California is on the cusp of introducing the nation’s most ambitious rail trail project yet—the Great Redwood Trail. Spanning 300 miles from the San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay, this trail promises to weave through the stunning landscapes of Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties, potentially becoming a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the United States.
The Great Redwood Trail, conceived over four decades ago, recently moved closer to reality with the release of a comprehensive planning document.
This document offers a glimpse into the trail’s potential layout, its benefits for the North Coast, and the economic uplift it could usher in once completed. Connecting with the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Trail, the proposed trail is set to offer Bay Area residents and visitors alike a unique passage into the heart of the Redwood Empire.
Crafting such a monumental trail demands extraordinary collaboration across a spectrum of stakeholders, from local governments and indigenous tribes to private landowners. Its completion would mark the Great Redwood Trail as the longest rail trail in the United States, providing an unparalleled experience for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, and positioning it alongside iconic trails like the Pacific Crest and Appalachian.
The Great Redwood Trail Agency, established under the State Coastal Conservancy, leads this visionary effort, tasked with transforming a primarily abandoned rail corridor into a vibrant path that celebrates California’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The draft master plan, the result of extensive community engagement, outlines a vision for connecting existing trails in urban areas with new pathways through the untouched wilderness of the North Coast.
Although segments of the trail in urban centers like Ukiah, Willits, and Humboldt Bay hint at the project’s potential, much of the route through remote regions remains undeveloped, presenting challenges that include tunnel collapses and the need for major repairs.
Despite these hurdles, the envisioned trail aims to be inclusive and accessible, with paved sections for easier access and rugged dirt paths for those craving adventure. The prospect of integrating small towns into the trail’s fabric, complete with new campgrounds and access to rivers, further adds to its allure.
While the master plan refrains from estimating the total cost of this ambitious project, earlier feasibility studies suggest a figure around $1 billion in future dollars. The plan highlights a variety of funding mechanisms, from government appropriations to grassroots initiatives like “adopt-a-mile” sponsorships, underscoring the community-driven spirit of the project.
With an estimated annual visitor count between 6.2 million and 9.2 million trips, the Great Redwood Trail could significantly boost local economies, breathing new life into areas impacted by the decline of traditional industries. Yet, alongside the enthusiasm, concerns about wildfire risks, trespassing, and the preservation of sacred spaces have been voiced, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to development.
As the Great Redwood Trail Agency opens the floor to public comments and prepares for an online workshop, the community’s input will be instrumental in refining the master plan. This collaborative process not only ensures that the Great Redwood Trail aligns with environmental and cultural values but also paves the way for a project that could redefine outdoor recreation and economic development in California.