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Essex, MD Trails and Maps

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Explore the best rated trails in Essex, MD. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and Enola Low Grade Trail. With more than 102 trails covering 4542 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.

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Length
Most Popular

Anacostia River Trail

20 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Anacostia Tributary Trail System

29.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

BWI Trail

12.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

13.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail

1.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Bethesda Trolley Trail

4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Black Hill Trail

4.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Bluemont Junction Trail

1.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Brentwood Levee Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Broad Street Greenway

0.9 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Concrete

Broadneck Peninsula Trail

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Cameron Station Linear Park

1 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Canning House Run Trail

0.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Capital Crescent Trail

11 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Carl Henn Millennium Trail

10.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete

Catonsville Short Line Trail

1.4 mi

State: MD

Dirt, Gravel

Charles Bailey Trail

2.5 mi

State: DE, PA

Dirt

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

184.5 mi

State: DC, MD

Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

1.4 mi

State: MD

Boardwalk

Cross County Trail (VA)

40 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Accordion

Cross Island Trail

9.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Custis Trail

4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Downs Park Trail

5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Easton Rails-to-Trails

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Eisenhower Avenue Trail

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Enola Low Grade Trail

28.9 mi

State: PA

Ballast, Crushed Stone

Folly Branch Trail

2.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail

7 mi

State: DC

Dirt, Gravel

Four Mile Run Trail

6.2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Goldmine Loop Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Dirt

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi

State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Gwynns Falls Trail

18.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Hanover Trolley Trail

3.5 mi

State: PA

Crushed Stone

Henson Creek Trail

5.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Heritage Rail Trail County Park

27.4 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Herring Run Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Hollow Creek Greenway

1.7 mi

State: PA

Crushed Stone, Gravel

Holmes Run Trail

5.2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Indian Creek Trail (MD)

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Intercounty Connector Trail

8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

James F. Hall Trail

1.8 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

John Overstreet Connector

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Jones Falls Trail

11.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Kent Island South Trail

5.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Klingle Valley Trail

0.7 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Lake Artemesia Trail

1.35 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lake Frank Trail

1.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Little Falls Trail (MD)

2.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Little Jersey Trail

8.1 mi

State: DE

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Little Paint Branch Trail

1.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lone Wolf Trail

1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Long Branch Trail (MD)

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

MA & PA Heritage Trail

5 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone, Dirt

MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path

8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Magruder Branch Trail

3.45 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Marvin Gaye Trail

1.9 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Matthew Henson Trail

4.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Metro Linear Park

0.5 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Metropolitan Branch Trail

8 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt

Michael Castle Trail

12.4 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

Mount Airy Rail-Trail

0.5 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

Mount Vernon Trail

18 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Newark Reservoir Trail

1.8 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

Northeast Branch Trail

3.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Northwest Branch Trail

7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

14.1 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Number Eight Streetcar Path

0.33 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

Oxon Run Trail

3.4 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Paint Branch Trail (Montgomery County)

2.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Paint Branch Trail (Prince George's County)

3.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Patuxent Branch Trail

4.6 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

PennDel Trail

5.4 mi

State: DE, PA

Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail

4.4 mi

State: DE

Asphalt, Gravel

Poplar Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Potomac Yard Trail

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Powerline Trail (MD)

6 mi

State: MD

Dirt, Grass

Red Lion Mile

1 mi

State: PA

Crushed Stone

Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail

3.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Rock Creek Park Trails

8.5 mi

State: DC

Asphalt, Dirt

Rock Creek Trail (MD)

16 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Savage Mill Trail

1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

Sligo Creek Trail

10.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path

1.5 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

South Shore Trail

1.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Springlawn Trail

2.1 mi

State: PA

Dirt, Gravel

St. Michaels Nature Trail

1.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Stony Run Trail

2.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips

Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path

2.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Suitland Parkway Trail

1.7 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Swamp Forest Trail

6.4 mi

State: DE

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

19.7 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Trolley Line #9 Trail

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Twinbrook Connector Trail

0.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Vesper Trail

0.4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

WB&A Trail

13.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD)

45 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Wayne Gilchrest Trail

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

West Campus Access Road Trail

0.4 mi

State: DC

Concrete

Windsor Hills Conservation Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Dirt

