Best Flat Hikes In Marin: Old Rail Trail in Tiburon
Welcome to the third in our “no elevation” series of flat hikes in Marin. The first installment of flat hikes in Marin took us out to Abbots Lagoon in Point Reyes National Seashore. The next flat hike in Marin took us to Tennessee Valley in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Next up: Old Rail Trail in Tiburon.
If you’re arriving in Tiburon from Acqua Hotel or Mill Valley Inn, you’ll start your flat hike — okay let’s call this one a walk — at Blackie’s Pasture, an 8 minute drive from both hotels. There’s free parking lot directly adjacent to the start of the trail. If you’re staying at Waters Edge Hotel, you’ll be doing the walk in reverse from Downtown Tiburon to Blackie’s Pasture (and back). Just walk out the front door and you’re on your way.
OLD RAIL TRAIL is the blue line on the map, from Blackie’s Pasture to Downtown Tiburon & Shoreline Park. PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE.
Old Rail Trail is a paved flat trail that runs 2.6 miles along Richardson Bay from Blackie’s Pasture to downtown Tiburon and the lovely Shoreline Park, both situated at the edge of the Tiburon Peninsula. So: 5.2 miles round trip.
If you’re not up for the entire loop from Blackie’s to Downtown (the blue line on the map above), we suggest taking a detour at San Rafael Avenue for a walk along the shoreline before you turn back to Blackie’s (that’s the red line on the map, the one that veers off the Old Rail Trail blue line). On San Rafael Ave, you’ll see WOW views over Richardson Bay of Mt. Tamalpais and a couple of benches from which to appreciate the view.
Bonus for families: There’s a Marin Mommies-approved playground along the shoreline of this park. Views for you, play structures for the littles!
The trail is good at any time of the day, but fair warning: there’s no shade so bring a hat if it’s one of those sunny Tiburon days. We love walking the trail at sunset, golden hour is really beautiful on the trail as the sun sets behind the hills.
Shoreline Park, the turn-around point on the 5.2 mile round trip from Blackie’s Pasture..
See you out there!
