Hiking Trails

Of course my favorite trails are located in Nelder Grove (see thread on Nelder Grove), but there are others in the area that my family enjoys. Nelder Grove: Shadow of the Giants, Bull Buck Trail, Chimney Tree Trail, Big Ed, Trail that leads to the Hawksworth Tree, Grand-dad, and the Graveyard of the Giants. Lewis Creek Trail - Most people access this trail from Hwy. 41 and has a parking area with a trailhead sign. You can hear Corlieu Falls from the parking area. If you walk around the green gate you will have 2 options at the next Y... If you head to the right it will take you to Corlieu Falls. At the second switchback with the open area... if you look across the falls you may even see the hot spring. If you continue down (it does get pretty steep) this path it will eventually end in Cedar Valley. If at the Y you take a left, there is a great spot for a picnic at the log bridge not far away. If you continue across the bridge it will take you to Red Rock Falls and some beautiful areas. In the summer most of the trail are in the shade (except for maybe two short spots). Willow Creek is another trail that you can access from Bass Lake by the Falls Beach. Beware though. This is steep, and has quite a bit of poison oak along the edges of the trail until you cross the upper road. If you continue on the path it will eventually lead to McCloud Flat as well as two other beautiful waterfalls. Brown's Ditch - This is great, but not for young kids (my daughter could do this trail at 6, but it still made me a bit nervous), animals, or those with balance problems... There are 20 areas where you walk on top of the flume/ditch. This trail can be found at the end of the lake by Central Camp Road. Park opposite from the turn out to Central Camp Road. Cross the street and take the path to the right of Central Camp Road. 2 miles each way. [u]

I just hiked on Lewis creek today with a friend from out of town (Hollywood). He was duly impressed. Of course, the fact it was perfect weather for hiking and the fact that he wasn't surrounded by 30 million people helped, I'm sure.

My daughter took the photo (above) in the cave on Lewis Trail.

Don't know the official name, but walked the Green Gate Trail just above The Forks today. Great easy trail. Gentle slope and nice scenery. Evidence of horses too.
After that, went to the lake and realized with the water so low, there are now lots of good beach walks too.