Arcata Ridge Trail Yo-Yo
July 7, 2023
Start: Margaret Lane Trailhead
9 miles
Hey, what if we yo-yo the Arcata Ridge Trail (ART) and what if it could qualify as a Fastest Known Time (FKT) route? Regardless, we’re always up for a forest hike! We march up the Sunny Brae Forest from the Margaret Lane trailhead topping out at, and crossing Fickle Hill Road. The ART meanders slightly through the Arcata Community Forest for about 3 miles before bottoming out at the West End Road trailhead. We take a standing break to consume snacks and water before treading back over our footsteps. We see members of the community and say hi. Total elapsed time is 3h 6m 14s with 1,971 ft. of elevation gain and it’s the first FKT for the newly created route! It’s a quick trip even with backpacks and we’re ready to go faster next time!
The Arcata Ridge Trail is a 4.5 mile regional trail connecting the public lands of the Arcata Community and Sunny Brae Forests. The Arcata Ridge Trail allows hikers, bikers, and equestrians to travel from the southern to northern City limits without leaving the awe-inspiring Coast Redwood forest. The linear, 9 mile Arcata Ridge Trail Yo-Yo can be started at either the Margaret Ln. Trailhead in the Sunny Brae Forest Tract or the West End Rd. Trailhead in the Arcata Community Forest.
The Arcata Ridge Trail (ART) represents a decade-long community project whose completion was marked by the achievement of connecting the main tract of the Arcata Community Forest with the Sunny Brae Forest Tract. Arcata and the ART draw people from all over the world who travel to California’s North Coast region exploring the majestic Coast Redwood ecosystem.
The Arcata Community Forest (ACF) is approximately 790 acres of woodland recreation with an extensive network of developed trails. The ACF is located on the east side of Arcata with multiple trailhead access points. The Sunny Brae Forest Tract is approximately 175 acres with two trailhead access points. These community forests and other projects are part of ongoing conservation efforts.
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