Hiking the Moorman Pond Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
Distance (One Way): 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Moorman Pond Trail, also called the Moorman Grove Trail, in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, is a short 0.4-mile (0.6 km) out-and-back day hike off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway that leads hikers through a hidden grove of Redwoods, as well as to a little-known memorial just off the main trail.
That said, the Moorman Pond Trail is most comparable to the Little Creek Trail, just to the north, as the two are some of the shortest, least-trafficked day hikes in the Prairie Creek Redwoods!
This is why, if you’re looking for something beautiful, easy, and, most of all, not too involved, I recommend considering the Moorman Pond Trail, as it really is one of the best kid-friendly adventures in the Prairie Creek Redwoods!
Moorman Pond Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Moorman Pond Trail is located in a small pull-off directly off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, about 3.9 miles (6.3 km) north of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
Before arriving, know that the Moorman Pond Trailhead can be easy to miss when driving north or south along the parkway, as it is generally not a popular place to visit.
Google Maps Directions: Moorman Pond 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 Moorman Pond Trail
The Moorman Pond Trail begins on a very flat path for the first 0.1 miles (0.2 km), at which point the trail climbs up a small hill along the left-hand side of the creek to continue up the short canyon.
Who is the Moorman Pond Trail Named After?
Contrary to what the name may make it seem, the Moorman Pond Trail is not named after a body of water.
In fact, the word 'Pond' is actually a surname, referring to Chauncey P. Pond Jr., whose family was connected to the grove’s dedication.
The word 'Moorman' is another name that refers to a completely separate family, in honor of Corporal Charles Harwood Moorman Jr. and Private First Class Morris Belknap Moorman, who were both killed in action during World War II.
Over time, the two names stuck, giving us the name 'Moorman–Pond Trail,' which is why the name of the hike today can be misleading.
This is where the Moorman Pond Trail ascends just one switchback to follow the hillside along the left-hand side of Sweet Creek.
Once along the hillside, the Moorman Pond Trail simply winds its way through the Redwoods until the maintained path abruptly comes to an end, about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away.
While the Moorman Pond Trail might not seem like much—especially compared to other big names like the Fern Canyon Loop Trail—I truly believe short, unsuspecting day hikes in the Redwoods like this are such hidden gems, as they can be a great way to enjoy the beautiful trees and avoid the crowds!
End of the Trail
These fallen trees mark the end of the very short Moorman Pond Trail.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods
Jedediah Smith Redwoods
Prairie Creek Redwoods
