Hiking the Grove of the Titans Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7 km
The Grove of the Titans Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of the most stunning yet popular day hikes across both Redwood National and State Parks, due largely to the impacts of social media.
For this reason, in the summer of 2022, an elevated boardwalk was completed to protect the delicate forest understory from being trampled by visitors, creating the Grove of the Titans Trail that we have today.
That said, the Grove of the Titans Trail is actually a small part of the much longer Mill Creek Trail, which begins near the Old Stage Trailhead and Boy Scout Tree Trailhead to the south and stretches all the way to the Smith River to the north—about 4.7 miles (7.6 km) each way. However, it is truly the much shorter side trail, now known as the Grove of the Titans Trail, that has become such a renowned favorite—especially since the Grove of the Titans is now one of the best-constructed and maintained trails across all areas of the Redwoods!
Grove of the Titans Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Grove of the Titans Trail is located directly off the side of Howland Hill Road.
These photos, as well as the photos on the trail, make the hike look uncrowded. However, make no mistake, by mid-morning, especially during the summer, the trail sees a large number of hikers, which can make finding parking in the small parking area challenging.
I recommend starting early to avoid this, and I would even go as far to say, hike the Grove of the Titans first thing in the morning. Then, go get breakfast in Crescent City.
The same could be said about Stout Grove, but it just depends on how much you care about dealing with the crowds.
Google Maps Directions: Grove of the Titans 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 Grove of the Titans Trail
Overall, the Grove of the Titans Trail is a fairly easy hike, which makes it one of the better kid-friendly options throughout the Redwoods.
That being said, these photos are only an accurate representation of the Mill Creek Trail if you are up and ready to hike early!
These photos may make the elevation gain seem significant, but it amounts to no more than 200 ft. (61 m) of elevation change each way on the trail.
Mill Creek Elevated Boardwalk
As you near to the Grove of the Titans, the trail transitions in to a “newly constructed” elevated boardwalk that extends 1,500 ft. (457 m) on the most popular sections of the Mill Creek Trail.
Most importantly, dogs or other leashed animals are not allowed on the Grove of the Titans Trail, and one couple who didn’t listen to the signs at the trailhead had to carry their dog across all the elevated sections because the gratings were too painful for the dog to walk on.
At about halfway, there is a small overlook to learn about Mill Creek.
Grove of the Titans Junction
Then, when the trail splits, go left to reach the Grove of the Titans shortly ahead.
Grove of the Titans
The Grove of the Titans houses the largest-known trees within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods!
Overall, the grove is only a short section of boardwalk to explore, but it’s a great place to slow down and take your time beneath these giants!
