Hiking the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
Distance (One Way): 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
The Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a very short out-and-back day hike where visitors can see firsthand the effects of logging in the Redwoods and how subsequent restoration efforts have brought the recovering forest back to a semblance of its former state.
That said, the 0.3-mile (0.5 km) one-way trail is one of the best kid-friendly hikes within Prairie Creek Redwoods, and it is often an overlooked adventure compared to much more popular destinations, like the Big Tree or the Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
For all these reasons, I personally think the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is worth the stop, as it is such a quick and easy way to learn more about the area’s historic past and the efforts made to preserve what old-growth still exists!
Ah-Pah Interpretive Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is located directly off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, about 6.6 miles (10.6 km) north of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
However, if you are driving from the north, the trailhead will be the first one off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway on the left-hand side after exiting Highway 101.
Google Maps Directions: Ah-Pah Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Redwood National & State Parks.
Hiking the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail
The entirety of Ah-Pah Trail has essentially no elevation change, which is truly why this short, easy adventure is one of the best kid-friendly day hikes in the Redwoods!
While the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is so short, I think it’s best to hike slowly and read the signs, as there is so much to learn about how the landscape has changed from what we see today!
In my opinion, this grouping of Redwood trees is one of the most photogenic spots on the short trail!
Merriman Grove
The end of the Ah-Pah Interpretive is Merriman Grove, just 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the Ah-Pah Trailhead off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
That said, social trails have been created past Merriman Grove at the end of the maintained trail, but almost all quickly fade just a few steps past the sign.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods
Jedediah Smith Redwoods
Prairie Creek Redwoods
