Loma Prieta Grade Small Loop

The Forest of Nisene Marks SP boasts an old Lumber Railroad Grade. An introductory walk into the lower reaches of Nisene Marks. This trail is highly popular with the locals for an afternoon break. It's a good one for walks, jogging, and much of it is accessible to bikes. The trail also provide access to the trail heading deeper into this 10,000 acre state park. Dogs are OK on the fire road. Much of this particular walk traces the old lumber railroad grade. The rugged region was extensively logged between the 1880's and about 1920. The second growth forest is now an outstanding example of the regenerative powers of redwood and fir forests. This walk includes redwood and fir forest, maple, alder, oak, madrone, and other broad leaf Nisene is also the home of the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. It became a state park in 1963 when the Marks Family donated the property to the State in honor of the memory of Nicene Marks. The park's activities include: Bike Trails Hiking Environmental Campsite: (831)763-7064 for availability. Horseback Trails 8 Picnic Sites Additional statistics from the park's brochure include: Between Nicene and the adjoining Soquel Demonstration Forest there are over 62 miles of recreational trails and roads. Of that: 20 miles are exclusive to hiking. 42 miles are available for both hiking and biking mixed use trail. 24 miles are open for horseback riding. More information is available at the Seacliff State Beach Visitor's Center. Call 831-685-6444 for hours and information.