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Little Darby Nature Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Little Darby Nature Trail

The Little Darby Nature Trail is located outside of Willits, California, not far from Mendocino National Forest. The trail is about a mile long and is shaped in a loop, so it can be hiked in either direction. Hikers on the trail will pass through three different environments. The beginning of the trail is located in a riparian area filled with Douglas fir trees near Little Creek. The trail then meanders through a forested area before climbing to a dry chaparral environment, which also offers spectacular views. The trail is popular with hikers, bird-watchers, dog walkers, and picnickers.

Like all Bureau of Land Management sites, the Little Darby Nature Trail is located on public lands that are preserved and protected by the bureau. The goal of this protection is to shelter fragile ecosystems, plants, and animals while offering a way for visitors to connect to nature and explore the great outdoors. The trail does not offer camping options, but you can find BLM sites with camping amenities by searching “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Beaver Trail

This trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, and it offers lovely forest views, but it can be somewhat difficult to access.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Park Gulch Trail

Located in Jackson Demonstration State Forest, this nearby trail is a favorite of hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

Length: 5.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Last Chance Trail

This shady trail offers gorgeous scenery and chances to spot wildlife. It also connects to other nearby trails.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Gooseberry Trail

This trail is a great option for taking in the area’s scenery, and it also leads to some local fishing areas.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Le Brun Trail

This short trail passes around a lake, offering beautiful views and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Length: 0.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Many visitors to the area around the Little Darby Nature Trail choose to fish in the nearby Eel River. The river is only a few minutes from the trail, and it provides amazing trout and bass fishing opportunities. Lake Emily, which is also nearby, also provides fantastic trout fishing, and anglers can fish at any time of the year. Experienced divers can also look for abalone at the nearby Russian Gulch State Park.

Climbing

Rock climbing is limited in the area around the Little Darby Nature Trail, but visitors can head to Blues Beach, which offers some bouldering problems.

Wildlife Viewing

The Little Darby Nature Trail is an excellent location for spotting wild animals, but visitors can also head to Mendocino National Forest or the nearby Jackson Demonstration State Forest for more viewing and photography opportunities. Visitors to the area often spot black-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, foxes, opossums, skunks, badgers, martens, weasels, and black bears. The area is also home to a range of birds.

Picnicking

Recreation Grove Park in Willits is a wonderful location for a picnic. The park provides picnic tables, restrooms, barbecue grills, a playground, and large grassy areas. The Plaskett Meadows Picnic Area is another good choice. The area offers restrooms and picnic tables and provides gorgeous views of the meadows and the water.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping can be found at Big River Campground in Jackson State Park. The campground has 10 RV sites, and fire rings, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and vault toilets are available. Another great choice for RV camping is Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort. The resort offers full hookups, a seasonal pool and hot tub, a dog park, and access to nearby fishing areas. Golden Rule RV Park also offers full hookups and provides guests with a laundry area, restrooms, showers, and a swimming pool.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground in Mendocino National Forest. The campground has a vault toilet and fire rings, but it can sometimes be difficult for RVs to access the area. Call ahead to find out about road conditions. Visitors can also set up a primitive, free site almost anywhere they like in Mendocino National Forest.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Little Darby Nature Trail BLM trip

Most visitors to the Little Darby Nature Trail and the surrounding area prefer to explore during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months when the weather is warm. Spring is particularly popular, as many wildflowers are in bloom. The trail can be used throughout the year, though, and daytime temperatures during the winter are often in the 50s. Summer is the driest time of year, while November through March sees a fair amount of rain. Always check the forecast before you head out, and if you plan to hike during the winter, prepare for chilly or damp weather.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and nature trails require respect and care to remain in their pristine condition. When hiking, always stay on the trail, and never cut through switchbacks. Try to limit your impact on the environment around you. Don’t pick wildflowers, and always watch wild animals from a distance. If you choose to camp in the area, pick a site that is either specifically designated for camping, has been used as a primitive site before, or has little vegetation. When building a campfire, obey all state regulations, and never make a fire if the fire danger rating is high. As you hike or camp, if you see any litter on the trail or in the area, pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Little Darby Nature Trail Location

From Willits, take Commercial Street east until it turns into Hearst-Willits Road, also called County Road 306. Keep heading east. The road will turn into Canyon Road, also called County Road 308. Continue until you see the Little Darby Nature Trail parking lot on the left.

Ready to visit Little Darby Nature Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.