Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Marin County
San Rafael

Old Town Novato loop via Lincoln Hill Pathway

Moderate

2.7

(13)

78

riders

Old Town Novato loop via Lincoln Hill Pathway

02:32

41.3km

380m

Cycling

Enjoy a moderate 25.6-mile touring cycling loop through Old Town Novato and the Lincoln Hill Pathway, featuring urban passages and historica

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

58 m

Lincoln Hill Pathway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This being the lowest point to cross the San Rafael ridge it's great the recent revamp of this bottleneck included improving the dedicated wide bike trail, paved and lighted with …

Tip by

2

9.00 km

Terra Linda to Ignacio Bike Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Paved smooth bike path along the Hwy 101 right-of-way. Fastest and safe North-South bikeway, popular with bike commuters from Marin, even to San Francisco.

Tip by

3

14.0 km

Enfrente Pathway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Paved smooth bike speedway parallel to the Hwy 101 corridor.

Tip by

4

19.7 km

Old Town Novato

Highlight • Settlement

The downtown area of Novato stretches along Grant Avenue, with the Old town from the Train Station west to Redwood Boulevard, and more recent development a couple blocks further west.

Tip by

5

19.9 km

Novato City Hall

Highlight • Monument

Originally built in 1896, this was the site of Novato’s first Presbyterian Church. The church was built in the Victorian Gothic style of architecture and served as Novato City Hall …

Tip by

6

20.0 km

Novato History Museum

Highlight • Historical Site

Novato History Museum is located in the historic 1850 Postmaster’s House, 815 DeLong Avenue, Novato, CA 94945; (415) 897-4320, Special Exhibit: Dairies in Novato
Museum Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday …

Tip by

7

20.0 km

Carlile House, Novato Visitor Center

Highlight • Historical Site

Housing the Visitor Info Center and the Chamber of Commerce, the Carlile house was built circa 1880, one of the oldest buildings in Novato. The home was part of Marin …

Tip by

8

20.5 km

Novato SMART Pathway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Pleasant smooth paved trail south from the Novato train station

Tip by

9

32.5 km

Historic Dixie Schoolhouse

Highlight • Historical Site

The Dixie Schoohouse dates back to 1864, it has been in continuous use since its construction, making it the oldest in Marin County. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Tip by

B

41.3 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

34.1 km

3.66 km

2.87 km

636 m

Surfaces

35.2 km

5.36 km

677 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (60 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Monday 25 May

20°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

This route was planned by komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration for cycling the Old Town Novato loop via Lincoln Hill Pathway?

This 41.3-kilometer (25.7-mile) loop typically takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete for touring cyclists.

Is the Old Town Novato loop via Lincoln Hill Pathway suitable for beginners?

Rated as 'moderate', this route is best suited for touring cyclists with good fitness. While primarily paved, the Lincoln Hill Pathway segment includes a moderate grade.

What kind of terrain can I expect on this cycling route?

The route features mostly paved surfaces, making it ideal for touring bikes. The Lincoln Hill Pathway is asphalt, offering a smooth ride through an 'urban canyon' experience with soundwalls and tunnels.

Where can I park to access the Lincoln Hill Pathway or the Old Town Novato loop?

Specific parking information for the Lincoln Hill Pathway isn't detailed, but you can look for public parking options in and around Old Town Novato or near other access points along the route. Checking local Novato city resources or visitnovato.com might provide more precise parking locations.

What are the notable landmarks or points of interest along the route?

The route features several highlights, including the Lincoln Hill Pathway itself, the Terra Linda to Ignacio Bike Path, and the Enfrente Pathway. In Old Town Novato, you can see the Novato City Hall, Novato History Museum, and the Carlile House, Novato Visitor Center.

When is the best time of year to cycle this loop?

Novato generally offers scenic cycling opportunities year-round. However, for the most pleasant experience, consider spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter conditions.

Is the Old Town Novato loop via Lincoln Hill Pathway dog-friendly?

While many paths in the area are dog-friendly, specific regulations for dogs on the Lincoln Hill Pathway and other segments of this route are not detailed. It's always best to check local signage and regulations regarding pets on pathways and in parks.

Do I need any permits or pay entrance fees for this cycling route?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Old Town Novato loop via Lincoln Hill Pathway, as it primarily uses public pathways and roads.

Does this route connect to other cycling paths?

Yes, the route is part of Marin County's North-South Greenway and connects to various other paths. Notably, it includes sections of the Terra Linda to Ignacio Bike Path, Enfrente Pathway, SMART Pathway, and Lincoln Hill Path. It also connects to bike lanes on Los Ranchitos Road.

What makes the Lincoln Hill Pathway a unique part of this loop?

The Lincoln Hill Pathway is a key non-motorized transportation corridor, offering a fast and safe bikeway that serves as an uninterrupted alternative to busy roads like Lincoln Avenue and US 101. Its design includes tunnels and sound protection, providing a distinct 'urban canyon' experience.

Are there cafes or facilities available near the route?

Yes, as the route passes through Old Town Novato, you will find various amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and other facilities. This area is a good spot for a break or to grab refreshments.

Nearby routes

Hard

4.8

1,225

San Francisco Bay Trail and Marin Headlands Loop

02:34h

38.2km

590m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy