HENRY COWELL PARK – 1400 Felton Empire Rd., Felton, CA 95018, (831) 335-4598 – http://www.santacruzstateparks.org Good for Kids: Yes
Q-Tips say: YES, A MUST SEE – over and over again! Get a trail map located near the Visitor Center(Please return the map when finished) and follow along the numbered markings and learn about this magnificent park.
This park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a variety of forested areas including redwoods, mixed evergreens, riparian, ponderosa pine, as well as rare ancient marine deposits called Santa Cruz sandhills. The Zayante Indians once lived in the area, where they found a land with plentiful natural resources. Henry Cowell Redwoods is home to a centuries old Redwood Grove that features a self-guided nature path. It also boasts other old-growth woods such as Douglas fir, mandrone, oak and a stunning stand of Ponderosa pines. The park has a picnic area above the San Lorenzo River. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter (catch and release). The park has a nature center and bookstore.
The main park area contains the large, old-growth redwoods, while the northern area (Fall Creek) has about 20 miles of hiking trails. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1400 to 1800 years old. Mrs. Q says: Go and enjoy, often.