Avenue of the Giants: 14 Must-See Stops!

The Avenue of the Giants will be unlike any other drive you’ve done before!

Located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this drive will take you on an adventure through the woods, past some of the biggest trees you have ever seen, and serve stop after stop of trails and natural wonders.

The Avenue of the Giants forms just a part of the much larger park, running for 31 miles. Even if you don’t have time to stop, plenty of redwoods can be seen from the curvy highway.

We drove the Avenue of the Giants from south to north—here are all the best stops along the way and what to know!

1. Franklin K. Lane Grove

Franklin K. Lane Grove has a short trail that runs around its perimeter. The trees here are relatively small by redwood standards but impressive nonetheless!

2. Governor William D. Stephens Loop Trail

Drive just a bit further north, and suddenly, you hit what you have come here to see: the giants.

This grove is the first of the huge trees, yet the Governor William D. Stephens grove is rarely crowded. A flat path takes you on a loop around the trees, where you can get close to their massive trunks.

3. Dry Creek Trailhead

If you want a trail where you have little chance of bumping into anyone else along the Avenue of the Giants, the Dry Creek Trail is a good shout.

You are in for a pleasant walk through the woods, through a narrow ravine, and past a gently flowing stream. This is a lovely leg stretcher with a few elevation changes, some large trees, and huckleberry bushes.

4. Landsdale Bar Swimming Hole

On a sunny day, there is nothing like dipping your toes into freezing fresh waters and cooling off. A rocky shore leads you down to the Eel River at the Landsdale Bar Swimming Hole.

There are plenty of places to park and flat areas of pebbly shore that make for a perfect picnic spot before a paddle.

5. Bolling Grove

In this small grove, the redwoods are vast and easily visible from the road.

The pullout makes it easy to jump out and take a few pictures of these towering trees. There is no trail here, so it won’t take long to explore the base of the redwoods and nab a snack at the picnic tables.

6. Shrine Drive Thru Tree

Have you ever driven through a tree? Well, now is your chance!

At around 3000 years old and 21 feet in diameter, Shrine Drive Thru Tree is impressive, and that’s before considering that cars can drive right through it.

The tree trunk was hollowed out by a fire many years ago, so the arch was created purely by Mother Nature.

NOTE: No vans, trucks, or RVs are allowed—you just won’t fit! We had to sit this one out since Lucy is too big.

7. Williams Grove Day Use Area

This is one of the larger day-use areas in the park and along the Avenue of the Giants. It boasts grills, picnic tables, restrooms, a group area, and easy access to the river.

Some would say it is the perfect picnic spot, but you could easily spend the whole day here beneath the shade of the trees, paddling in the water.

8. Garden Club of America Grove

If you only have time for a few stops, make this one of them. The Garden Club of America Grove is huge, covering 8 square miles.

There are some excellent hikes here that you can use to explore, like the Kent Mather Loop Trail at just under a mile. You’ll also find a picnic area, plenty of parking, and access to the river.

9. Gould Grove Nature Trail Head and Visitors Center

The Visitor Center has knowledgeable guides, a small garden filled with native plants, a shop, and a campground.

Just across the way, the Gould Grove Nature Trail is a short and sweet trail through old-growth forest with various tree sizes, beautiful ferns and sorrel, and an easy-to-follow path, making it a great leg stretcher.

10. Founders Tree

The Founders Tree is one of the most iconic trees on the Avenue of the Giants and probably in the entire redwoods system!

It is estimated to be a staggering 3000 years old and was one of the key trees that inspired the establishment of the Save-the-Redwoods League.

It is safe to say you will leave in awe, as it’s not the only tall tree in the grove. If you want to feel really tiny, also head by the fallen Dyerville Giant Tree.

11. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

There is a slight detour at this point in the road, but it is well worth turning off the road to visit this part of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Most people skip this area.

The Big Trees Day Use Area has many impressive trees, such as Giant Tree and a Flat Iron Tree, which has fallen.

The Addie Johnson Trail is a great one here. It climbs out of the redwoods and higher to the uplands, where the forest changes altogether.

Another option is the Rockefeller Loop, and although it is out of the way, is one of the most scenic groves in the park, away from the busy road. The forest is dark and dense, with huge cathedral-like redwoods dominating the scene.

12. Chandler Grove

Discover the small hillside grove of redwoods on a 0.4-mile hike through the giants. It is a popular stop along the avenue with a large and obvious parking area and huge trees.

The trees are not as big here as in other parts of the park, but the forest is beautiful. As you near the trail’s end, look out for the little side trail that takes you through a stunning canyon.

13. Immortal Tree

Do you know why this tree got its name? Because it simply refuses to die! It is thought to be around 1000 years old, and in its dramatic life, it has managed to withstand lightning, loggers’ axes, a forest fire, and a flood!

It is safe to say it has had a pretty hard time but continues to grow and thrive.

Look up, and you may see the small fish in the trunk where the floodwaters reached, an axe where loggers tried to chop it down, and scarring from the lightning strike.

14. Drury-Chaney Trail

One of the most beautiful hikes along the Avenue of the Giants is the 2.4-mile Drury-Chaney Loop Trail.

Cool and shaded, you’ll feel like you have stepped into a magical world where a thick, plush green carpet of redwood sorrel smothers the floor like a rug.

The second half of the hike is the most scenic, with the lushest ferns, sorrel, and the biggest trees, so make sure you do the whole thing.

Quick Tips for Avenue of The Giants

Here are some handy tips to make your visit a bit easier.

• If you’re low on time—Our absolute favorite stops were Garden Club, Founders Grove, and Chandler Grove.
• You’ll be walking! This isn’t just a drive! Sure, the drive is nice, but to see the best spots, you’ll be walking. The good news is that most trails are easy and short!
• The best time to visit is in the mornings when the weather is cooler, and the sun isn’t harshly shining through the trees.
• A day is good enough! Don’t worry, this area is pretty easy to check out. You’ll be able to see a lot in a day, you don’t need longer than that.

FAQ for Avenue of The Giants

We hope this helped you plan your trip to Avenue of the Giants!

Sharing is caring!