1.0 hr
The Virginia Mill Trail starts from gate CM09 or the southern end of the South Leaf Trail. This wide trail begins with a long descent into an incredibly lush, redwood-filled canyon which is one of the highlights of park. The time in the canyon bottom is all too brief and marks the lowest elevation of the trail network of this park (700 feet).<br><br>Historically, the trail used to cross the El Corte de Madera Creek on top of a huge, downed redwood, but because the crossing was impassable to horses, they've now erected a big steel bridge.<br><br>After the bridge, the trail climbs (very steeply at first) out of the canyon between dense walls of mature foliage. From the creek crossing upwards to the junction of Lawrence Creek Trail and Timberview Trail the route is all on narrow, singletrack path. Note: bikes are allowed on the Virginia Mill Trail.