Founder's Grove Nature Loop Trail is a short, flat hike through the amazing giant redwoods!

This trail is very short, making it a great stop for everyone, from young walking toddlers to the elderly. But, no matter what age of kids you have, this trail packs a lot of "bang for your buck" in just 0.5 miles.

The Founder's Grove Nature Loop was the first trail I was introduced to in Humboldt Redwoods State Park when I was five years old. My dad grew up in Humboldt and took us back to camp most summers. And now, as an adult, it's a family classic that is always worth repeating. Whether camping nearby or just driving through, this loop is a great jumping-off point for many activities within the state park or a great stop to stretch your legs if you're on a road trip farther up north in Redwood National Park. 

Because it is so close to Highway 101, this is a very popular trail and is busiest in the summer tourist season. But that also makes it easily accessible for road trippers. Or if you're camping nearby, it is right on the Avenue of the Giants (the scenic bypass to the highway). 

You will see the fallen Dyerville Giant redwood tree on the loop trail. It once towered 362 feet tall and was considered the tallest tree in Humboldt Redwoods State Park before falling in 1991. The Dyerville Giant has a 17-foot diameter and a 52-foot circumference and is about 2,000 years old.

The Founder's Tree is at almost the very beginning of the loop trail from the trailhead. The Founder's Tree was once considered the tallest tree in the world, but now it has been demoted to the fifth tallest. It is 346 feet tall and has a circumference of 40 feet. The Founder's Tree honors the Save-the-Redwoods-League, formed in 1917. It purchased its first grove of redwood trees in this state park in 1921. Not only can you stand among giants here, but you can walk inside some of the fire-scarred remains of redwood stumps. You can stand next to the giant network of tree roots from some of the fallen redwood trees. And, you can walk and climb on some of the logs too. You will also see ferns and redwood sorrel blanketing the forest floor. 

The elevation gain is only 20 feet, and it is considered a level, ADA-accessible trail. Stroller users will find this trail easy to navigate even though it is not paved. ADA-accessible restrooms are located in the parking lot. This trail is mostly shaded from the tall forest canopy. Enjoy not having to slather sunscreen on your squirmy kids for this hike.