Located on a former Georgia Pacific Mill site, the Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail is the result of a collaborative coastal restoration project. Now, for the first time in over a century, this land is open to the public, as a five mile stretch of this multiuse trail is now complete. And the good news is, the entire length is accessible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The trail runs parallel to Highway 1 from Glass Beach in the north to the Noyo River in the south. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at both trailheads. The north parking area can be accessed off Elm Street (turn west at Denny’s), while the south parking area is located off of Cypress Street (across the street from Taco Bell), near the harbor.
The eight-foot wide asphalt trail is level, and offers excellent wheelchair access. Along the way, there are interpretive panels about the old lumber mill which once occupied the land, an abandoned private runway, the natural history of the land, and the early inhabitants. And the views of the dramatic coastline are simply gorgeous.
The trail heads south and passes by Otsuchi Point, and through the formerly fenced off California Coastal Monument, before it travels through Noyo Headlands Park, and terminates a half-mile later on Highway 1 near Harbor Drive.
Along the way strategically placed hand-crafted benches look out over the ocean, so there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the ocean views. And for a little variety, there are several shorter loop trails that connect to the main trail. These hard-packed dirt detours are flat and level, and offer good wheelchair access in dry weather. And the great part is, you can do do as little or as much of the trail as you like, as the entire length of it was purpose-built to be wheelchair-accessible. It’s an excellent example of universal design.
This stretch of coastline has been off-limits to the public and locked behind lumber mill gates for over a century. The wildlife viewing opportunities here are varied and superb, and the 5-mile long trail is easy and accessible to all kinds of people.
The new trail has two Fort Bragg entry points - a northern entrance, with parking at the west end of Elm Street near Glass Beach, and a southern entrance, with parking at the west end of Cypress Street north of the Noyo bridge. The trail is multi-use, ADA-accessible, 8 feet wide, and has a paved surface. It offers spectacular views, parking, restrooms, and unique benches made by local artists and woodworkers.
There are many interpretive panels near the path that offer information on local natural and human history. Biking, rollerblading, hiking, and running opportunities are available on this trail. Families and dogs on leash are welcome. An even longer hike is possible, as this trail connects to MacKerricher State Park to the north and Pomo Bluffs to the south.
This trail is owned and maintained by the City of Fort Bragg.
