rains. Start at George’s Picnic Area, passing around the Winter Gate and walking for about a mile. (In summer, the Winter Gate is open, allowing cars farther into the park, but in winter you have to do a little extra easy walking, which limits crowds).

Look for the Porter Family Picnic Area; this is where you’ll find the Loma Prieta Grade Trail. Follow the fern-lined trail along the hills of Nisene Marks, keeping an eye out for resident banana slugs, especially “active” on the forest floor this time of year—watch your step! The trail sees the remains of former logging camps, such as Hoffman’s Historic Site, which once housed loggers and mill workers. Continue on the trail, which eventually loops back to the Bridge Creek Historic Site, where you’ll head north on Bridge Creek Trail to reach Maple Falls within half a mile.

After rains, it’s common for mini-waterfalls to flank the way to the main attraction: Maple Falls is a long and lean flowing beauty dropping down a mossy rock face into a pool surrounded by abundant lush greenery. Loop back to your starting point via Bridge Creek Trail, which connects back to Loma Prieta Grade Trail. Nisene way to spend the day!

STAY: “Bringing the Outdoors In” is the theme throughout Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz, located downtown on Ocean Street. A massive eucalyptus log serves as the front desk. When the log was first brought into the hotel, everyone was stunned when a squirrel ran out! Since then, the escaped squirrel, nicknamed Simone, has been immortalized in alabaster sculptures on the hotel’s walls. A restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, free beach cruiser rentals, and dog-friendly rooms are highlights.

NOTE: As always, after storms, please check ahead on the website for closures and trail conditions before heading out. Exercise good judgment and caution if trails are wet and slick. Creek crossings can vary, so a spare pair of socks is always a good idea.

The park is located off the State Park Drive exit, 4 miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Rd. Pay the parking fee at the entrance station located on Aptos Creek Rd. and drive into the park to George’s Picnic Area, where you’ll find spaces for parking. (In spring and summer, when the Winter Gate is open, hikers can drive farther into the park and find parking at the Porter Family Picnic Area). No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View