Indian Head Rail Trail:
Maryland
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Description:
Located just 18 miles south of our nation's capital, the Indian Head Rail Trail offers a unique natural outdoor experience , seemingly far removed from development and life's often chaotic pace. The trail was a generous gift through the Department of the Interior's Federal Lands to Parks Program. The 13-mile, paved trail traverses roughly halfway across Charles County, connecting the town of Indian Head to State Route 301 in White Plains.

Originally built in 1918 as a railroad supply route for the Navy's Indian Head Powder Factory, this elevated rail bed passes through the Mattawoman Creek stream valley and some of southern Maryland's most scenic and undeveloped natural areas. Although trailhead begins in suburbia, almost immediately the environment changes. Cyclists, hikers and nature enthusiasts will experience the surroundings of mature forests, natural wetlands and occasional farmland. Trail users can encounter wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, wild turkeys, deer, herons, bald eagles, egrets and a variety of waterfowl.

Near mile marker 2 there is a spectacular view of the backwaters of Mattawoman Creek, which meanders its way toward the Potomac River. Trail features numerous bridges, interpretative signs and benches.

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Parking & Trail Access:
There is no parking directly at the Mattingly Avenue trailhead in Indian Head, but there is ample parking across State Rt. 210 at either the Village Green Town Park or Charlie Wright Park (101 Doctor Mitchell Lane). Parking is also available off Bensville Rd./SR 229 south of Bensville, on Turkey Hill Rd. north of Marshall Corner Rd. and at the southeastern terminus off Theodore Green Blvd. in White Plains.

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Reviews: [7 trail ratings]
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Hidden gem
By mdtoraass in September, 2011
Picturesque under utilised, well kept, flat trail with the occasional sightings of deer & wild turkeys & scenic places to fresh water fish. Several rest benches along the way, didn't see any water fountains so bring your own. Some road crossings are major roads so don't slide thru like we do sometimes! :-)
Nice trail to do interval training.

At the western end of the trail you can add a 1/2 mile and some slight hills if you head south on Mattingly Avenue. There a small dock and park, Mattingly Avenue Park. This park has restrooms & parking, there is also a bait shop that has snacks, drinks and kayak rentals.

Indian Head Rail Trail
By Cibrshrink in September, 2011
This trail passes my neighborhood - I am very lucky to have such a nice park so close. I have ridden the entire trail - the railroad grade of the trail makes the ride very easy - no major hills. Lots of wildlife - I have seen herds of deer, lots of birds. Not crowded, very quiet and relaxing.
A great trail
By mikegedzelman in July, 2011
We rode the whole trail (27 miles round trip) and had a great time. We started at the eastern terminus in White Plains. There was a large parking lot with new bathrooms and running water. The scenery of the trail was great, with lots of signs showing you the wildlife. We saw birds, butterflies and a large turkey. The trail is flat, wide, extremely smooth, and empty. At the eastern end, we rode left down Mattingly Avenue to the water. It's not the Potomac, but a tributary that is almost at the point where it runs into the Potomac. I hightly recommend this trail.
Things to See Along the Way
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Mattingly Ave. nr. Naval Station (Indian Head) to Theodore Green Blvd. (White Plains)
Counties: Charles
Trail Length: 13.4 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016051

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic rail-trails in RTC's Mid-Atlantic Guidebook.