Home › California › Novato › Buck Gulch Falls Trail
Buck Gulch Falls Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Novato, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Buck Gulch Falls Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Buck Gulch Falls Trail
“I found the walk to be beautiful and felt adventurous by having to use the planks for crossing.”
“Free street parking in a short, quite easy hike of maybe 20 minutes”
Buck Gluch Falls Trail starts at a residential entrance. Free parking on the streets. Good signage leads the way. The air is crisp, clean, and fresh on this early morning day. Stay on the trail. Watch for coyote and rattlesnakes. Paved and unpaved trails out and back. Flat trails with some incline.
This is an easy trail for walking . There is y in the trial near the start. I took the left trail. Either one gets you to the next posted trail post. Be aware during the raining season the trail becomes obstructed by run off that creates a stream that cut across the tail.
My friend and I visited this trail Jan 5th and loved it! Short & sweet at just 1.45mi round trip, the fresh creeks & flowing waterfall was stunning. Some areas are muddy but nothing too major, this trail is kid friendly & dog friendly.
No Yosemite, but nice small falls after a good rain. Easy hike quarter mile or so hike in, fairly level.
Trail conditions & character
“I was told about this trail & waterfall by a co worker last year but hadn’t made it back out that way to check it out….”
“Situated in a quaint neighborhood, parking was easily accessible on the street & the trailhead is clearly visible.”
“Summer is less impressive with real chances of seeing Rattlesnakes - keep your dog close.”
“Situated in a quaint neighborhood, parking was easily accessible on the street & the trailhead is clearly visible.”
“With very easy flat terrain, we even seen someone with a stroller.”
“Some areas are muddy but nothing too major, this trail is kid friendly & dog friendly.”
Plan your run at Buck Gulch Falls Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.marincounty.org
Running trails near Novato
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ignacio Valley Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
Undeveloped, 906-acre open space with trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
Lucas Valley Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 91 reviews
A 1,271-acre preserve with valley views featuring lots of open space & trails for hiking & riding.
Pacheco Valley Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall.
