Davison Trail: South Access

Skinny trees line either side of dirt road.

This 2.5-mile level hike on an old logging road takes you through the recovering redwood forest most hikers never see. You'll walk past giant redwood stumps from 1960s logging, old mill buildings, and dense second-growth Douglas-fir forest that represents 70% of the park. The final few hundred feet reveal old-growth redwoods near Elk Prairie Campground. Elk viewing is frequent—make noise and maintain 25-yard distance.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.5
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 50

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.5
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 50
Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours depending on wildlife viewing and photo stops
Trail Surface: Packed dirt old logging road with some overgrown sections and embedded tree stumps
Trail Features: Old-growth redwood trees (final section)
Giant redwood stumps from 1960s logging
Old logging mill buildings
Second-growth Douglas-fir forest
Elk prairie landscape
Historic logging road
Trail Highlights: Walk through the recovery of a logged forest. The final section reveals old-growth redwoods near Elk Prairie. Elk encounters are frequent and educational.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Elk Meadow Day Use Area parking lot, just north of the main parking area
Parking Lot Size: Large—ample parking available at Elk Meadow Day Use Area
Parking Fill Time: Not typically full—Elk Meadow has ample parking
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required. Direct access from Elk Meadow Day Use Area parking.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: No entrance fee (America the Beautiful annual pass accepted)
Trail Status: Open (check NPS website for temporary closures during forest restoration)
Seasonal Closures: Possible temporary closures during Redwoods Rising forest restoration project. No permanent seasonal closure; roads and trails remain open year-round.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: None on trail. Carry 2L water minimum. No reliable refill points on the route.
Accessibility: The old logging road is fairly level but uneven. Muddy in wet season. Final old-growth section near Elk Prairie is accessible but rooty in spots. Sturdy boots required.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Elk encounters (25-yard distance required)
Sun exposure / dehydration risk
Limited cell coverage
Uneven logging road surface
Occasional deadfall
Hazard Details: Elk are frequently encountered—make noise and maintain 25-yard distance minimum. The open logging road exposes you to relentless sun and heat; bring 2L water minimum. Cell coverage is minimal to none; carry a map and inform someone of your itinerary. Uneven terrain requires sturdy boots. Watch for fallen branches.
Cell Service: Very limited or unavailable. Do not rely on cell service in emergency. Carry a map and pre-arrange check-in plan with a friend.
Crowd Level: Moderate
Best Season: Year-round. October-May: lighter crowds but possible temporary closures during Redwoods Rising forest restoration. Summer: busy and hot on exposed road sections.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, but start early morning (before 9am) to beat sun exposure and catch elk. Summer (July-Aug) requires full water load. October-May: lighter crowds but check NPS website for possible restoration closures.
Tips Advice: Make noise to alert elk; maintain 25-yard minimum distance
Carry 2L water minimum—sun exposure on logging road is relentless
Sturdy boots essential for uneven logging road surface
Let someone know your route and check-in plan; limited cell coverage
Stay on trail—protect recovering forest from off-trail damage

More details

Park Area: Southern Redwoods (Prairie Creek Area)
Trail Markers: Well-marked at key junctions with directional signs (Elk Prairie Campground sign). Main trail is obvious; don't go off-trail.
Dogs Allowed: No—pets are not permitted on park trails
Biking Allowed: Yes—this is a designated 'Hike and Bike' trail. Old logging road surface accommodates hybrid and mountain bikes.
Shade Level: Mostly open/partial. The logging road section is fully exposed (relentless sun). Shade increases in final old-growth redwood section near Elk Prairie.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare—coastal location prevents significant snow accumulation
Mud Season: October-May can be muddy after rainfall. Wet conditions increase slip risk on logging road.
Insider Tips: Elk are most active at dawn and dusk—time your hike accordingly for best viewing
The contrast between second-growth (dense, crowded trees) and old-growth (massive trunks, open floor) is stark
Don't miss the old logging mill buildings—they tell the 20th-century logging story
Final few hundred feet are worth the full hike; don't turn back early
Recent Updates: Redwoods Rising forest restoration project ongoing (2020s+). Some trail sections may temporarily close during active restoration. Check NPS website for current status.
Family Friendly Notes: Excellent for families—2.5 miles and minimal elevation make it manageable for children. Concerns: Elk are common (keep children close and maintain 25-yard distance). Limited water sources (carry plenty). Limited cell service (inform rangers of your route).
Nearby Facilities: Elk Meadow Day Use Area has parking and basic facilities. Elk Prairie Campground to the north. Nearest visitor centers and services in nearby communities.
Review Summary: Hikers appreciate this trail for its easy access and historical significance. The 2.5-mile distance is manageable for most fitness levels. Wildlife viewing and logging artifacts make it educational. Main complaints: sun exposure on the road and limited water. Elk encounters are the highlight for most.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

Yes. The 2.5-mile distance and minimal elevation gain make it ideal for building fitness. Main challenge: sun exposure—bring water and a hat.

Will I see elk?

Highly likely. They graze in this area daily. Keep 25 yards back, make noise, and never position yourself between a cow and calf.

Can I bike this trail?

Yes—it's part of the Hike and Bike hub. The old logging road surface works for hybrid and mountain bikes. Road bikes will struggle with the uneven terrain.

Is there water on the trail?

No water sources. Carry 2L minimum. Filter water at creeks near Elk Meadow or Elk Prairie if needed.

How does the trail stay open during restoration?

Restoration work is ongoing but allows public access on the main trail. Temporary closures may occur during active work. Check NPS website for current conditions.

Do I need a map?

Yes. NPS explicitly recommends carrying a physical map—don't rely on online maps or cell service.