Explore the best rated trails in Novato, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the UC Davis and Russell Boulevard Paths and Foss Creek SMART Pathway . With more than 83 trails covering 678 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is just a path from point A to point B. Nothing remarkable. It goes through homeless camps and under highway bridges. Not the most beautiful experience. Nicely paved.
Easy flat trail highly recommend and beautiful.
I loved this trail! The main trail is all paved. It has underpasses under the cross streets to allow you to keep rolling without risk of cross traffic entanglement. The scenery is fantastic, at least in the spring time when we rode it. There is lots of trees that can provide shade if it's a hot sunny day. There is lots of birds that sing as you ride. It's truly a wonderful ride. Once you get part way outbound, there is a field on the right side of the paved trail, providing variety of shade trees on the left and green fields on the right. There wasn't that many other riders or pedestrians. Be sure to gently alert the walkers as you approach them from behind so as not to startle them and let them know you are approaching.
All of the north side of the Santa Rosa creek trail is paved. However, the side branch that "Y"s off to the NE along the Piner creek is gravel on both side, but it's not a problem to ride unless you don't like gravel and the rougher ride that comes with it. There are two wide blvd crossings on that route so be careful there. The south side of the Santa Rosa creek is also gravel (I think, but I didn't actually ride it to confirm.)
I am biased, but the Greenway is my favorite part of living in Vis Valley. My dog loves to go for walks through all 6 parks. There are a lot of varieties of birds through all the trails, along with some friendly neighborhood cats! There is a lovely coffee shop at the bottom on Leland Ave.
They have just opened a new addition at the West End of the marsh Creek Trail. You cross over Concord Avenue and continue on for an approximate mile and a half to near the intersection of Vineyard Parkway. And marsh Creek Road
The Park and Ride at the trailhead is now a homeless encampment. There is a park you could leave from, but it is also a homeless encampment. I could see a portion of the trail from the freeway but it looked like chopped up blacktop, very narrow and overgrown. Seemed like bollards blocked access to the little bridge. I have a three wheel bike and would not be able to traverse the trail. Could not determine of trail was open at the trail head.
Only rode a short section at Golden Gate Park. Trail is rough. Is wide but nothing great about it. Better to ride in Golden Gate Park.
We rented bikes and followed the bike map provided by the rental outfit. The park is really nice and well worth a visit. Lots of trails and at times a bit confusing to follow a specific route. However, can't really get lost. Really enjoyed the portion of JFK drive that is blocked to traffic. Big wide boulevard with lots to see and enjoy. Could spend a lot of time just wandering all through the park. Recommend a visit.
We rented bikes and followed the bike map provided by the rental outfit. We rode on Washington Blvd through this area. It is a pleasant ride on a street through a residential area and golf course. Very little traffic. Saw a number of other bikers and walkers. Didn't see any trail signage for this trail. Although did see a trail parallel to the road at times but didn't see anyone on the trail. Think would really need to specifically look for the trail if intent on riding. The street was good.
If you're a fan of dedicated bike paths, and in the area, don't miss the opportunity to ride Lafayette-Moraga. Almost the entirety of the path is along a shaded corridor, gently curving back and forth, beautiful homes visible in wooded settings, quirky sections (e.g. a brief segment with many dozens of miniature bird houses hanging from trees), St. Mary's of Moraga's beautiful campus visible at one point.
I'd recommend starting from the Lafayette side. This trail is not flat: the out and back registered 600 vertical feet on Ride with GPS. Starting on the Lafayette side will result in about 5 miles of mildly climbing trail, a descent of about 2 miles at the far end, and then a somewhat steeper (but not steep) climb back to the summit. The last 4.75 miles of a round trip to Lafayette involves a swooping and delightful descent back to where you started. While the climbing is not negligible, it is well within the capabilities of even moderately fit riders.
My partner and I rode this trail on our tandem trike on a Wednesday, finding light to moderate foot and bike traffic. If you're family oriented, use caution with the younger riders, as on the downhill slopes some riders will be coming down in excess of the 15 mph speed limit.
Overall, a gem of a ride, scenic, interesting, and just enough of a challenge to feel that your heart and lungs benefited from a great day outside.
Took the Ferry to Larkspur and biked over the Bridge today to Point Richmond. Well maintained bike path, incline a bit challenging, so walked the bike for about one mile, I’m a novice and 67. Windy but views are worth it!
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