October 22, 2012
Limekiln State Park
 |
| Limekiln Falls |
Limekiln State
Park is one of the best-kept secrets. People
pass by it daily looking out over the Pacific as they drive the Big Sir Coast.
Limekiln SP, is one of the 70 State Parks that was scheduled for closure. A park that has battled fires, floods the
threat of closures more than once has had so many rumors it could rival a
Hollywood celebrity.
Highway One Bridge at Entrance to Limekiln State Park
My sister and
her husband had to clue me in on this best-kept secret. I was like everyone
else going to Julia Pfieiffer Burns State Park when in Big Sur. Two of the
greatest hikes ever, one to the Limekilns and one to Limekiln Falls. I was so
taken at Limekiln Falls and sorry that I had not been here before. Such a beauty--100 feet of a fan shaped curtain of water, moss
covered rocks and fallen trees--I was sorry that I had not been here
before for this Kodak moment.
 |
Limekiln
State Park got its name for the four Lime Kilns that were used to extract lime,
a key ingredient in cement. From 1887-90
the Rockland Lime and Lumber Co. would load barrels of lime on a railway. Down
the rail line, the lime went through the Redwoods, loaded onto a schooner a
half-mile away in Rockland Bay and then made its way to Monterey or San
Francisco to be added to cement.
 |
The four furnaces at Limekiln. |
Nowadays Limekiln Trail
is a hike in fairyland as it meanders along next to Limekiln Creek with Redwoods
on either side. As you continue uphill the creek will continue to be your guide
and provide you with sound effects all the way to the furnaces. As I hiked I
thought of friends of mine who are in wheelchairs and realized Limekiln trail
could be conquered by an outdoor wheelchair, with some extra push from a
friend. It’s maintained perfectly, kudos to the park service.
 |
| Limekiln Trail |
 |
| Just fallow the stream uphill to the furnaces. |
 |
| Terra Trek's Wilderness Wheelchair |
When heading to Limekiln Falls, however,
expect this trail to be a wilderness trail at its’ finest: rustic, un-manicured
and even a challenge to follow. While
there are excellent guide books for this area http://www.parks.ca.gov/MediaGallery/?page_id=577&m=brochures
simply remember
your going to see the falls so always head uphill and stay close to the
stream. This hike, though a little
longer at times, defines the term “wilderness trail” has everything you could
ever want at the end of a trail. All of
your senses get rewarded on this hike. I
had a lot of fun on this trail looking around at the different directions
people had taken. With so few hikers on
this trail you can hear natures sirens beckon you forward. Once at the falls,
rest your feet in the water and what little sweat you broke can be cooled with
the spray coming off the falls.
 |
| Limekiln Falls Trail, becomes more wilderness than the other trails in the park. |
 |
| Have a seat on one of many fallen trees and let the mist cool your sweat. |
 |
| From here the sirens of the fall can lead you. |
(If you are feeling
motivated to help our understaffed parks with issues on the trail, check out
the new Park Observation Program app. by clicking here.) 
Weather I am hiking with friends or alone I
am in a meditative state enjoying the wilderness in a spiritual sort of way.
I’m not sure they are not one and the same or link in ways I will never fully
comprehend. But when back at camp I enjoy the company of others and meeting
other outdoor enthusiasts who have the same desire to be in the outdoors, stare
at the stars and listen to the night. I have found many a trail to my liking
and other secret spots from other hikers. I have gone to hot springs without knowing exactly where
they are (not on the map)and found my fellow campers eager to share information
and swap stories.
 |
| As peaceful as it looks, Limekiln Trail |
On this trip I camped next to and spoke
with Patrick Walsh. Patrick had been coming to Limekiln for 40 years. He
remembers Limekiln when it was family owned and operated before the Esalen
Institute took over management. Patrick
wasn’t quite sure of the date when the State Park system took over Limekiln
(September 1995) but he remembers watching his family fall in love with the
outdoors here.
“When I came
here some 40 years ago I thought this was the most
beautiful
place I had been in my whole life. I watched my daughter
play in
Limekiln creek right there where it pour into the Pacific
Ocean. I am
here today with my daughter now 37 and here daughter
who is 4, wading in that very same spot. All
along I thought the state
was doing a
very good job in running this park. I am upset I feel very
few people
who use the parks were notified about their closures. We
had no
input on this decision that is going to effect so many of us. Park
life is
crucial for families right now in these tough economic times.
Where can
you take two cars full of family and friends, pay $35 a night
for a
campsite that fits 8 people and come away happy and full of memories?
Where can
you do this that it is affordable but here in our parks?”
-Patrick
Walsh, May 2012.
 |
| Patrick Walsh |
If
you’re looking for a camping experience with several microclimates that exist
in one spot I have one word… Limekiln. You want the ocean, hiking, waterfalls,
history, redwoods and stars, this be the place.
Unfortunately, The Chalk Fire in October of 2008 caused much
damage to the park, including destroying many campsites. After the fire was out
the park remained closed until July of 2010, so the park service could clean up.
I am not sure if Limekiln SP, will build
more campsites since the overall number plummeted from the fire, but we do know
the Rangers have been forced to cut back on hours of operation here.
Next time your hiking please be aware that
“California State Parks Foundation”, has instituted something new called Park
Observation Program.
POP, gives you the opportunity to help out in our understaffed
parks. If you see a problem with a trail a falling fence, tree blocking the
trail, or part of the trail has eroded and any number of other maintenance
issues take a picture and note the location by the nearest sign. Cal Parks has
an app. for your phone and you can upload the image and problem right on the
spot. Go to calpark.org to find out more. Become an advocate to
preserve these places of beauty for future generations.
 |
| You can choose to go over the fallen trees or do the Limbo to pass on this trail. I consider this a Wilderness Trail and not one in need of maintenance. |
Parks Divide” mission is to Get you up, Get you out, and
Enjoy our public lands
