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Tennessee Valley Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 679 Google reviews · Running trail in Mill Valley, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Tennessee Valley Trailhead'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.
Popular beach destination with a network of easy to challenging trails, plus views from the cliffs.
What runners say about Tennessee Valley Trailhead
“However, the beautiful scenery makes it all worth it; sat and enjoyed the crashing waves on Pirates cove and admired the surfers on Muir beach.”
“It was cloudy most of the day, would recommend starting early in the morning, otherwise bring a hat, there's no shade on the trails.”
“The hike itself from parking to beach is super easy and beginner friendly but if you’d like a challenge there are great options here as well.”
Tennessee Valley Trail Hike On February 10, 2025, we embarked on the Tennessee Valley Trail. The weather was perfect: blue skies, a gentle breeze, and warm sunshine. The well-maintained trail winds through a lush valley, with rolling hills on both sides and budding shrubs lining the path.
I've been here a few times, and always enjoy the hike. Theres ample parking, and restrooms at the start and end of the trail (near the beach). The trail is partially paved, then becomes a wide dirt road. While hiking, there are multiple routes to choose from.
One of the best hikes in bay area. It offers ocean view, mountain view, and city view. There are many trails. I did 5.7 miles loop in 2.5 hours. I took Tennessee valley trail to paradise cove, city view and back to parking lot. First 0.8 mile is paved and then there is a steep uphill and downhill. Wear sturdy shoes.
A must! Super easy trail that leads straight to the beach. Make sure to stick to the Lower Tennessee Valley Trail if you want a mostly flat hike. This is a great option if you have young kids with you. Otherwise, the main trail will have a steep climb with no shade.
Trail conditions & character
“However, the beautiful scenery makes it all worth it; sat and enjoyed the crashing waves on Pirates cove and admired the surfers on Muir beach.”
“Ther is plenty of parking but in good Sunny days its get busier and may need to wait for parking or park on the street as far as half a mile out.”
“I would consider this a moderate to difficult hike, the rolling hills keep the heart rate up and the rocks at the end of Pirates cove might be difficult to navigate.”
“Theres ample parking, and restrooms at the start and end of the trail (near the beach).”
“This trail is quite accessible and great for beginners as the majority of the trail is relatively flat.”
“8 mile is paved and then there is a steep uphill and downhill.”
“It was cloudy most of the day, would recommend starting early in the morning, otherwise bring a hat, there's no shade on the trails.”
“Great for families with kids in a stroller (that can handle uneven ground) or wagon to get out to the beach and make a day of it.”
Plan your run at Tennessee Valley Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(415) 331-1540
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Mill Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kobrin-Krouse Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Bothin Marsh Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 96 reviews
Home to shorebirds, waterfowl & endangered species, this 106-acre wetland offers hiking & fishing.
