This scenic path, also known as the Sir Francis Drake Bikeway, follows the roadbed of the North Pacific Coast Railroad that once ran between Cazadero and Larkspur.
Part dirt and part paved, It’s popular with dog walkers and hikers as well as cyclists.
Most of the 5.3-mile trail is located within Samuel P. Taylor State Park, known for its beautiful stands of redwoods and burbling Lagunitas Creek.
In fall, pause at the “salmon crossing” and look for migrating silver salmon and steelhead.
• Two sets of restrooms are located along the trail.
Directions:
• To reach the southern trailhead, take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit from Highway 101 and head west toward San Anselmo for about 18 miles. Turn left on Platform Bridge Road. The trailhead is on your right, at the end of a short bridge.
• To reach the northern trailhead, follow the directions above but continue past Platform Bridge Road. Shortly after a concrete bridge is an unmarked road on the right. Turn onto it, then turn left and park on an abandoned street. Walk toward the old bridge and you’ll encounter the trailhead.
