The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

State: Southern California

Short Name: The Forest of Nisene Marks SP

City: Aptos

Phone: 831-763-7062

Open all Year: Yes

Number of Sites: 6

Camp URL: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666

Full Hook: Yes

Free: No

About: The park offers rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. Once the site of logging operations until the 1920s, visitors can still find evidence of logging operations, mill sites and trestles in the park. The land was donated to the state by the Marks family in 1963.

With over 30 miles of trails, hiking, jogging and biking are some of the activities to be enjoyed here. Picnic tables and barbecue pits are available. A trail camp is located six miles from the nearest parking lot.

Dogs are allowed only along the entrance road and in the picnic areas and must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

Directions: The park is four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road.