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 118 trails covering 4673 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.
Since my wife has 2 knee replacements, this spot is perfect. Maintenance is being performed (2024) so it is a little out of the norm. Trail runs along C&O towpath so switching is easy. Also eastern part close to facilities. Western part more remote. We love also the many parking areas available. Geocaches add to the adventure as well. Will return.
I was in the area visiting my parents in Ellicott City and found this trail that looked like a good target for a 5 mile morning walk. I parked at the Ilchester Rd end and found the trail head. The trail seems very well kept, 2 of the bridges were new and I didn't see any litter, fallen trees or other maintenance issues. I am thinking the trail must have been recently paved as it was very smooth with no roots cracking and bending the asphalt. A lot of people using the trail and swimming in the river. Great to see so many getting out on a nice summer day. When I finished my walk and went back to the parking lot my dad's truck was not there. My first thought was why would someone steal that 20 year old truck. As I was pondering what to do next, I noticed a sign at the end of the parking lot and went over to take a look. It showed that it was private parking and patrolled by Paladin Impound and showed the address of the Impound lot. A $30 Uber ride and a $280 fine and I got my dad's truck back. I obviously should have paid closer attention to the parking but I feel it is a bit of a trap. The Private Parking sign is kind of a conspicuous location like they are hoping you don't see the sign and do park there so they can collect their bounty. I wasn't the first car parked in the lot, and someone else was parked there when I was waiting for Uber. Anyway, if you do check this trail out be very careful to make sure you are parking in the correct trailhead parking lot.
This was a ride done during the day prior to a wedding we attended in MD. We picked up the trail on rented bikes by PaperMill Road and headed north. Some of the surface was muddy from heavy rain but still passable. We had lunch at Monkton Hotel. There was a museum too that we were able to tour along the trail. Would recommend being ready for bugs but overall still a great ride.
We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.
Best trail in PG county hands down.
Rode the trail from Jones Point Park to Mount Vernon last week. Most all of the wooden bridges are newer and add to the ambience, but don't provide a good riding surface for my MTB with Schwalbe Silento 26x1.75 tires. As others have noted, the pushed up roots have been ground down somewhat, but not smooth, until about a 1/2 mile from Mount Vernon where the pushed up roots are simply marked and the trail becomes unrideable. On the return, I rode on the George Washington Parkway to get past the badly pushed up roots section. Then, I rode as far as I could on lightly travelled neighborhood streets running parallel to the trail, which were substantially smoother. Then proceeded back on the trail to Jones Point Park. Overall, it wasn't a very enjoyable ride and likely won't seek to do it again.
Rode this trail twice this month. Lightly used with only one street crossing. Only encountered one area washed out by the creek that had a gravel bypass. Watch out for a big bump just before a bridge. I hit it going to fast and it took out my front tire. They have added a bike repair station at the Tucker Road Ice Rink with a stand, tools and a pump.
On the way down we rode the rail trail. It’s was 90% trees and concrete path. Hancock was a cute little town tho and we stopped at the Blue Goose Market that was cute. We rode the tow path on the way back and I thought that was slightly better for the scenery. It was a gorgeous day to be out but I’ve been on better trail.
This is a nice trail for walking and biking. There is a good sized parking lot in the Waldorf area and parking along the trail as well. It is definitely worth a visit.
I haven’t anything new so I thought I would add one. I love this route! I am an inline skater and it is a very smooth ride. It is not super crowded & very peaceful. The people are really nice & I never have any issues.
Rode this on 6/13/24 with a friend, covering 20 miles. Parked at the Ropewalk Pavilion, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg. Restroom here was clean. Trail is well marked with trail signs except for about 1/2 mile were you are traveling through a neighborhood on the streets. Lots of turns and small hills make it pleasant to ride allowing you to rest some while coasting. Most if the paved trail is only about 6 feet wide so you need to stay on your own side especially at the blind turns. Condition of the asphalt was good although some of the boardwalks were a little rough. This trail takes you past some beautiful scenery in MD and DC. There was a 400 yard section by the Wash Navy Yard where you are supposed to walk your bike.
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