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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,494 Google reviews · Running trail in Aptos, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 30 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park'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, biking & jogging trails on varied terrain rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains.
What runners say about The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
“This is a beautiful, lush coastal redwood forest with lots of trails, though I've only explored the southern area so far.”
“It truly feels like a real forest, with huge redwood trees, peaceful shaded paths, and lots of stream crossings, so be careful depending on the water level.”
“It truly feels like a real forest, with huge redwood trees, peaceful shaded paths, and lots of stream crossings, so be careful depending on the water level.”
Awesome place for a nice hike or bike ride (on road and dirt roads only). Lots of trails ranging from easy to expert, with beauty in every direction. Not to mention two different waterfalls (both are quite a hike with one being a much longer hike than the other), and a couple of small areas where you and/or your kids…
This is a beautiful, lush coastal redwood forest with lots of trails, though I've only explored the southern area so far. It's just outside Aptos, south of Santa Cruz. Trails are well maintained, and there's little poison oak in the areas I've been to.
Great place for hiking and biking. After entering the entrance, drive as far as you can until the car can't go any further, because the beginning section of the road is bumpy and dusty. There are lots of shade trees and it's very cool. It was a bit cold when you first arrived. Follow the creek to the waterfall.
Did an evening hike - Terrace Trail to Aptos Ranch Trail - took 1.5 hours - 3.6 miles. Loved it. Parking is a little funny. There was no attendant so we had to put $8 cash in an envelope and write on the envelope that we dropped it and put the matching ticket on our dash.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful, lush coastal redwood forest with lots of trails, though I've only explored the southern area so far.”
“It's relatively easily accessible from the parking area near the entrance, though there are some steps to descend and a bit of a slope.”
“It truly feels like a real forest, with huge redwood trees, peaceful shaded paths, and lots of stream crossings, so be careful depending on the water level.”
“We did an 8 mile round trip venture along the creek that made the valley in which this park resides.”
“It truly feels like a real forest, with huge redwood trees, peaceful shaded paths, and lots of stream crossings, so be careful depending on the water level.”
“Dogs are only allowed on the trails near the entrance of the park and they must be on leashes.”
“It truly feels like a real forest, with huge redwood trees, peaceful shaded paths, and lots of stream crossings, so be careful depending on the water level.”
“It's relatively easily accessible from the parking area near the entrance, though there are some steps to descend and a bit of a slope.”
Plan your run at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance30 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(831) 763-7063
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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