Lake Artemesia Trail

Maryland

3 Reviews

The Lake Artemesia Trail—one component of the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail System—completely encircles its scenic eponymous lake in Prince George's County, Maryland. The trail is also a great starting point for longer treks, as it directly connects with the Paint Branch Trail, Indian Creek Trail, and Northeast Branch Trail.

Lake Artemesia was developed during the 1976 construction of the adjacent Washington Metro rail line. A fishing pier can be found on the north end of the lake, and restrooms and a water fountain are located near the trail's midpoint. Several gazebos dot the lake's shoreline as well, making the man-made lake a beautiful place for a picnic, rest, recreation or exercise. A popular birding trail can also be found nearby.

Parking and Trail Access

Vehicles are not permitted on the grounds of the Lake Artemesia Natural Area. If you are traveling by car, consider parking at the College Park Community Center located at the intersection of Pierce Avenue and 51st Avenue. From the parking lot, take the Paint Branch Trail a short distance east until you reach the southern end of the Lake Artemesia Trail.

Nice trail outside UMD. Great view of historic airport.

January 2021 elcrom11

Nice trail outside UMD. Great view of historic airport.

Oasis in CP!

February 2015 andreaburkhart

The park is clean, well kept, lovely and filled with very friendly people and families. It really is a gem in the Washington DC metro area.

I always park at the lot where Berwyn Rd & 55 Ave connect. There are a ton of trails that connect from Lake Artemesia making it my favorte "homebase" for long distance running and cycling.

September 2012 kajohns

This is a nice trail with great views of Lake Artemesia. I wouldn't recommended it for road bikes because there are lots of joggers, families, children and pets during the evenings. Not so bad during mid day. Trail is about one mile around the lake but the views are spectacular. There are other branch-off connecting trails. If you want to enjoy a casual ride while enjoying great scenery, this is it.