Introduction:
What? : Tennessee
Valley trail will take you through the small valley down to the Pacific Ocean
secluded cove.
Where? : Located at the
north section of Golden Gate NRA Marin Headlands. The entrance is trough Tennessee
Valley road exiting hwy 1 (just after you are taking hwy 1 exist from the 101
north).
Google Map Link
When? : Year round.
Due note 1: Swimming at
the beach is dangerous !
Due note 2: At weekend
this may be crowded.
Due note 3: Dogs, even on
leash, are not allowed on any trails in Tennessee Valley
My thoughts: Although this
is an easy trail that will take you to a small beach cove, I visit here only one
time.
The visit:
In the spring,
the vegetation of the valley is lush and green and/or blooming, in summer, the grasses
turn golden. Along the way, you’ll hike past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake
before you get to a cool little secluded beach.
At north side
of the beach there is a small old bunker high at the cliff, nice viewing point.
Some history:
At 1853 SS
Tennessee vessel went right up onto the beach at what is now Tennessee Cove. All
550 passengers climbed safely off the ship onto dry land. There was even time
to salvage 14 chests of gold before heavy surf broke the Tennessee’s oak hull
to pieces at the southern end of the cove.
The Hike:
Tennessee
Valley 1.7-mile trail one way will take you through the small valley down to
the Pacific Ocean. The valley is surrounded by rolling hills ridges from both
sides, there are hiking option that will take you to the ridges top.
The trail to
the beach begins at the trailhead parking lot, about a mile down on Tennessee
Valley Road.
The trail
itself is partially paved road so it is kid/family friendly.
The small beach
blocked by large rock bluffs on both sides. During low tide, it is possible to
get to the southern small sandy beach.
For more
serious long hiking options, head uphill on one of the trails starting near the
parking area, go to the ridge top and circle back down to the valley. You
can do this both to the south or to the north.
www:
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm
Map:
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/upload/map_MAHE_150429web.pdf
Pictures:
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