Wednesday, October 21, 2009

October 27 Tennessee Valley, GGNRA: Hike Preview


Last week's "Final Exam" hike took us from Tennessee Valley north towards Mill Valley, then west toward the ocean, before looping back to the start.

This week's loop hike will take us south from Tennessee Valley and features panoramic views of the Bay. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s open space as you learn about Marincello, a city of 18,000 that was planned for this area! (See photo of a model of the Marincello development at the left).

We may see hawks like the Northern harrier, brush rabbits, and even a coyote.

Directions to trailhead:  Take the Stinson Beach exit from Highway101. Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.

Time: 40 minutes from College of Marin. Portables at trailhead. One section can be very muddy, so waterproof your hiking boots if we’ve had any rain!

Weather forecast:  As of Wednesday, October 21, the National Weather Service forecast for the area of our hike is sunny with a high near 65.  (Click here for an updated forecast).

More on this hike:  You won't find this hike described in either the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, or Tracy Salcedo-Chourre's Exploring Point Reyes Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Look instead at the GGNRA Marin Headlands trail map.  We'll head up the Marincello and Bobcat Trails, do a sharp turn and head down the Alta and Oakwood Valley Trails, then cross Tennessee Valley Road and walk west on the Rhubarb Trail until we get back to the parking lot.

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