forest of nisene marks state park

I like the trails and the forest canapé. Lots of history here! Creeks, redwoods, old kilns, and sites that used to be places where log cabins etc. used to sit. Cool in the hit summer. If you can, drive into the park, pay the parking fee and start on a trail from there. If you want to save the fee you can park by the bike shop and walk along the dusty road, as cars go by, until you reach the trails... maybe 1/2 mile.

This is a relatively hidden state park which is just up the road from Aptos Village. There are hundreds of acres of gorgeous redwoods, with walking and biking paths, and some modest improved picnic areas. Ideal for a two-hour hike in the woods. Very quiet, and generally in a canyon, but you can hike over a small range and end up in Cabrillo Junior College, or hike all the way up to close to Summit Road. The Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989 was centered here, about 4 or 5 miles below the surface, according to the USGS. You can actually hike to the epicenter, but it looks a lot like the rest of the forest!

Perfect for going out to get some air and a quick hike in for the weekend. Trails have mild traffic but still calming. Bring hiking shoes for better traction as some parts have slight inclines.

The Forest of Nisene Marks has been a favorite of mine for many years. I never get tired of this place and have visited it many times. This is a great place to relax your mind and absorb all of what nature intended this place to be. Hiking, biking, picnicking, photography, running etc. this place has it all. It also is the home of the epicenter of the Loma Prieta earthquake.This is a "Must do" location for anyone interested in having a great experience.

Cool because, even on the hottest days, it's comfortable among the redwoods. Nicely groomed trails, the sound of the creek most of the year. Good for bicycling and running, too.

Nice hiking trails up Aptos creek canyon among the Redwoods. A variety of trails from short to long and some more challenging.

Dark, shaded, cool, soft well worn trails that go on for miles. Lots to see, safe, but poor cell phone coverage. Shouldn't go alone, but it's hard not to.

Go for the biking, hiking and fresh air. Bring your mountain bike or rent one near the park entrance. We always park way far from the entrance and hike in. It's always quiet and peaceful. Almost every trip is different because there's so many trails. Check it out for a day trip. You wont be disappointed.Easy to find. It's a CA State Park so there is an entrance fee only if you want to drive in to park.

I really love this park and go there multiple times a month. It consists of thousands of donated acres of former timber land. The trick is to either park outside the park by the mountain bike shop or park at the farthest open lot and then hike deep into the woods from there. If you decide to just park at the first or second lot and then hike on the trails around there, you will miss the vast majority of the sights. These sites include a tranquil forest, creek, scenic views, an old abandoned timber settlement and railroad tracks (hoffman's).

I run here all the time and there are some great pluses and just a few challenges. Pluses are that there are a lot iof other runners and bicyckers so it is safe. There are bathrooms and shade for the fall months when it can get hot. You can go a long way on the fire trail. There are also narrow trails through some beautiful areas. Negatives, cars are allowed on the road which can ge difficult. It is super shady so it gets cold and stays damp. If you go on the more scenic trils, watch out for poison oak. Great park!

This is a beautiful Park in a beautiful setting. I love traveling here for a day of jogging, walking or bike riding. There isn't much I dislike about Nisene Marks.

Biking and hiking in Nisene is a pleasure. On hot days you get the benefit of the cooler air temperature and on colder or wet days you get a real experience of being protected in the redwoods. Plenty of trails to bike or hike.

I came here alone for a few hours while on vacation. I was looking for a moderate hike and wound up getting lost in these incredible trails. If I hadn't had to go meet someone (and had been more prepared with food and water) I would have loved to explore these trails all day. Plan to leave a lot of time here!

This area, originally logged for its redwood trees, was left to the state by the owner, and it remains largely undeveloped. The only official entrance is in "downtown" Aptos. Pay for parking and don't leave valuables visible in your locked car, and you won't have a problem. Hikers can take a long hike to the epicenter of the 1989 "San Francisco" earthquake, that was centered right here in this park, and not in San Francisco. The fault slipped miles underground, so there is not a lot to see from ground level, but it is still interesting. There is also a shorter hike to a waterfall, but the trail is not well marked. Mountain bikers can now ride through much of the ten thousand acres, limited only by their abilities to pedal. Most people think about outdoor recreation in the summer, but trails are dusty and somewhat unpleasant during that season. Redwood forests are magic places during light rainy periods, so consider that option, when planning your visit.

We paid $8 to park and then hiked the Historic trail. It was worth it. The trail is in very good shape. A lot of up and down. I was a little disappointed that the historic areas weren't marked. For instance we got several miles in to where the Hoffman site should be (or maybe we missed it) and saw nothing much to indicate a homestead. We decided to hike the extension to Maple falls. A much more rigorous trail that follows a stream, but worth it. Saw salamanders at the foot of the waterfall and the yellow banana slug. Afterwards we wanted to do the short Old Growth loop. Somehow we got turned around and never found old growth. Being new to the CA park trials, I found the scenery to be beautiful, but the signage to help hikers know where they are not the best.