The southern end of Hammond trail is on the north bank of the Mad River. The trail follows Fischer Avenue climbing into the western edge of McKinleyville where a separate trail begins along the east side of Fischer Avenue from School Street to Hiller Park. Leaving Hiller park the trail enters woodlands along the eastern edge of the McKinleyville sewage treatment ponds and emerges atop a steep bluff above the north bank of the Mad River. At Murray Road trail users may either follow the west branch of the trail above the Mad River to reach the Widow White Creek interpretive trail or travel east on Murray Road to turn north again where the east branch of the trail follows the west side of highway 101. Following convergence with the eastern end of the Widow White Creek interpretive trail, Hammond Trail continues north along Letz Avenue and then past a highway 101 vista point where the trail leaves the former railroad grade to drop into the Clam Beach County Park dunes between the Pacific coast and highway 101.[1]
Some of the trail has asphalt concrete pavement while other segments have a gravel surface. Public toilets are available at Hiller Park[3] and at Clam Beach County Park, where camping facilities are also available. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.[1]
