The best gravel rides in Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Long and flat

Tiny coastal town around a wooden community center, a Jewish sunday school, and some homes. A sandy beach cove with campground is a mile south.

This beautiful 720-acre park is home to stunning and majestic towering redwoods. It offers sizeable private group camping facilities with full-service cabins, accommodating up to 200 people. The day-use area features eight miles of hiking and biking trails, along with over 25 miles of routes leading to the adjacent Jackson Demonstration State Forest.

Mendocino Headlands State Park, spanning 347 acres, is the jewel of Northern California. It features miles of a fantastic network of trails that wind along cliffs, offering picturesque views of the Big River, sandy beaches and rugged coastline. Adjacent to Jackson Demonstration State Forest and Mendocino Woodlands State Park, you'll find endless places to explore and enjoy this spectacular area.

The Big River is the longest undeveloped estuary in the state, stretching 41.7 miles and nestled amid towering old-growth redwoods. It is a sanctuary for wildlife and a stunning feature of Mendocino Headlands State Park. As you ride through this idyllic landscape, you'll see plenty of waterfowl that inhabit this peaceful setting.

The Big River Trail is a scenic old haul road closed to motor vehicles that offers an easy ride with minimal elevation gain. Most of the road is double track, although portions have been grown over into singletrack. It is a popular choice for hikers, runners, and families, with picturesque views of the Big River Estuary and surrounding woodlands along the way.

If you're coming from Big River Beach, take a left to stay on Big River Road, which will eventually lead you to High Chutes Road and Old Haul Road. Alternatively, go right to follow the road along the river, which will take you to a bridge crossing Big River and, eventually, the Big River Lagoon. If you're approaching from High Chutes Road or Old Haul Road, simply go straight to continue your journey to Big River Beach.

Dramatic vista down along the steep bluffs to the cove with a natural sandy beach.