Advice needed on choosing trails among the redwood parks

Question

Hello all,

My family plans to visit Redwood NP area this April. I’ve looked through some of the most popular trails in the vicinity of the national and state park area. While all look very picturesque from the photos online, they also look very similar if I am honest, with the exception of Fern Canyon. The trails I was referring to specifically are Lady Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls, Boy Stout Tree, Grove of the Titans, and Stout Grove etc. Could anyone tell me the difference between them from a hiking and sightseeing perspective? Do you prefer any over the others and why? Because we might not have time to visit all of them. Thanks a lot.

Answer

Visiting Redwood National and State Parks in April is a great choice as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The trails you mentioned—Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls, Boy Scout Tree, Grove of the Titans, and Stout Grove—offer a variety of experiences, even though at first glance they all feature towering redwoods. Here’s a breakdown from a hiking and sightseeing perspective:

Lady Bird Johnson Grove:

Trail length: ~1.5 miles loop.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, mostly gentle slopes.
Highlights: A beautiful loop with interpretive signs, very accessible, serene old-growth redwoods, and fewer people than Stout Grove.
Best for: A calm, informative hike without venturing too far.

Trillium Falls:

Trail length: ~2.5 miles loop.
Difficulty: Moderate, some elevation changes and a few muddy areas in spring.
Highlights: Redwoods plus a lovely waterfall, lush understory, and a creek crossing. Offers a mix of scenery beyond just trees.
Best for: Those who want a longer hike with a waterfall as a reward.

Boy Scout Tree / Boy Scout Tree Trail:

Trail length: Short, ~0.5–1 mile round trip depending on the approach.
Difficulty: Easy, well-maintained paths.
Highlights: Massive redwoods with a standout “Boy Scout Tree,” fewer visitors, peaceful.
Best for: Quick visit to see impressive trees without committing to a long hike.

Grove of the Titans:

Trail length: Off-trail hike, ~0.5–1 mile from the parking area (informal path).
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; requires some bushwhacking and careful footing.
Highlights: Home to some of the largest redwoods on Earth. Remote and dramatic, less crowded if you can find it.
Best for: Adventure-seekers and those wanting to see record-sized trees up close. Requires careful planning and respect for preservation rules.

Stout Grove:

Trail length: Short, ~0.5 miles.
Difficulty: Very easy, paved road leading to grove, suitable for strollers.
Highlights: Iconic redwoods, often featured in films, very accessible, but can be busy on weekends.
Best for: Iconic photo opportunities and a very easy walk among redwoods.

Summary and recommendation:

If you want a classic, easy redwood experience: Stout Grove and Lady Bird Johnson Grove are ideal.
If you prefer a slightly longer hike with varied scenery: Trillium Falls offers waterfalls and creek crossings.
If you are interested in seeing the largest trees and don’t mind a bit of off-trail adventure: Grove of the Titans is a must-see.
If time is limited and you just want a peaceful short walk: Boy Scout Tree Trail is perfect.

For a single day, a good combination might be starting with Lady Bird Johnson Grove in the morning, followed by Trillium Falls for a longer hike, and finishing with a quick visit to Stout Grove for iconic redwood photography. If you have more time or are adventurous, add Grove of the Titans as a highlight.

Advice needed on choosing trails among the redwood parks

More Redwood National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions