Family Friendly Walking, Hiking and Biking Trails

Spend some time outdoors and take the kids on a hike, bike or just stroll through one of Marin's many fantastic trails. We've put together a list of our favorite hiking spots in Marin County for families with kids in preschool or younger. They're all relatively short and easy to hike—and you can take along the off-road stroller for backup, just in case.

Baltimore Canyon

Map >>
Location: Larkspur

Good for: Hiking
Distance: 2.2miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Fire road/Dirt
Dog Friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Stroller Friendly: Yes

About: If you follow Madrone Avenue in Larkspur to the end of the road, you come to the trailhead for Baltimore Canyon. The main trail is the Dawn Falls Trail, which runs along a stream through the lush redwoods and ultimately ends at a waterfall. The falls and stream run throughout the winter but can dry up in places in the summer. The trail is relatively flat so it is great for kids. There are lots of opportunities to stomp in the mud, play in the stream and hide among the gigantic redwoods.

Blackie's Pasture/Tiburon Multiuse Path

Map >>
Location: Tiburon
Good for: Walking & Biking

Distance: 2.2 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Paved road or dirt path
Dog Friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Stroller friendly: yes

About: A popular spot for walkers, joggers and bicyclists of all ages with beautiful views, sport fields, playgrounds and of course the famous Blackie statue!

China Camp Turtle Back Nature Trail

Map >>
Website: parks.ca.gov
Location: San Rafael
Good for: Hiking

Distance: 3/4 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Stroller friendly path
Stroller friendly: yes

Dog friendly: no (dogs are only allowed in developed areas in China Camp)

About: Turtle Back Hill is a small peninsula that this actually more like an island that is located in China Camp. The Turtle Back hill Nature Trail is an easy hike with signs

Lake Lagunitas

Map >>
Website: marinwater.org/recreation
Location: Fairfax
Good for: Hiking

Distance: 1.5 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Mostly fire trail
Dog friendly: yes (on leash)
Stroller friendly: yes, except for one set of dirt wooden steps a beginning of hike.

About: Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in the Mt. Tam watershed. The mostly flat path around the lake is perfect for kids. This pristine lake with views of Mt. Tam and not a house in sight will make you feel like you're miles away from the Bay Area.

Mill Valley/Sausalito Pathway

Website: marincountyparks.org/parkspreserves/parks/mill-valley-sausalito-pathway
Location: Mill Valley/Sausalito
Good for: Walking & Biking

Distance: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Paved road
Dog friendly: yes (on leash)
Stroller friendly: yes

About: This popular, scenic pathway connects Mill Valley and Sausalito. Consisting of a flat, wide 3.7 mile pathway that offers easy access to people of all abilities and fitness levels. The pathway connects Mill Valley to Sausalito's cafes, shops and art galleries. Along the way pass a houseboat neighborhood while enjoying scenic bay views and wetlands that attract pelicans, raptors and other birds. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome.

Mount Tamalpais East Peak

Website: parks.ca.gov/
Location: Mill Valley
Good for: Hiking

Distance: 1.2 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Dirt trail and one paved trail
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed only in developed areas. Dogs not allowed in the following areas: trails, dirt roads, and backcountry areas.

Stroller friendly: no

About: Yes, your two year old can summit a mountain! Drive to the top of Mt. Tam and take this easy trail to the top. Enjoy the beautiful views of Marin, San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area.

* East Peak Visitor Center is currently closed.

NWP Railroad Trail

(aka Corte Madera/Larkspur Multiuse Path)

Website: marincountyparks.org/parkspreserves/parks/corte-madera-pathway
Location: Corte Madera/Larkspur
Doherty Drive & Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur to Montecito Drive & Tunnel Lane
Good for: Walking & Biking

Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trails: Paved road
Dog friendly: yes (on leash)
Stroller friendly: yes

About: Perfect for strollers and little ones learning how to ride a bike. Plus, you can explore the cute towns of Corte Madera and Larkspur!

Phoenix Lake

Website: marinwater.org/
Location: Ross
Good for: Hiking & Biking

Distance: 2.7 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Trails: Dirt trail and fire road
Dog friendly: yes (on leash)

Stroller friendly: no

About: Phoenix Lake is not only gorgeous, but also convenient: it is walking distance from downtown Ross. The 2.7 mile loop around Phoenix Lake is mostly flat with gentle up and downs perfect for little hikers, but the trail is too narrow for a stroller. There is a fire road where you can take an out and back hike.

Ring Mountain Open Space

Website: marincountyparks.org/parkspreserves/preserves/ring-mountain
Location:

North access: from Hwy 101 in Corte Madera, take the exit for Tamalpais Dr east. Go straight onto San Clemente, which merges into Paradise Dr after 0.4 miles. Follow Paradise Dr approximately 1 mile (go past Westward Dr). The gate is on the right.

South access: from Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the exit for East Blithedale Ave. Go east on Tiburon Blvd and turn left at Reed Ranch Rd. MCOSD gate is at the end.

East access: from Hwy 101 in Corte Madera, take the exit for Tamalpais Dr east. Go straight onto San Clemente, which merges into Paradise Dr after 0.4 miles. Follow Paradise Dr approximately 1.7 miles, turn right onto Taylor Rd, and follow to end (dead end).

Good for: Hiking
Difficulty: Moderate (elevation change of 500 feet)
Trails: Dirt trails and fire roads
Dog friendly: yes, must be leashed

Stroller friendly: no

About: Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve is just a few miles off Highway 101 and has fantastic views of Mt. Tamalpais, San Francisco and the bay. The windswept preserve offers small creeks, rock formations and Native American rock carvings.

Steep Ravine Cabins

Website: parks.ca.gov/
Location: Mill Valley
Good for: Hiking, Cabin or Tent Camping, Tide Pooling

Trails: Fire road
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed only in developed areas. Dogs not allowed in the following areas: trails, dirt roads, and backcountry areas.

Stroller friendly: no

About: Located just south of Stinson Beach are the Steep Ravine cabins and campsites - 9 cabins and 10 campsites situated right on the bluff over looking Stinson Beach. The cabins are very basic with sleeping platforms, a dining table and a wood-burning stove. The views of the ocean and Stinson Beach are incredible if they aren't obscured by fog. There is access to a private beach if you're up for a scramble over the rocky coast. At certain low tides, there is terrific tide pooling as well as natural hot springs. This is a great adventure for kids as it is close to home and there are some comforts to staying in a cabin. There are also great hiking and beach adventures to be had. The trick is getting a reservation as the cabins fill up fast.

Tennessee Valley

Website: nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
Location: Mill Valley
Good for: Hiking & Biking

Distance: 4 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Trails: Fire road
Stroller friendly: yes
Dog friendly: no

About: Tennessee Valley is one of Marin's most popular trailheads, but for good reason. Where else can you hike 2 miles on a wide, well maintained fire road out to a spectacular beach? If you want more of a challenge (plus beautiful views of the Pacific), explore the trails winding up the hills on either side of the trail.

West Point Inn

Website: westpointinn.com
Location: Mill Valley
Good for: Hiking/ Biking/ Cabin camping

Distance: 2 mile hike from the Pan Toll Parking Lot
Difficulty: Moderate
Trails: Fire Road
Stroller friendly: no
Dog friendly: yes, must be leashed

Stroller friendly: no

About: The West Point Inn is located 3/4 of the way up Mt. Tam. It's a historic inn that is still open to the public for lodging or day use. You must hike or bike in to access the Inn. There are pancake breakfasts once a month from May to October. A great adventure for the whole family!