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Tennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail

Mill Valley, California

4.6/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

3.64 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Pascual Dutton

Tennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail is a short hike with varying topography that ends at a beautiful and less-crowded beach. This is the perfect outing for the casual hiker. It’s easy to explore adjoining trails and is kid/family friendly.

The Tennessee Valley trail is leisurely 3.6 mile roundtrip hike that turns around at Tennessee Valley Cove. Along the way, you’ll hike past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake before you get to a cool little secluded beach that many people picnic at.

This is probably the easiest to access, and most popular, hike just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a perfect option for those without a lot of time, or if you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit without getting crazy. It’s just long enough to feel like you’ve earned that post-hike brunch at The Dipsea Café .

There are a number of nice bathrooms at the start and end of the trail, along with picnic tables and drinking water.

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Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Picnic Area
Scenic

Tennessee Beach via Tennessee Valley Trail Reviews

You're surrounded by mountains and lush green scenery on this hike. Definitely check out the coastal hike and you're in for a fun rock scramble past pirates cove. We hiked in mid afternoon and it wasn't too hot or cold. We welcomed the light coastal wind to cool us off!

This is a great hike! Really beautiful. We veered off and went up the coastal trail and down to Pirate's Cove (take the upper Tennessee trail and then you'll see signs for the coastal trail/pirate's cove). Pirate's cove is to the west and down. It's a bit of a scramble to get down to the cove and back up again. This is out and back if you park at the Tennessee valley trailhead. Can easily be done in a morning or afternoon. Really clear/easy signage and if you're feeling like you want more of a challenge or want to explore more, there are plenty of trails around. I took a picture of a sign that had a map on it for reference. That sign is about a quarter to half mile in right where the chaparral trail veers off. Tennessee beach is also a nice spot to picnic for the day if you want to take it easy. We did this on a sunny day in late March and there were still pretty wildflowers in bloom. Be sure to layer up as it can be hot in the sun but cool and windy when the sun gets lower on the horizon and/or the fog comes in.

Is this a dog friendly trail?

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Coyote Ridge Loop

Oakwood Trail, Marin Headlands

Rodeo Beach

Hill 88 Loop

Coastal Trail from Rodeo Beach to Muir Beach

Miwok, Marincello and Bobcat Trail