Ridge Trail

Dogs No Dogs

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Ridge Trail begins in the Fall Creek Valley, just downstream from where Bennett Creek flows into Fall Creek, about a half mile from the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - Fall Creek Unit parking area. From the parking area, take Bennett Creek Trail to Fall Creek Trail, go right onto Fall Creek Trail, and then left onto High School Trail. After turning onto High School Trail, Ridge Trail is on the left almost immediately. Watch for the signs that guide the way to Ridge Trail.

From Fall Creek Valley, Ridge Trail climbs to the top of a ridge that forms the northeast side of Fall Creek Valley. This ridge ends where Fall Creek bends sharply to the northeast as Bennett Creek flows into Fall Creek. From the Fall Creek Valley, Ridge Trail begins by climbing the steep end of this ridge for about 0.6 miles to get to the top. This area—the Bennett Creek Valley, Fall Creek Valley, and this ridge—is densely forested with redwood trees, other smaller trees, and low vegetation. The hillsides are steep and the valleys deep and very rugged.

Upon reaching the forested ridgetop, the Ridge Trail follows the ridge to its end at Truck Trail. Giant redwood trees and other vegetation are thick and beautiful, but they do block views of the surrounding rugged Santa Cruz Mountains. To the left at the bottom of the steep hillside is Fall Creek, but it can not be seen or heard due to the dense forest. Another unseen creek is at the bottom of the valley to the right of the trail.

About 1.3 miles from the start of Ridge Trail, the S-Cape Trail (a connector to Fall Creek Trail) is reached. Truck Trail, where Ridge Trail ends, is then about another 0.6 miles past the S-Cape Trail junction.

Giant redwood trees and other dense vegetation abound in this area.