Trails
Walking AMong Giants
Feel the same awe and wonder that the Native Americans felt hundreds of years ago walking in these woods. There is still nothing quite like being at the foot of a giant to make you feel the shear mind-boggling immensity of these trees and our natural world.
Walking, Riding, Soaring … A Variety of Experiences Await.
Most of our trails are an easy stroll. But, for those who might have some difficulty walking we have a FREE shuttle that can take you directly to Brotherhood Station where you can catch SkyTrail and still see plenty of mysterious trees along the way. Inquire at the front counter of the gift shop for this service. You may either ride to and from Brotherhood Station, or ride one way and walk the other. For everyone else, no special equipment or clothing is required for walking most of our trail system except Redwood Canopy Trail that has specific rules, and Wilderness Trail which requires some sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable hiking clothes, and a little hiking experience.
Trees of Mystery Trail Facts: Approximate lengths of the Trees of Mystery trail system: • Main Trail 0.8 mile • Wilderness Trail 1.0 mile • SkyTrail 0.33 mile (one way) Redwood Canopy Trail with 10 viewing platforms 50 -100 feet high in the trees with 9 bridges 23 to 130 feet long.
Exploring the Trails
First up, and an easy walk, is THE KINGDOM OF TREES TRAIL dedicated to the majesty of nature and the natural resiliency of the Redwood and other tree species. Extraordinary specimens of Coastal Redwood, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir are highlighted along the way with informational displays and audio presentations. This area is home to one of the most majestic trees of all, the Cathedral Tree, nine living trees growing as one in a natural cathedral formation. Here you will be overwhelmed by unusual trees adapting in fantastic ways to be among the oldest living things on the planet. For more information about Redwood trees click here.
THE FOREST EXPERIENCE TRAIL contains many interpretive signs with little known redwood facts, as well as the largest tree on the property, the Brotherhood Tree. Also along the trail is the Towering Inferno, a tree that was struck by lightning in 1996 and thereafter was consumed from the inside by fire. Picnic tables and restrooms are located at the beginning of this trail, and Brotherhood Station, the SkyTrail embarkation point, is also accessible from this trail. For more information about SkyTrail click here.
Those modestly prepared for an actual hike will enjoy the somewhat greater outback ruggedness of our Wilderness Trail. The trail starts at the top of Ted’s Ridge (at the upper terminus of the SkyTrail ride) and proceeds approximately a mile (mostly downhill) through the wildest section of the Trees of Mystery property.
THE WILDERNESS TRAIL is an optional way down the mountain for experienced hikers with proper footwear. If you are not especially dressed for hiking in the woods, or found some of our other trails even slightly challenging, we recommend trying it some other time when you are better prepared. If prepared for the trek, your adventure will be rewarded with a wilder view of this forest as it has stood for eons. Trail is subject to closure depending on weather conditions.
THE REDWOOD CANOPY TRAIL offers guess the opportunity for a new and exhilarating way to experience the Redwood forest high above at mid canopy level. You’ll walk the aerial netted suspension bridges through the majestic old growth redwoods.
Paul Bunyan’s Favorite Trail
It’s impossible to escape noticing our official greeter, Paul Bunyan, the moment you pull into our parking lot. He is indeed a “big presence” at Trees of Mystery. One of the first trails you’ll encounter here, and a very easy saunter indeed, is our TRAIL OF TALL TAILS – which is devoted “largely” to the outsized exploits, tales, and adventures of you know who (the big man himself) Paul Bunyan. He, Babe the Blue Ox, and many other characters from forest lore and legend are depicted in carvings done with chainsaws on huge, milled redwood timbers and slabs. Time spent here is an opportunity for old-fashioned humor, childlike imagination, and an appeal for simpler times. And after all who, young or old, doesn’t love a good tall tale?
After all this walking and hiking around, enjoy our gift shop and make sure to view our free End of the Trail Museum – where, in six rooms you can journey into the lives of the First Americans and contemplate their resourcefulness in one of the largest private collections of Native American artifacts in the world. Showcased are actual clothing, pottery, baskets, weapons and tools that enabled these remarkable cultures to thrive.
For more information about The End of The Trail Museum click here.
