The park features two virgin redwood groves; Big Hendy with a self-guided discovery trail and Little Hendy. The Navarro River runs the length of the park.

Located in the middle of the Anderson Valley wine district, this park is warmer and less foggy than redwood parks along the coast. The park is well known for a fallen redwood stump that was home for a man known locally as the Hendy Woods Hermit.

Facilities - Activities

The 25 picnicking sites are located near the banks of the Navarro River in full view of Big Hendy Grove. There is no need to bring either wood, charcoal or presto-logs as wood is available at the ranger station, but the visitor is asked not to gather wood within the park as this downed material is needed to provide humus for the surrounding vegetation.

Two miles of nature trails guide the visitor through both Big and Little Hendy Groves. While hiking these please stay on the trail so that the forest floor will maintain its beauty untrammeled for generations to come.

Fishing has not been allowed in the park for several decades. Fishing is permitted in the Navarro River watershed down river from the bridge at the park entrance.

In the summer, swimming is popular as is kayaking and canoeing in late winter and early spring.

The park also features exhibits, Junior Ranger nature walks, and campfire programs.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing

The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

The two groves of redwood and the park which was constructed around them bear the name of Joshua P. Hendy who, in the late 1800's, first claimed this beautiful area as his own.

He found something within the peace and quiet of these moss encrusted groves that made him vow that neither saw nor ax would ever lay bare the inner bark of these giants, and true to his word he was, for as long as the land was his the trees were never harmed.

California was growing and the need for lumber was great. After Joshua P. Hendy died the groves were sold. Down came the giant trees in the outlying areas and off to the mills they were hauled. Timber was cut and removed from all sides of the big groves, but never was an order given to attack the giants standing there.

Hendy Woods was sold to the people of California in August of 1958, to become one of our finest state parks.