John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Almost no guidebook chapters or web pages describe it; even its official web page is practically blank. This is partly because, until 2001, Dewitt Redwoods was part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Also, although it has some fine trees, the park's three small old-growth groves are overshadowed by much more spectacular groves just five minutes to the north (Humboldt Redwoods) and five minutes south (Richardson Grove). Finally, although a few really short walks are possible here, Dewitt Redwoods doesn't have any official trails.The park has two unconnected sections. The northern section, containing the Holbrook grove, is just north of the town of Redway. There's a short segment of old dirt road here where you can stretch your legs. The larger southern section, which contains the Whittemore and O'Meara Groves, is just west of Redway. This section has more impressive trees and a few more short strolls. The Whittemore Grove is the park's main attraction; for a small redwood park it's surprisingly busy in the summer, with a car pulling into the little parking lot every five or ten minutes. Maybe this is because it's on a road to the coast or because of the nearby campgrounds.