Old Mill Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Old Mill Park is a beautiful and historic park located in the town of Mill Valley, California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several reasons why visitors should consider visiting the park, including its picturesque nature, rich history, and numerous hiking trails. The park's main attraction is the Old Mill, which was built in 1836 and is one of the oldest standing structures in Marin County. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mill, learn about the area's history, and explore the nearby hiking trails.
Other points of interest in the park include the Dipsea Trail, the Cascade Falls Trail, and the Muir Woods National Monument. The Dipsea Trail is a challenging hike that runs through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The Cascade Falls Trail is a more leisurely hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The Muir Woods National Monument is a nearby attraction that features towering redwood trees and hiking trails.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the Old Mill was once used to grind wheat and corn for the local community, and that the park was a popular spot for picnics and gatherings in the early 20th century. The area is also known for its role in the logging industry, with many of the trees in the park being used to build ships during World War II.
The best time of year to visit Old Mill Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The park is open year-round, but visitors should be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.
Overall, Old Mill Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in hiking, history, or nature. Its rich history, stunning scenery, and numerous hiking trails make it a popular attraction for visitors to California.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bootjack campground
|
||
Free campground
|
||
Pantoll campground
|
||
Haypress Campground
|
||
Marin Park RV
|
||
Hawk Camp Campground
|
Kathleen Norris Memorial Park
Miller Grove Park
Molino Park
Boyle Park
Blithedale Park