National and State Parks, the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the Smith River Alliance have announced the dedication of the Hiouchi Trail.
The less than a mile gravel path connecting the Jed Smith Redwood State Park with the fire station provides a safe pedestrian conduit to the iconic Hiouchi Café and the Hiouchi Hamlet Shopping center from busy 199 traffic.
The trail, whose Tolowa Dee-ni’ name is X.AA-YU-CHIT TES-dvm (High-Status-Special-River) Trail situated on hallowed and historical Tolowa ancestral lands, is now owned by the federal government 95 percent and five percent State land.
Costs for the trail of approximately $50,000 was paid for by National and State Parks staff which designed the .8 mile trail and a bevy of volunteers who completed the project, last year.
Many agencies and governance contributed to the fruition of this decades-long project including the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission, the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, the Elk Valley Rancheria, the Big Rock Community Services and the Hiouchi Hamlet. With so many different partners. The observation is made how working together can improve the community.
The trail is unique among National and State Parks. Pedestrians, bicycles and leashed pets are welcome along this trail.
Parks Superintendent Steve Meitz stated, “The trail is a symbol of the great work that can be accomplished when we work together as a community. The route provides a safe connection from the Redwood Parks campground to Hiouchi. It is especially gratifying, the original stewards of this property, have provided the opportunity to build this beautiful path.”
The trail is now open for public enjoyment.