Smart Pathway

Trail
1.00 Mile
N/A
Free
1star (1.00)1
1star (1.00)
2stars (2.00)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Novato
Marin
More Info
Photos
Train Station
The Novato train station lies at the northern end of the trail, just at the edge of downtown Novato. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Trail View
Most of the trail parallels the SMART rail line that runs through Novato. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Log Entries
To downtown Novato and back
By Austin Explorer on 2/19/2023
Rating: 1star Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: 38 minutes

Coppertone and I were making a trip to Wild Birds Unlimited in Novato to get more birdseed for our hungry birds.  So we took the opportunity to walk this short segment not too far away.  We parked at the empty community hospital parking lot and walked the mile long path until it stopped at the edge of downtown Novato.

The trail is a sidewalk that mostly parallels the SMART train tracks the traverse much of Sonoma County.  With less frequent operation on the weekend we did not encounter any trains coming by.  The Novato train station on the SMART line lies near the north end of the trail on the outskirts of downtown Novato.

We saw a few walkers and cyclists on the trail, but just a handful.  It's not picturesque.  This is not a trail I'd go out of my way to walk, but if you're in the area and need to get to downtown Novato this might be useful.

Recommended Item
Recommended Item Day Hikes Around Sonoma County: 125 Great Hikes
Robert Stone
List Price: $21.95 Your price: $18.46 Buy Now
Day Hikes Around Sonoma County is a collection of 125 of the county's best day hikes, providing access to both well-known and out-of-the-way greenspace. Hikes are found along the Pacific Ocean, across the coastal ridges, into wide valleys, and through thick forests. A third of the hikes are located along the coastline, accessed by Highway 1, which connects the coastal towns as it snakes along the oceanfront cliffs and bluffs. Many coastal access points that are not easily recognized from Highway 1 are clearly described. The remaining hikes explore the inland mountains, hillsides, and valleys through numerous state parks, regional parks, and undeveloped land. Highlights include fog-shrouded redwood forests, creekside canyons, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, tidal bays, wave-pounded coastline, and sweeping panoramic views. A wide range of hikes accommodates amateur to avid hikers, from beachfront strolls to canyon treks. Straight-forward directions and clear maps accompany all hikes. A thorough index includes cities, trails, and points of interest.