Hike Stout Grove via the Stout Grove Trailhead

Marked with adequate signage, parking for the Stout Grove Trailhead is off Highland Hill Road, a road through the south end of the park. It's a narrow, dirt road so be cautious traveling through the state park. Pit toilets are available in the parking area.

The trail is a .6-mile loop. It is wide, well-marked, and full of photo-ops. You'll see trees that touch the sky, as well as redwood cross sections taller than yourself. The hike starts downhill and is a little steep (meaning you'll have to make your way back up that incline), but it flattens out and is a nice leisurely stroll the rest of the way.

I took the trail counter-clockwise and about .25 miles in, there is a trail to the right that continues along the river to a separate parking area. Keep left to stay in the Stout Grove Trail.  At about .4-miles in, there's a short trail to the right that goes down to the river. While it's a bit less maintained, I would totally recommend this short detour! There's a rock beach -- good for taking a short snack break, skipping rocks, or sun-bathing -- as well as a small bridge that takes visitors across the Smith River.  

Retrace your steps to get back onto the Stout Grove Loop and finish out the hike, stopping at the Stout Tree with its recently added viewing platform.