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Sunny Brae Forest Trailhead 1
4.9 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Running trail in Arcata, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sunny Brae Forest Trailhead 1's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking, bike, horse and walking, trails up hills and through forest for all levels of fitness and expertise.
What runners say about Sunny Brae Forest Trailhead 1
“This trail is every bit as gorgeous today as it was the first time I visited back in 2009.”
Great trail to hike or bike. It is up and down hill at points, nice for families but not young kids imo. It was dense forest and points that are near a creek that are nice
This trail is every bit as gorgeous today as it was the first time I visited back in 2009. It is a fairly steep climb, I definitely recommend wearing decent walking shoes. The landscape is beyond 100% worth the trip up though.
Beautiful well maintained trail. Good for bikes, running, or walking. Some very steep hills 🤙 You can find different routes using “Avenza Maps” (all over Arcata) and do an out and back or a loop.
Nice easy hike. Great to walk your dogs. Kind small community of people. You can see some big redwoods and walk inside them.
Trail conditions & character
“Some very steep hills 🤙 You can find different routes using “Avenza Maps” (all over Arcata) and do an out and back or a loop.”
“This trail is every bit as gorgeous today as it was the first time I visited back in 2009.”
“Would be better if people actually followed the laws and leashed their dogs, pick up after them and not leave poo bags everywhere.”
“Some very steep hills 🤙 You can find different routes using “Avenza Maps” (all over Arcata) and do an out and back or a loop.”
Plan your run at Sunny Brae Forest Trailhead 1
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Arcata
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Trail System
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Stewart Park
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