This 214 acre preserve just west of the city of Novato is primarily undisturbed habitat, consisting of oak-studded grasslands on the southern slope, and the heavily forested north slope that drops off steeply to Novato Boulevard. The Doe Hill Fire Road, which runs along the southern edge of the property, is the main route through this preserve. This road is an important link in the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a project that will ultimately create a trail to circumscribe the entire Bay Area. The Little Mountain segment connects the trail systems of Olompali State Park and Mount Burdell Preserve to Indian Tree Preserve on the south.
Directions:
East access: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the Atherton Ave/San Marin Dr exit west on San Marin Ave (San Marin Ave becomes Sutro Ave after Novato Blvd junction), turn right at Center Rd, and turn right at Trish Dr (becomes Kathleen Dr). MCOSD gate at the end of Kathleen Dr.
West access: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the Atherton Ave/San Marin Dr exit west on San Marin Ave, which merges into Sutro Ave, and turn right at Center Rd. MCOSD gate is at the end.
Visit walkbikemarin.org, transitandtrails.org, 511.org, or dial 511 to find out about alternative transportation and public transit options from your location.
Red-tailed Hawks hunt the grassland on the south slope, Red-shouldered Hawks hunt the dense forest on the north side. During spring and summer look for Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies patrolling along the ridge.