Explore the best rated trails in Damascus, MD, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Anacostia River Trail and Meadowlark Connector Trail . With more than 119 trails covering 4677 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This experience is based on parking at Mount Vernon and riding the trail for approximately 4 miles in one direction, then returning. The trail is primarily paved, with a scattering of wide wooden bridges to cross. You will ride an asphalt two-laned path through lightly forested areas as well as open areas, so you can enjoy the sun and the breeze coming off the Potomac River. The scenery is spectacular, and gives you the opportunity to forget that you are in Northern Virginia.
However, there are a lot of inclines and descents that some may find challenging. If all else fails, just get off the bike and walk, and pick up riding when the trail flattens out. Part of the route -- not the trail itself -- goes through a short tunnel, so the trail ends at the tunnel entrance, and picks up again once you go through and exit the tunnel. This means while in the tunnel, you are on the road, and not on a bike path. For children bike riders and hikers, extra precaution should be taken at this point. Other than that, absolutely stunning views of Northern Virginia and the Potomac River. Bald Eagles can be seen flying over the water as well. This trail is definitely a do-over!
Rode south from Inner Harbor to MedStar Harbor Hospital, a decidedly mixed experience. The "urban" part is tricky, not well-signed, and lots of crumbly asphalt and broken glass. The spot where the Middle Branch Trail/E Coast Greenway hits Russell St (south of Top Golf, just north of the Wheelabrator) is also a spot for people to gather, didn't feel very safe. (It was neat to see Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West near there, however.) The "Westport" section of the trail feels very exposed: deserted industrial with occasional cars with opaque windows...once you arrive to the Middle Branch Park, the trail is more park-like but not well-populated even on a beautiful day and the trail is not in great condition. Pretty views of Baltimore from the coast. If you're departing from the inner harbor, would recommend just biking out to Fort McHenry instead - a bit more traffic but feels significantly safer and much nicer.
I rode this for a second time recently. The trail is in great shape. I will they would add the path through the tunnel. Extending the trail over the three bridges would make this the best in the area. Not sure if that is a plan. Hancock is a great town. Very remote in little orleans
I park at Maryland Ave off of MacArthur Blvd and hop on the car-free path here. Lots of lovely scenery and never crowded. Weekends there are a lot of street bikers but the pathway is always easy going. Restrooms across from Old Angler's Inn - good turn around point. Great ride.
This is my favorite paved trail. All the bumps and roots are gone since the repaving project was completed in fall 2024. Hancock is the town at about the middle mileage. The western end is quiet through the woods. There are very few road crossings and it's pretty flat grade. Berkeley Springs WV is only 6 miles south of Hancock MD and that's a cute tourist town to visit. There's also a good bike store in Hancock.
Ok section, kind of dull. Agriculture & cows. Found a bit of shade by a grain elevator for lunch. Several washouts filled with tumbleweeds as you get closer to Lind.
This trail is outstanding so far. Still a lot of work to be done, but wow.
It’s a nice little trail. Notice: the only restroom is mid-way at the Water St. cul-de-sac.
I often had to slow down for pedestrians on a weekend in February. Has some brief but aggressive climbs. Excited for the final piece to open soon.
This trail is straight-up amazing. I have nothing else to say.
I tried to do this trail in segments in January. The snow melts way slower on the trail than in other unplowed places. I also think the grades in the northern parts are tough.
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