Region: Blackwater, New Forest National Park, England
The Tall Trees Trail and Blackwater Arboretum walk is a short, easy and accessible circular route through one of the most impressive parts of the New Forest. My recorded circuit is 2 miles long and links Blackwater Arboretum with the giant redwoods and Douglas firs beside Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
This is not a walk from Brockenhurst. It starts directly from Blackwater Arboretum or Brock Hill car park and takes about 45 minutes of continuous walking, although I would allow an hour to look at the trees, read the information boards and take photographs.
Tall Trees Trail walk at a glance
| Distance | 2 miles (my recorded GPX circuit) |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 62 feet |
| Moving time | Approximately 45 minutes |
| Time to allow | Approximately 1 hour |
| Route type | Circular |
| Direction walked | Clockwise |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Start and finish | Blackwater Arboretum or Brock Hill car park |
| Terrain | Mostly level gravel and woodland paths |
| Accessibility | Waymarked accessible trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; see the practical notes below |
| Facilities | Toilets, accessible toilets, picnic tables and information point at Blackwater |
| Highlights | Blackwater Arboretum, giant redwoods and Douglas firs |
Important distance note: Forestry England describes its official waymarked Tall Trees Trail as approximately 1.5 miles. My GPX records a slightly longer 2-mile circuit because it includes the arboretum and the route between the Blackwater and Brock Hill parking areas.
Start, parking, map and GPX
- Recommended start: Blackwater Arboretum car park, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
- Alternative start: Brock Hill car park, which the circular route also passes.
- Parking: Forestry England parking charges apply. Check the current tariff before travelling because prices can change.
- Toilets: Available at Blackwater Arboretum, including an accessible toilet.
- GPX: Download my Tall Trees Trail GPX file.
- Online route: View the walk on Outdooractive or Komoot.
The walk has two crossings of Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. It is a minor forest road, but stop and check carefully before crossing, especially with children or dogs.
Tall Trees Trail route
| Stage | Route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blackwater car park to the arboretum | Cross Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and enter beneath the oak archway. |
| 2 | Blackwater Arboretum | A level loop among a varied collection of ornamental trees and tactile sculptures. |
| 3 | Arboretum to Tall Trees Trail | Follow the signed gravel trail beneath towering Douglas firs and giant redwoods. |
| 4 | Towards Brock Hill | Continue through the woodland to the far end of the loop near Brock Hill car park. |
| 5 | Brock Hill to Blackwater | Cross the minor road again and follow the waymarkers back through the trees. |
My Tall Trees Trail walk
Starting at Blackwater Arboretum
I started from Blackwater Arboretum, although you can begin from Brock Hill because the clockwise circuit passes both car parks. Blackwater is the most convenient choice because it has toilets, picnic tables and visitor information.
From the car park, walk beneath the first oak archway, cross Rhinefield Ornamental Drive carefully and continue into the woodland. The trail is level almost immediately and is easy to follow.
Walking through Blackwater Arboretum
The arboretum is small enough to explore without rushing. It contains a varied collection of trees, and the information and sensory features make this more than a simple woodland stroll. The smooth gravel and almost level route also make this one of the easiest forest walks I have completed.
Giant redwoods and Douglas firs
The giant redwoods and Douglas firs are the reason to do this walk. Their height and huge trunks make them feel completely different from the trees elsewhere in the New Forest. Several of the conifers here date from the 1850s, when species from around the world were planted along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
The scale is difficult to appreciate in photographs. Standing underneath the redwoods and looking through the canopy was the most impressive part of the route for me.
Following the loop towards Brock Hill
The waymarked trail continues roughly parallel with the road before reaching the Brock Hill end of the circuit. There is a small bridge and plenty of places to pause beneath the trees. Follow the markers, make the second careful road crossing and complete the clockwise loop back towards Blackwater.
The route is short, but it never feels uninteresting. The changing trees, forest light and enormous trunks give you plenty to look at, and it works particularly well as a gentle family walk or an accessible introduction to the New Forest.
Practical information
- Accessibility: The official Tall Trees Trail has a fairly smooth, level gravel surface, frequent resting places and no gates. Its narrowest points are the chicane barriers at the road crossings. Conditions can still vary after bad weather.
- Pushchairs and wheelchairs: The waymarked route is suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs. Stay on the surfaced trail; wandering between the trees introduces roots, softer ground and mud.
- Footwear: Trainers are normally sufficient on the gravel trail. Waterproof shoes are useful after prolonged rain, particularly if you step off the main surface.
- Children: This is a good family walk, but supervise children at both road crossings.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed. Keep them under close control around roads, wildlife and free-roaming New Forest animals.
- Animals: I did not encounter ponies or livestock on my walk, but free-roaming animals are present across the New Forest.
- Food and drink: There is no café on the trail, so bring water and snacks. Blackwater has picnic tables.
- Best time: The walk is suitable year-round. Autumn colour, mist and low sunlight can make the woodland especially atmospheric.
Tall Trees Trail 3D route video
This 3D walkthrough shows the shape of the route and the relationship between Blackwater Arboretum, Brock Hill and the surrounding woodland.
Tall Trees Trail FAQs
How long is the Tall Trees Trail?
How long does the walk take?
Where does the Tall Trees Trail start?
Is the Tall Trees Trail near Brockenhurst?
Do you need tickets for Blackwater Arboretum?
Is the Tall Trees Trail wheelchair accessible?
Can you see giant redwoods in the New Forest?
Are there toilets at Blackwater Arboretum?
Is the trail suitable for children and dogs?
Can the paths get muddy?
I walked this route in 2025. Forest conditions, parking charges and temporary closures can change, so check Forestry England before travelling.