California is legendary for its numerous epic backcountry treks, like the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail, and even the lesser-known Lost Coast Trail. But an exciting new NorCal route is about to join their ranks, tracing the route of the decommissioned Northwestern Pacific Railroad from Humboldt Bay in the north to the San Francisco Bay in the south.
This is the Great Redwood Trail (GRT), an ambitious new multi-use trail project that traverses old-growth forests, farmlands, mountains, and the stunning Eel River Canyon. When completed, the GRT will be one of the longest rail-to-trail conversion projects in the country.
In March 2026, officials approved the Master Plan for the 231-mile northern segment of the Great Redwood Trail, which crosses Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties, and is managed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency. Some segments are already open; in fact, a new section in Ukiah will debut with a ribbon-cutting and fun run on April 26th.
The 71.3-mile southern segment, however, which crosses Sonoma and Marin, is managed by SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit).
SMART segment through Sonoma and Marin
SMART still runs freight and commuter trains on the southern railroad segment, and the SMART Pathway, which is part of the GRT, runs alongside the active rail line. So far, SMART has constructed over 39 miles of pathway for cyclists and pedestrians, 29 miles of which are part of the GRT.
Most recently, SMART opened the following segments:
- 0.9 miles from McInnis Parkway to Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael
- 2.9 miles from South Point Boulevard to Main Street between Petaluma and Penngrove
- 2.8 miles from Golf Course Drive to Bellevue Avenue between Rohernert Park and Santa Rosa
- 2.6 miles from Airport Boulevard to Windsor Road between northern Santa Rosa and Windsor
The SMART Pathway ends at the Larkspur Station in Marin County, which is right on the San Francisco Bay. From there, trail users and commuters can take the Golden Gate Ferry.
SMART is still waiting on more environmental approvals and funding agreements to proceed with more pathway projects. You can see an updated map of finished sections on the SMART website.
The GRT is a long-term project spanning decades, with no specific opening date yet on the table.
