Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail,
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Located 5.7 miles from Crescent City, California (CA)
4 Stars
1,340 Steps 1  (0.6 mi)
Trails California State Parks Jedediah Smith Redwoods Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail

One of the most popular trails within the Jedediah Smith State Park is the Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail, located directly off highway 199 on Walker Road. Much of this dense rainforest loop trail is covered with giant redwoods as well as hemlock and maple trees covered in moss and lichen. Many of the giant redwoods that have fallen over time lie undisturbed along the damp ground, slowly decaying in pools of water while providing habitat for the many amphibians that live here.

Simpson Reed Discovery Trail

Elevation

The Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail has a maximum elevation of 109 ft., a minimum elevation of 36 ft. and an elevation range of 73 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.6 mi36 ft109 ft73 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
15 min5.667 ft70 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
16 min5.870 ft67 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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9
  1. Northwest Topo Map: Smith River, CA
  2. North Topo Map: High Divide, CA
  3. Northeast Topo Map: High Plateau Mountain, CA
  4. West Topo Map: Crescent City, CA
  5. Topo Map: Hiouchi, CA
  6. East Topo Map: Gasquet, CA
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Sister Rocks, CA
  8. South Topo Map: Childs Hill, CA
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Canthook Mountain, CA

FAQ

What is the length of the Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.6 miles (1.0 km) or 1,340 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 15 minutes in one direction and in 16 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.