Limekiln State Park

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Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Limekiln State Park is a beautiful park located on the Big Sur coast of California.


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Summary

It is known for its rugged coastline, towering redwoods, scenic waterfall, and historic limekilns. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, and beachcombing in this pristine natural area.

One of the main attractions of Limekiln State Park is the limekilns themselves, which were used in the 1800s to produce lime for construction. Visitors can take a short hike to see these historic structures and learn about their history. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Limekiln Trail, which takes visitors through a redwood forest to a picturesque waterfall.

In addition to its natural beauty, Limekiln State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and even the occasional mountain lion. Visitors can also spot a wide variety of birds, such as hawks, owls, and woodpeckers.

The best time to visit Limekiln State Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year.

Overall, Limekiln State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of California's Big Sur coast. Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, or simply relaxing on the beach, this park has something for everyone.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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