Stout Grove Trail Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Walk among the world's most scenic and photogenic old-growth redwoods in this magical grove.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace.
Stout Grove Trail Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among the world's most scenic and photogenic old-growth redwoods in this magical grove.
"Humbled by the Redwood giants towering above. I will be coming back yearly."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Howland Hill
Howland Hill Road is a narrow, unpaved road. Drive slowly and be mindful of other vehicles. :oncoming_car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Stout Grove trail is short and easy, perfect for a leisurely stroll. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stout Memorial Grove Trail
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Walk among the world's most scenic and photogenic old-growth redwoods. A truly magical experience.
+1Howland Hill Road
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
A scenic, one-lane dirt road that winds through the redwoods, once a stagecoach trail.
Smith River
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Experience the beauty of the Smith River, known for its clarity and stunning natural surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Stout Grove
+1Timing Your Visit
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Howland Hill
Howland Hill Road is a narrow, unpaved road. Drive slowly and be mindful of other vehicles.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Stout Grove trail is short and easy, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
📸 Capture the Magic
Stout Grove is incredibly photogenic, especially with the soft light filtering through the trees.
💧 Check River Bridge Status
The footbridge over the Smith River to Stout Grove is seasonal. Check if it's open before your visit. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Howland Hill
Howland Hill Road is a narrow, unpaved road. Drive slowly and be mindful of other vehicles.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Stout Grove trail is short and easy, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
📸 Capture the Magic
Stout Grove is incredibly photogenic, especially with the soft light filtering through the trees.
💧 Check River Bridge Status
The footbridge over the Smith River to Stout Grove is seasonal. Check if it's open before your visit. :information_desk:
🌲 Respect the Environment
Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate redwood ecosystem. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently humbled by the towering redwood giants and fall in love with the trails, often vowing to return yearly. The short walk is described as very nice and the scenery beautiful, though some note the one-lane dirt road to the trailhead can be a consideration.
"Humbled by the Redwood giants towering above."
Haiyan Chen
"I will be coming back yearly. I have fallen in love with the trails and of course the Redwoods."
Lacey Tackett
"Very nice short walk"
Ruth Hallin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stout Grove is accessed via Howland Hill Road, a scenic but narrow, unpaved road. It's recommended to check road conditions before you go, as it can be challenging for some vehicles.
While many cars can navigate Howland Hill Road, it's unpaved and can be narrow. Higher clearance vehicles might offer a more comfortable ride, but it's generally manageable for most.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at the Stout Grove trailhead. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot, especially during peak times.
During summer months, a seasonal footbridge over the Smith River connects to Stout Grove. This bridge is not always available, so verify its status.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is located in Crescent City, California. From Highway 101, take the North Bank Road exit and follow signs for the park. Howland Hill Road is a key access point for Stout Grove.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stout Grove is part of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, which is a California State Park. While there isn't a specific entry fee for Stout Grove itself, there may be day-use fees for the park. It's best to check the official California State Parks website for the most current information.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park generally operates from sunrise to sunset. The Stout Memorial Grove Trail follows these park hours.
California State Parks often have day-use fees. It's advisable to check the official California State Parks website for Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for the most up-to-date fee information before your visit.
Stout Grove is a natural attraction and typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are generally not available for individual trail access.
It's always a good idea to check for any potential closures or restrictions before your visit, especially regarding road conditions on Howland Hill Road or seasonal bridge access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a short, easy loop trail, approximately 0.6 to 0.7 miles long with minimal elevation gain. It winds through a stunning grove of ancient redwoods, offering a magical and serene experience.
Given its short length (around 0.6-0.7 miles), the Stout Grove Trail can be completed in about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing ample time to soak in the scenery and take photos.
Yes, restrooms are typically available at the Stout Grove trailhead, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! The Stout Grove Trail is very short, flat, and easy, making it perfect for families with young children who can easily walk the path and marvel at the giant trees.
Nearby trails include the Boy Scout Tree Trail (a moderate 6-mile hike) and the Grove of the Titans (a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail), both offering different redwood experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with soft, diffused sunlight filtering through the redwood canopy.
Stout Grove is renowned for its sheer photogenic beauty, with towering old-growth trees creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. The interplay of light and shadow among the giants is spectacular.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National and State Parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. It's best to check the specific regulations for Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
You can capture stunning shots of the immense scale of the redwoods, the ethereal light filtering through the canopy, and the intricate details of the forest floor.
Due to its popularity, Stout Grove can get crowded. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can provide a more peaceful environment for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will be absolutely mesmerized by the sheer size of the redwood trees, making it a memorable and educational experience. Remember to bring snacks and water, and take advantage of the restrooms at the trailhead. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid larger crowds and allow children to explore more freely. The drive on Howland Hill Road can also be an adventure for kids, offering a unique perspective of the forest.
Just be sure to drive slowly and safely. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
You can take your time to absorb the serene atmosphere, capture stunning photographs, or simply sit and enjoy the quiet majesty of the redwoods. +1Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park also offers longer trails like the Boy Scout Tree Trail for those seeking more challenging solo hikes.
📸 Photographers
+1 The short, accessible trail makes it easy to find compelling compositions of the ancient trees and the forest floor. To get the best shots without too many distractions, aim for weekdays or early mornings to minimize crowds.
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the immense scale of the trees and a tripod for low-light conditions. The drive along Howland Hill Road itself also presents numerous photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Redwoods
+1 The sheer scale and age of these trees are humbling, offering a profound connection to the natural world. Many visitors describe the feeling of walking through Stout Grove as stepping into another world or a natural cathedral.
The soft light filtering through the dense canopy creates a magical, almost ethereal ambiance, making it a photographer's dream. The park service and conservation efforts have been crucial in preserving these ancient forests for future generations to enjoy. Beyond Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers other incredible redwood experiences. The Grove of the Titans is another popular spot, known for its exceptionally large trees, though it can feel longer than its 1.7 miles.
The Boy Scout Tree Trail offers a more challenging, longer hike for those seeking a deeper immersion in the redwood forest. Exploring the Smith River
During the summer months, a seasonal footbridge often spans the Smith River, connecting the campground area to the Stout Grove trail.
This bridge offers a unique way to access the grove and provides lovely views of the river. However, its availability is dependent on the season and river levels, so it's wise to confirm beforehand. The river is not only visually stunning but also a place for recreation. While the water is famously cold, its pristine nature makes it a special spot for visitors to appreciate.
Navigating Howland Hill Road
It was once a stagecoach trail, adding a historical element to the drive. Visitors should be prepared for a slower pace of travel. The road's narrowness and unpaved surface mean drivers need to be cautious and mindful of oncoming traffic, as well as potential cyclists or pedestrians.
While many standard vehicles can manage the road, some travelers suggest that a vehicle with higher clearance might provide a more comfortable journey. Despite the driving considerations, the experience of driving Howland Hill Road is highly recommended. It immerses you in the redwood environment before you even reach the main grove, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring sights to come.
+1
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