Marin has a variety of accessible trails in its county parks, from trails along the bay to valley pathways. This post covers some options for accessible trails in Marin’s county parks. For recommended accessible trails in Marin’s state and federal parks, you can view my earlier posts here: 4 Beautiful Accessible Trails in Marin’s State Parks and 3 Amazing Accessible Trails in Marin’s Federal Parks.
Marin has nearly forty county parks and over thirty open space preserves, though many have no walking trails. I’ve picked out my favorite trails appropriate for those with wheelchairs or strollers, or anyone else looking for a flat, well-maintained trail with minimal elevation gain.
The San Francisco Bay Trail at Hamilton Wetlands
This path along the wetlands runs around the outskirts of the Hamilton neighborhood in south Novato. There are a few entry points to the trail, but the easiest for wheels is at the end of Hangar Ave near South Hamilton Park. There are accessible parking spots both at the park’s large parking lot and right at the end of Hangar Ave. There are no accessible toilets. The trail runs for 2.7 miles from this trailhead to Pacheco Pond. It’s entirely in the open with no shade.
Larsen Meadow at San Geronimo Commons
What was once a golf course has become a community park! The old paved trail can be accessed from a couple of places, but the only flat entry is from Lagunitas School Road. The trail runs a little over half a mile. There are a few spots of shade on the trail but it’s mostly open. There are no designated accessible parking spaces at the trailhead; parking is along the road. There are also no accessible toilets.
Note that this trail is not designated by Marin County Parks as an accessible trail, but it is suitable for strollers. Wheelchairs may have difficulties with the cracked pavement of the trails.
The Walking Path at Lucas Valley Park
This path is similar to San Geronimo Park in that it’s surrounded by hills and mostly open with a few trees providing shade. The path is laid out like the number eight on a calculator, as one large loop with a shortcut in the middle. The large loop is about 0.7 miles. There are no designated accessible parking spots at the parking lot off Jeanette Prandi Way, nor are there any bathrooms.
Old Rail Trail at Blackie’s Pasture
This is a multi-use pathway popular with bikers, which is why I’ve added it at the end. It’s also not actually a county park, but I’m lumping it in anyway. The views of the bay, with the city in the distance, are stunning. If you’re nervous about a relatively busy trail with bikers passing you, then I’d skip this one, but if you don’t mind that (or the slight seaweed smell on a warm summer day), then I would absolutely recommend giving it a chance. The Old Rail Trail runs up to 2 miles towards Tiburon and is paved. For those with strollers, there’s a playground around the corner to the right. There are water fountains near the playground and close to the parking lot. The parking lot has a few accessible parking spaces and there are bathrooms near the playground, though not at the parking lot.
