Hiding in a lush redwood forest is the moss-covered remains of limestone kilns used through the early 1900s. These long-abandoned stone structures have been slowly reclaimed by nature over the last century or so, and seeing them gives hikers a small glimpse into the industry that created California as we know it today. See them for yourself when you embark on this hike that leads you directly to them while showing off the blissful scenery that Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has to offer.
Located all across Santa Cruz County are the long-abandoned remnants of century-old limestone kilns. During the late 19th century, the county was considered the largest producer of lime in the country. Although the kilns shut down long ago, a few of them can still be seen to this very day.
In fact, an easygoing 4.8-mile loop trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will lead you right to a few of these decaying lime kilns. Known as the Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail, this hike boasts both spectacular natural beauty along with a generous dose of Bay Area history.
You'll find the trail within the park's remote Fall Creek Unit. Boasting a second-growth redwood forest inside a fern-lined river canyon, the unit offers almost 20 miles of connecting trails. Parking and trailheads can be found on Felton Empire Road right off Highway 9.
The park's scenery looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Strolling down the trail, you'll find yourself surrounded by gigantic redwood trees, waterfalls, creeks, and all of the lush foliage you could imagine.
However, it's what's waiting for you at the end of the trail that makes this a trek to remember. The limestone kilns are surprisingly still standing, but they are covered in bright green moss and ferns. It's a rare look at nature completely reclaiming itself.
Back when miners were searching for gold, businessmen Isaac E. Davis and Albion P. Jordan thought it would be more profitable to make lime. They constructed their first lime kiln in 1853. They later sold their business to Henry Cowell, who would become a major player in the lime kiln industry for the next 30 years.
Lime kilns started to shut down with the arrival of a new building material called Portland cement, completely disappearing by 1946. The lime kilns at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are now just a reminder of a now obsolete industry, but visiting them sure does make for an adventure to remember.
Have you seen these abandoned kilns in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park? It’s amazing to think of the history that can be found hidden away in beautiful forests like this one! Tell us about your favorite historic hike in the comments below.
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