For those who enjoy stretching their legs and exploring the rugged beauty of our landscape, the Willits area offers several hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. The Brooktrails community greenbelt features several old logging roads that have been transformed into hiking trails and the Little Darby Environmental Education Area offers a one-mile hike through three distinct plant communities, complete with interpretive signage.
Thimbleberry Trail
One of the most serene trails in the Brooktrails greenbelt is the Thimbleberry Trail. This predominantly level trail meanders alongside Willits Creek beneath redwoods, Douglas firs and big-leaf maples for 1.32 miles before it ends at the Last Chance Trail. A wide and easy trail, Thimbleberry features four creek crossings and abundant spring wildflowers.
Inlet Trail
Just up from the Brooktrails Community Offices is the Inlet Trail, one of the most picturesque of the greenbelt trails. Seasonally very wet with many creek crossings, the trail follows Inlet Creek and becomes quite steep before ending at Goose Road. Only .85 miles each way, Inlet showcases towering redwoods and Douglas fir trees.
Brooktrails Par Course
Perhaps the most visited trail in Brooktrails, this mostly flat course features multiple exercise stations, a baseball field, and a children’s playground. Perfect for families, runners, and people just out for a stroll, the Par Course offers something for everyone.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this lovely trail just 5 miles outside of Willits starts along Little Creek and takes the hiker through riparian, sylvan, and chaparral plant communities in a one-mile loop. Interpretive signs offer insight into the plants and animals who make Little Darby home.