Story Walk, Tennessee Valley, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA
Reading a book about taking a hike is one way for children to learn about nature.
Taking a hike on an outdoor trail is another.
At Tennessee Valley near Mill Valley. California, families with children can do both at the same time.
Tennessee Valley is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. An offshoot of the Golden Gate Headlands, Tennessee Valley is a large undeveloped area of coastal hills and a variety of hiking trails, formerly used for ranching. The main trail leads from the parking lot to the beach, a distance of about 1.75 miles. I have taken this hike numerous times through the years, often spotting deer, soaring hawks, and once even a bobcat!
"We are going on a hike."
On a recent visit to the Bay Area, I went again to Tennessee Valley. I was intrigued to see something new-- a series of signs at the side of the trail (reminiscent of the old Burma Shave signs on the side of the road but closer together.) On closer look I discovered that these signs were the pages of a picture book mounted on boards, just the right height for a child to read. The book was The Hike by Alison Farrell (Chronicle Books, 2019.) Each panel showed a page spread as well as a guide to what to look for in the surrounding area.
"It's our favorite thing to do."
Altogether there are 19 panels stretched over a half mile near the beginning of the trail. It is a perfect activity for families as they start out on their hike. Here are a few sample panels:
"Wren's sketchbook."
"In no time, we get back on track."
"A deer walks past. Bean sneezes."
"A light rain comes and goes. The birds are happy. We listen to them cheep and chatter in the trees."
Story Walk is a cooperative project of the National Parks, Marin County Library, Mill Valley Public Library, Sausalito Library.
End of the story. Continuing on the trail to the beach.