Leiffer Loop Trail,
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
For an enjoyable hike away from the main tourist areas of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, visit the quiet Leiffer Loop Trail. There are two trailheads for this loop trail and both are accessed via Walker Road, an uneven, unpaved dirt road that will lead to many rainforest groves within the park. Old growth redwoods surround the trail in this dense rainforest. Relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while sitting on one of the many benches carved out of old fallen redwoods along the trail. For an extended hike, connect with the Ellsworth Loop Trail. Although this is a short trail, it is more strenuous due to the steep climb at numerous locations.
November through March is the rainy season for the redwoods area; the Leiffer Loop Trail can become waterlogged during this time. Non-slip, waterproof footwear is highly recommended.
Elevation
The Leiffer Loop Trail has a maximum elevation of 352 ft., a minimum elevation of 117 ft. and an elevation range of 235 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 1.0 mi | 117 ft | 352 ft | 235 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 29 min | 19.8 | 238 ft | 238 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 29 min | 19.8 | 238 ft | 238 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Leiffer Loop Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Smith River, CA
- North Topo Map: High Divide, CA
- Northeast Topo Map: High Plateau Mountain, CA
- West Topo Map: Crescent City, CA
- Topo Map: Hiouchi, CA
- East Topo Map: Gasquet, CA
- Southwest Topo Map: Sister Rocks, CA
- South Topo Map: Childs Hill, CA
- Southeast Topo Map: Canthook Mountain, CA
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Leiffer Loop Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
What is the length of the Leiffer Loop Trail?
The length of the trail is 1.0 miles (1.7 km) or 2,292 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Leiffer Loop Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 29 minutes in one direction and in 29 minutes in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) may be present in this area. The American dog tick transmits Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) may be present in this area. The Western blacklegged tick transmits Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.