Trail Map of Berry Creek Falls Loop at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Difficult: 10.2 miles, Full day

Overview: Redwoods and waterfalls make this the best hike in the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you're up for 11 miles and a thousand feet of elevation gain spread out over a half-day, you'll be amazed to see the strain melt away in this land of the giants.

Veteran Berry Creek Falls hikers recommend a counter-clockwise loop starting on the Sunset Trail, turning left on to the Berry Creek Falls Trail, taking another left onto the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail, which returns to the trailhead.

When to go: This hike can be done in almost any weather. Winter rains bring greater flow to the falls, but the shorter days create a greater risk of running out of daylight.

Tips: Buy a map at the park HQ - it's easy to get lost at Big Basin without one.

If you see a banana slug, resist the urge to pick it up. Salt on human skin is damaging to the slug's moist exterior.

What to bring
Map: Buy one at the park HQ.
Layers: It's often very cool in the redwoods but warm in the sun.
Camera
Proper hiking gear (and food/water)