Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood Loop
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About this place
Explore abandoned 19th-20th century limestone kilns. This hike leads you through lush forests and old growth Redwood.
Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is a super easy destination to get to from Santa Cruz, but the seclusion of the Fall Creek Unit makes this a big bang for buck hike. This hike will take you to Big Ben, a medium sized old growth Redwood, and the abandoned Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company Kilns where much of the lime used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake was produced.
To find the Fall Creek Trailhead, take Hwy 9 north about 7 miles and look for the sign for Henry Cowell State Park. Pull in here if you want to pick up a trail map (always a good idea) otherwise continue about a half mile, turn left at Felton Rd, drive another half mile and keep a sharp eye out for the Fall Creek sign. Park in the usually empty lot and take the steep, 1/4 mile Bennet Creek Trail down to a large trail map and the Fall Creek Trailhead.
From here, head left on the Fall Creek Trail, which begins as a relatively wide and flat trail. After about a mile you'll come to a fork in the road - here are the options:
Left is the Kiln trail which takes you on a tough, half mile hike/scramble to the abandoned limestone kilns. From there you can retrace and continue on the Fall Creek Trail or continue up the Kiln trail which leads to the Lost Empire Trail junction.
Right will continue on Fall Creek Trail, leading you above the kilns. You'll still have the option to dip down to the kilns from above and retrace back to the main trail. This option is a good mile longer, but not as strenuous.
Whichever way you choose, you'll eventually be lead to the junction of Fall Creek Trail and Lost Empire Trail. Head left on Lost Empire trail until you reach Big Ben, a good spot to take a break and refuel before making the return trip down. Follow the Big Ben Trail right off of Lost Empire and after a mile or so you will reach Fall Creek Trail again. Make a right turn and follow the trail all the way back to Bennet Creek Trail and the parking lot.
This map is very useful in planning ahead for your hike.
Leave No Trace
