Founders Grove, Redwoods National Park, California.

Founders Grove is located along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, just off Highway 101. This 0.5-mile loop trail is near Weott, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes 20 minutes to complete. This pleasant dirt loop trail is well-shaded and passes by the Founder's Tree, the most visited grove in the park due to its proximity to Highway 101.

The trail is only a half-mile loop and is mostly flat, so it can be enjoyed by all. It loops around some of the area's most impressive redwoods. At the beginning of the path, the 346-foot-tall Founders Tree, named to honor the founders of the Save the Redwoods League, is hard to miss.

Another notable tree here is the fallen Dyerville Giant, a redwood that was 1600 years old before it toppled over in 1991. It was estimated to be as tall as a 30-story building!

There were many fallen trees here, with their root systems exposed, which looked like unique pieces of wood art. I was surprised to see that such huge redwood trees had such shallow roots, as they were only a few feet in length.

It is tough to realize how impressive these Redwoods are until you actually come here and see them for yourself.

This grove is best visited earlier in the morning during the summer months or during the winter. Visiting during the winter ensures smaller crowds and a lush landscape due to the seasonal rains. It can be visited year-round, but these are the best times.

There is a large parking lot and restrooms here. If you can't find parking, I recommend waiting a little while because this is a short hike, and there are always people leaving. Most people spend around 30 minutes here, so even if the parking lot is full, you will find a spot by waiting.

Several picnic areas are near the parking lot, and several benches along the trail allow you to sit and admire the redwood trees. There are also restrooms here with running water, which I was surprised to see as most trailheads in this region only had vault restrooms.

There is a box near the Founders Tree with an information brochure about the Founders Grove that you can read and put back or take for a $1 donation.

Things to consider:

• The trail is wheelchair accessible.

• Dogs are not allowed on this trail, except service dogs.

• It is fun for the whole family.

• It is close to Route 101 and a great stop if you have 30 minutes to spare.

• The trail is very stroller-friendly.

• Pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area.

• Remember to carry out what you carried in.

• Always let someone know where you are.