Maple in the Redwoods

Hike to Maple Falls in Nisene State Park in Santa Cruz Mountains

Over the creek and through the redwoods you’ll go, on this 9-mile (round-trip) partial loop hike in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. This hike is loaded with charms, but the big riches come from viewing Maple Falls, a 30-foot stunner framed by, well, maple trees! Start at George’s Picnic Area and follow Aptos Creek Road to Loma Prieta Grade. Here the trail narrows as you go through a canopy of towering redwoods, the acoustics of Aptos Creek lending peaceful sounds as you hike. At the fork, keep left to stay on Loma Prieta Grade towards Hoffman’s Historic Site, once home to loggers and mill workers. Follow the trail all the way to Bridge Creek Historic Site. From the sign, head upstream to get to Maple Falls.

The trek isn’t far, but it’s challenging because you have to cross Bridge Creek about a dozen times as you head deeper into the canyon. (Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!) You’ll pass a smaller waterfall along the way, but keep going to the back of the fern-spotted canyon for the marquee attraction: Maple Falls gushing into the creek by way of a large mossy rock face, splashing into a pool surrounded by lush greenery. This cascade in the redwoods goes strong after rain, and sounds it out loud, too! To finish the hike, head back down Bridge Creek but this time stay left at the fork and take Bridge Creek Trail to eventually loop back to Loma Prieta Grade.

From Hwy. 1 in Aptos take State Park Dr. northeast (away from the ocean). Turn right onto Soquel Dr., and left onto Aptos Creek Rd. Parking in George’s Picnic Area is $8. When the winter gate is open, parking at Porter Family Picnic Area shortens the loop by 2 miles; however, if the winter gate is closed you’ll have to park at George’s Picnic Area and hike in from there. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View