Bikers, strollers, roller bladers, hikers, runners, families, and dogs on leash are welcome on the Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail, which connects on its north end to MacKerricher State Park and on its south end to the Noyo Harbor and Pomo Bluffs Park. This is one of the newest segments of the California Coastal Trail, on the headlands west of Fort Bragg, and it opens up views that have been off-limits to the general public for over a century.

The trail itself is a multi-use, ADA-accessible paved path with spectacular views of the coastline and water. It’s well-maintained and easy to navigate with your dog, though you’ll want to keep them leashed. There’s parking at the west end of Elm Street (south of Glass Beach) for the northern section, and parking at the west end of Cypress Street (north of Noyo Harbor) for the southern section. Both spots have restrooms, which is helpful on a longer outing. The benches scattered along the way are genuinely interesting—they’re custom-made by local artists rather than standard park benches.

Wildlife viewing here is excellent. Depending on the season, you might spot seals, sea lions, whales, or various seabirds. The interpretive panels placed throughout explain both the human and natural history of the site, so you’ll learn what you’re actually looking at. The trail has two distinct segments right now, with a third phase of construction planned to eventually connect them into one continuous route.

You can access the trail from the west ends of North Harbor Drive, Cypress Street, and Elm Street, giving you some flexibility depending on where you’re starting from. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles along the Mendocino coast. It’s the kind of walk where you’ll want to bring a camera and maybe plan extra time to just stand and look around.