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Limekiln waterfall.


Highlights:

Redwood groves, 80 ft waterfall, old limestone kiln ruiins.
Near:Big Sur, CA
Scenery:
Distance:1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:600 ft
Hike Time:1 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: You begin hiking in a redwood forest, next to a quiet, babbling stream. Heading up the stream, you walk through a few different groves of trees, and a bench with a John Muir quote on it. The quote references sequoia trees, but you are in a redwood grove, so maybe that's a ranger question.

The trail splits, and you can head half a mile to the waterfalls by turning right, or head half a mile to the old limestone kilns by heading straight.

The waterfalls are about 80 feet high, and are best viewed during the wet season. But during the dry season, there is enough water flowing through to make it a worthwhile trip.

The kilns are four huge old chimneys that are set in a small clearing in the redwood forest. Crumbling and rusty, they look like ancient temples, or something. Definitely worth the visit.

Trailhead: Driving south on California Highway 1, two miles past Lucia, enter Limekiln State Park. Pay entrance fee, drive straight and park next to the restrooms.

Begin your hike by starting through the campground, and the trailhead starts at the end of the campground driveway. (Lat:36.00856 Lon:-121.51836)

Trail Guides for Limekiln waterfall.:
California Waterfalls
by Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Outdoors)

Day Hikes on the California Central Coast
by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Monterey District Headquarters. Phone: 831-649-2836
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by David Zwarg, who has posted  9 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Teo de Ojai on 3/11/2010
We have not been there since the fire. This is an enchanted hike in a grown-back redwood grove that was clear cut back in the prior milennia.

Reviewed by Jerry on 4/27/2007
This is a great hike. Beautiful redwood forest, charming stream, and a waterfall. Easy hike, fun for the whole family. Do not miss this hike while in Big Sur. We had two days of rain prior to the hike, so the stream and waterfall were full. Fun crossing the stream in places, you might get your feet wet.

Reviewed by A. Riedel on 7/1/2006
Just spent a week in Big Sur. This place is hands-down the best area to visit. get on the trail early in the morning and you can hike it all by yourself. What looks like a pit stop on the road is actually Big Sur's best offering by far. The trails are good and the poison oak is mostly off to the side.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Monterey County Hiking, Monterey County Trails, Monterey County Hikes

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