Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater

The Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater is a 1.4-mile loop through Blackwater Arboretum, centered on enormous redwoods and Douglas firs. Allow about 45 to 60 minutes at an unhurried pace: published walking estimates range from roughly 30 minutes to an hour. The whole circuit returns to Blackwater car park; 1.4 miles is the loop distance, not a one-way leg. The signed route is easy and mostly level, on fairly smooth gravel with one very gentle slope and frequent resting places. Its short commitment and shaded path make it a good way to see the arboretum without taking on a longer forest walk. There is no sustained climb; the main reward is the scale of the trees beside you.

Start under the first oak arch at Blackwater car park, cross Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, then go a few metres up the gravel track and turn left at the Tall Trees Trail sign. This is the junction to watch for: follow the signed path rather than continuing along the gravel approach. The circuit winds through many large trees, including two giant redwoods, crosses a small wooden bridge, then follows white-topped waymarker posts on a path parallel to the road on the return. The walk is a compact sequence of gravel approach, wooded path, bridge, and marked return beside the road. You finish back at the same car park, without needing a separate pickup or shuttle.

Conifers were planted here in the 1850s to create what became Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, giving the route the character of a planted arboretum rather than unmanaged woodland. The redwoods are giant sequoias, also known as Wellingtonias or coast redwoods. Douglas firs add a closer detail: their very thick, corky bark helps protect them from fire and insects. On a short loop, those distinctions are worth taking slowly; the trees are the reason to stop, look up, and notice how different trunks and bark patterns sit together. Those details reward lingering at the trees instead of hurrying through the short circuit.

The route is level, has no gates, and includes frequent resting places. At the road crossing, chicane barriers narrow the path to 1.1 metres, its narrowest point. The small bridge is 1.5 metres wide, with handrails and a 1-metre anti-slip section. Check the 1.1-metre pinch point against your wheelchair or other mobility equipment before setting out; an easy-access description does not guarantee that every setup will fit. Blackwater car park has space for about 50 cars, two accessible spaces, toilets including an accessible toilet, picnic tables, bike racks, and an information point. If it is full, continue to Whitefield Moor rather than parking on the access road, a verge, or a gateway. Dogs are allowed. No food vendor was confirmed, so plan a separate stop if a meal is part of your visit.