It could take a lifetime to explore all of Northern California’s fantastic redwood groves, forests, and parks, but there’s one place to see redwood trees that you’ll for sure want to make a priority. Hendy Woods State Park is relatively small compared to other redwood destinations, but the scenery rivals that of the most popular redwood parks in the state. This underrated redwoods park is great for enjoying a quiet walk among the towering trees. It’s one of Anderson Valley’s best-kept secrets, so plan to see it for yourself and enjoy some of NorCal’s greatest natural wonders.
Hiding in rural Anderson Valley is a notably tall grove of redwoods right along the Navarro River. Known as Hendy Woods State Park, it's an idyllic place to stop and enjoy the outstanding beauty of this underrated redwood forest.
Hendy Woods State Park protects two different groves of towering redwoods: Big Hendy and Little Hendy. Boasting 80-acres of redwood wilderness, Big Hendy is the more popular section and it's definitely a great place to explore.
Tucked along a bend in the river, the grove is surrounded by hills on one side and the wide-open expanse of the valley on the other. It's home to three trails: the Discovery Loop, Upper Grove Loop, and Back Loop. The interconnected network of trails makes it easy to see as much or as little of the grove as you'd like.
At 40-acres, Little Hendy is exactly half the size of Big Hendy. It may not boast the large and majestic beauty of Big Hendy, but it's still a notable section of the park. This grove is home to just one short loop trail that passes directly through the grove before extending over it along a hillside.
Separating the two groves in Hendy Woods is the park's day-use area. Here you'll find several benches, a visitor center, and access to the Navarro River. With swimming and boating allowed on the river, this section of the park is an especially popular place to be during the summer.
There are also several other hiking trails to take advantage of within the park. The Eagle Trail directly connects the two groves, whereas the Hermit Hut and Azalea Creek trails make for a great loop around the almost the entirety of the park.
Camping is also available at Hendy Woods. Located within a dense section of forest, the park's campgrounds are actually quite popular. Tent and RV camping are allowed and the park also offers cabin rentals.
This underrated park may not get the crowds of more popular parks that feature old-growth redwoods, but it's bound to surprise you with just how much it has to offer. Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty the redwoods have to offer and plan a visit to Hendy Woods State Park. More information about this park can be found here.
Did you know about this underrated redwoods park? Nothing beats a stroll among these giant and beautiful trees! Tell us about your favorite redwoods destination in the comments below.
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