Today is the beginning of National Forest Week, and I’m thrilled to bring you with me to a special California gem filled with local history where the forest meets the ocean...welcome to Limekiln State Park.

Set against the legendary Big Sur coast, Limekiln State Park sits on the edge of the Los Padres National Forest. Camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and hiking are all popular activities inside the park. There are three main trails here that all branch out from the same trail head. They are each completely unique and all worthy of a visit.

Hare Creek Trail

Hare Creek Trail is a gentle 1/2 mile walk that will take you into the heart of the forest. Moss and ferns line the path leading to some of the oldest and largest Coast Redwood Trees in all of Big Sur. These massive trees give us an important glimpse into the past of this place. Just over 100 years ago, the redwood forest here has been nearly clean-cut to be used as lumber and fuel for the lime kilns. Thankfully the Save the Redwoods League and the California Conservation Corps have worked to protect and restore this coastal redwood forest. They have also built trails that generations to come can enjoy.

Falls Trail

The second beautiful trail here is Falls Trail…and as the name suggests, this hike leads to a towering 100 foot waterfall. Falls Trail is just over a 1/2 mile, but it is the most challenging of all three hikes you’ll find here. You have to cross Limekiln Creek to reach the falls, and your shoes will more than likely get a little wet along the way. This short adventurous hike is worth the journey, and you can practically follow the sound of water straight to the edge of the falls.

Limekiln Trail

Limekiln Trail is the north-western most hike. Named after the kilns which were built here in the 1880s, this 1/2 mile trail leads you across three bridges to the four remaining historic lime kilns. These huge furnaces supplied lime that was used to help make San Francisco’s brick buildings over 100 years ago.

History

Rockland Lime and Lumber Company extracted, purified, and exported thousands of barrels of lime from this canyon beginning in 1887. These kilns were built at the base of a huge limestone deposit. Limestone would burn at extremely hot temperatures inside these furnaces to be processed. Barrels were then hauled to the coast and loaded onto ships carrying it north for use in concrete. By the 1890s the limestone deposit was completely depleted, and the once thriving lime industry quickly vanished from this area.

Know before you go:

• Before your visit I encourage you to learn even more and this area and how to keep it beautiful with The Big Sur Pledge.

• All three trails are short and easily accessible, but there is much to explore and I would plan on giving yourself at least a full afternoon to enjoy this park.

• There are about a dozen campsites with either an oceanfront or forest view setting. Reservations are required, which can be obtained by visiting www.reservecalifornia.com

• Recreational vehicles over 24 feet are not permitted inside the park, and the maximum trailer length allowed is 15 feet.

• The coastal cliffs and walls of Limekiln Canyon are steep and very unstable – do not climb them.

• The ocean is stunning here, but it has unexpectedly high waves and strong currents, so approach the waters edge with extreme caution.

• Beach fishing is discouraged here, and stream fishing is prohibited most of the year.

• Dogs must be kept on a 6 foot leash at all times and only service animals are permitted on trails.

• Poison oak is pervasive in this forest area, so stay on the marked trails to avoid it (and to preserve the natural beauty here).

• Wildlife is abundant in Limekiln SP, including mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and all types of seabirds and shorebirds. Offshore sea otters play in the kelp beds, dolphins can often be seen from the shore, and female gray whales with calves migrate north in the Spring.

• All three of the above mentioned hikes are very well shaded and the climate is typically mild...any morning fog often burns off by mid day.

• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me this National Forest Week in Limekiln State Park. For more information on this diverse California State Park see my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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