These two Tennessee Valley Loops are characterized by wide open ridgeland with sweeping panoramas and both offer a variety of trail conditions. They can be joined together for a 4000 foot 18.1 mile ride. Summertime weather conditions can vary, temperatures can drop 20 or more degrees in a matter of minutes when the fog comes in, so be prepared, pack a windbreaker. No water is available. Trailhead parking is limited and can be filled on weekends early. An alternative (which also provides a good warm up for the climbs ahead) is to park at the commuter parking lot under the freeway bridge at the junction of Highways 1 and 101, ride over to the bike path on the east side of 101 and head north (toward Mt. Tam), turn left at the first wooden bridge onto the bike path between the motel and the creek, heading west. At the highway bridge over the creek, veer right off the path and ride under the bridge, load up at the fruit stand if you're hungry, then ride parallel to the creek on single track for approximately one half mile, whereupon you'll join the Tennessee Valley road, riding asphalt for about one mile before reaching the Trailhead at the Tennessee Valley parking lot.

©2000 Bicycle Trails Council of Marin

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