There’s beautiful running in Mendocino, a coastal community known for its cliffside trails and beaches. There are two great runs within Mendocino Headlands State Park: the Coastal Trail and the Big River Trail. Note: the weather can be changeable and there can be fog.
Coastal Trail
The coastal trail, also known as the Mendocino Headlands Trail, is accessible from the center of Mendocino. The scenic trail runs along the coastal bluff above the water, featuring spectacular ocean views. The trail is 2.4 miles, on a mainly dirt surface that is narrow in spots, though the footing is decent. Along the northern ~0.9 miles, you can also run along the paved road, Heeser Dr.
Big River Trail
This is a lovely, rolling hill trail that follows the Big River inland from Mondecino Bay. The wide, dirt-surfaced path goes for nearly 5 miles. The terrain mainly wooded, with some open spots. There are some views of the fairly narrow river, but mostly it’s wooded. Note the trail is hilly — 320 feet of elevation gain over 4.8 miles. At the eastern end, there are additional trails and forest roads. Parking off Big River Rd.
Additional Running Options
See the Park Brochure for additional trails and running options. East of the Big River Trail, there’s a network of remote forest roads. Also, in Van Damme State Park, the Fern Canyon Trail runs for several miles along the Little River. This is a narrow trail through gorgeous fern woods — more of a trail run.
There’s beautiful running in Mendocino, a coastal community known for its cliffside trails and beaches. There are two great runs within Mendocino Headlands State Park: the Coastal Trail and the Big River Trail. Note: the weather can be changeable and there can be fog.
Coastal Trail
The coastal trail, also known as the Mendocino Headlands Trail, is accessible from the center of Mendocino. The scenic trail runs along the coastal bluff above the water, featuring spectacular ocean views. The trail is 2.4 miles, on a mainly dirt surface that is narrow in spots, though the footing is decent. Along the northern ~0.9 miles, you can also run along the paved road, Heeser Dr.
Big River Trail
This is a lovely, rolling hill trail that follows the Big River inland from Mondecino Bay. The wide, dirt-surfaced path goes for nearly 5 miles. The terrain mainly wooded, with some open spots. There are some views of the fairly narrow river, but mostly it’s wooded. Note the trail is hilly — 320 feet of elevation gain over 4.8 miles. At the eastern end, there are additional trails and forest roads. Parking off Big River Rd.
Additional Running Options
See the Park Brochure for additional trails and running options. East of the Big River Trail, there’s a network of remote forest roads. Also, in Van Damme State Park, the Fern Canyon Trail runs for several miles along the Little River. This is a narrow trail through gorgeous fern woods — more of a trail run.
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