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Off the beaten path: Discovering Marin County’s hidden trails

View of San Francisco from Marin Cello Loop. Marin Cello was going to be developed into homes until it became park land and protected.
View of San Francisco from Marin Cello Loop. Marin Cello was going to be developed into homes until it became park land and protected.
Emily McMahon

Many people venture to Marin County for the abundance of nature. There are many beautiful beaches and trails, filled with sun to cool fog. When people are not enjoying a day out near the bay, they might be found on one of the many hiking trails in Marin. Trails like Tennessee Valley, the Dipsea, and the Headlands are almost always the first place that people from out of town are attracted to. Due to their popularity, they are often crowded. However, there is an abundance of trails that are not as prominent on the internet and often get overlooked. Miwok Trail, Cascade Trail, and Cascade Falls, are just a few examples of the many trails that are nestled in Marin that are less known. They are less crowded, which provides a more immersive experience with nature. All of these trails give very different experiences and views when hiking them. Some are deep in the redwoods, and others surrounded by dry grasses. Some follow rivers, and others weave in and out of the mountains. Some are on the ocean, and others are inland. All of the differences create very unique experiences throughout Marin. With the wealth of trails, people should know all of their options before choosing how to spend their day.

A cut-off trail from Miwok Trail during golden hour. On the left hand side is Tam Valley and on the right hand side is Muir Beach. (Emily McMahon)

 

View of Mount Tamalpais from the King Mountain Loop. King Mountain Loop is located in Larkspur and gives a full circle view of Marin. (Emily McMahon)

 

Large waterfall on the Cascade Trail a couple of miles into the hike. Mossy green rocks surround the waterfall.

 

Fox Trail, which is a cut-off trail from Tenneesse Valley Trail, leads to the cliffs above the ocean. On the left hand side is Tenessee Valley Beach and on the right hand side is Muir Beach. (Emily McMahon)

 

Sunset and view of the ocean from Dias Ridge Trail. This is a basic trail that leads to many cut offs which can take people to Muir Beach, Tennessee Valley, Stinson Beach, and more. (Emily McMahon)

 

View of Pirates Cove from Coastal Trail. Pirates Cove is a thirty-minute detour off the main trail that leads down to a rocky beach. (Emily McMahon)

 

A view of Mount Tamalpais from the cut-off trail from Miwok Trail during sunset. The fog is rolling in over the hills. (Emily McMahon)
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About the Contributor
Emily McMahon
Emily McMahon, Copy Editor
Emily McMahon is a senior and a news editor for The Tam News. When she is not writing, she enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with her friends.