Trailhead: Karl Knapp (Prairie Creek) to Foothills Trail Loop

There are two tunnel trees on the Karl Knapp Trail

NPS / Steven Krause

Quick Facts

Location:

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Significance:

An easy and beautiful loop trail.

Designation:

State Park

Amenities

12 listed

Benches/Seating, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Family, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Redwood National and State Parks: Prairie Creek Trail

Trailhead for Prairie Creek Trail.

Note: In late 2021 the Prairie Creek Trail was renamed the Karl Knapp Trail. Future publications, maps, and signs will show the new name.

The Karl Knapp Trailhead is next to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. This is a loop trail that can be completed in either direction. 

This loop is a combination of three, connected trails:

1. Karl Knapp Trail
2.  Foothills Trail 
3. Cathedral Trees Trail (only a few hundred feet of it)

Want to learn more about navigating the Karl Knapp (Prairie Creek) to Foothill Trail Loop? Visit our "Walk the Karl Knapp (Prairie Creek) to Foothill Trail Loop" page.
 

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Parking:

Parking close to this trailhead can be hard to find in summer. There is plenty of parking for RVs and trailers along the Elk Meadow section of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

Map Tips:

• Use the zoom feature to explore trails and other digital map features in greater detail.
• Don’t solely rely on online maps when you are here.

• We recommend you use a physical map or trail guide for your adventures in Redwood National and State Parks.
• Staff are available at visitor centers to help with additional trip planning needs.

Safety Tips:

• To protect the habitats, leave no trace also means staying on the developed trail. Please don’t go off-trail and make any new trails. These forests grow by the inch, and will die by your foot.

• To protect the wildlife (and you and other visitors), pets are not allowed on park trails.
  • Roosevelt elk can be blocking the trail and it's important not to approach these large and wild animals. If you need to turn back - then that is the smartest decision to make.

• Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend when you are here.