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail

3.3 mi

State: MD, VA

Concrete

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Anacostia River Trail The Anacostia River Trail, sometimes referred to as the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, is an important component of the Capital Trails Coalition's plan to create an 800-mile network of multiuse trails...	DC, MD	20 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone	9 reviews
	Anacostia Tributary Trail System The Anacostia Tributary Trail System includes a number of trails linked together and managed by the National Park Service. The trail include: the Anacostia River Trail, the Northwest Branch Trail, the...	MD	29.9 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
	BWI Trail The 11-mile BWI Trail was primarily designed for area commuters; however, the trail also makes for a great recreation venue. Despite being close to BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport, much of the trail is...	MD	12.5 mi	Asphalt	50 reviews
	Baltimore and Annapolis Trail If you are looking to augment your physical workout with some intellectual exercise, look no further than the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. The scenic, paved, 13-mile community trail is brimming with...	MD	13.3 mi	Asphalt	48 reviews
	Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail Maryland's Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail links to Delaware's Michael Castle Trail; both run along the north bank of the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal and meet at the state line. The...	MD	1.8 mi	Asphalt	14 reviews
	Bethesda Trolley Trail The Bethesda Trolley Trail—also known as the North Bethesda Trail—is a 4-mile path linking Bethesda and North Bethesda, primarily by bridging two major highways. The trail occupies the abandoned...	MD	4 mi	Asphalt	7 reviews
	Black Hill Trail Black Hill Trail offers a wooded trek with gentle inclines through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. The trail is primarily paved, though a short section in...	MD	4.3 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	7 reviews
	Bluemont Junction Trail The Bluemont Junction Trail is a short paved trail that branches off from the popular Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) in the heart of Arlington. The trail was built on a spur line that once...	VA	1.3 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Brentwood Levee Trail The Town of Brentwood is tucked between Mt Rainier & Hyattsville in Prince George's County, Maryland. This short stretch of paved trail sits on the crest of a levee along the south bank of the...	MD	0.9 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Broad Street Greenway The Broad Street Greenway in York is anchored by the Alexander D. Goode Middle School at one end and Hannah Penn Middle School at the other. The bike-ped corridor parallels Broad Street in the heart...	PA	0.9 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	0 reviews
	Broadneck Peninsula Trail The Broadneck Peninsula Trail is 1.2 miles of asphalt walking and biking pathway in east Annapolis. The trail runs parallel to College Parkway, from Green Holly Drive to Old Cape St. Claire Road,...	MD	1.2 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
	Cameron Station Linear Park Cameron Station Linear Park is the quintessential neighborhood trail. Located in Alexandria, a suburb of Washington, D.C., it offers a pleasant paved pathway frequented by joggers, dog walkers,...	VA	1 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Canning House Run Trail Nearly a mile in length, the Canning House Run Trail extends from the entrance to the Perryville boat ramp south along the west side of Roundhouse Drive to the historic Rodgers Tavern at the...	MD	0.8 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Capital Crescent Trail The 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail follows the former route of the Georgetown Branch rail line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It begins in Silver Spring, Maryland, east of the Rock Creek Trestle,...	DC, MD	11 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	25 reviews
	Carl Henn Millennium Trail The Carl Henn Millennium Trail is Rockville's bicycle beltway. The 10-mile trail creates a circle around the city, providing a safe and convenient way to get around town or enjoy a leisurely...	MD	10.7 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	16 reviews
	Catonsville Short Line Trail The Catonsville Short Line Trail follows a segment of the former Catonsville Short Line Railroad, which ran from Charlestown to Catonsville. As of 2018, the trail runs between Shady Nook Avenue and...	MD	1.4 mi	Dirt, Gravel	1 reviews
	Charles Bailey Trail Traversing the Delaware/Pennsylvania border along the scenic White Clay Creek, the Charles Bailey Trail offers a pleasant, wooded hike for those willing to travel somewhat off the beaten path. The...	DE, PA	2.5 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
	Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Following the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Towpath traverses the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for 184.5 miles between Georgetown in Washington, D.C., and Cumberland, Maryland. For...	DC, MD	184.5 mi	Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt	87 reviews
	Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail Between 1900 and 1935, the Chesapeake Beach Railway whisked vacationers from Washington, DC, to the grand hotels, beaches and boardwalk of the resort town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Now tourists...	MD	1.4 mi	Boardwalk	3 reviews
	Cross County Trail (VA) The Cross County Trail is a multi-use trail that generally follows the various stream valleys in Fairfax County, Virginia. It is officially named the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in recognition...	VA	40 mi	Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	23 reviews

Accordion

Cross Island Trail Maryland's Cross Island Trail spans Kent Island, east to west, in Queen Anne's County, providing multiple points of access to everything from libraries and schools to ball fields and the waterfront....	MD	9.2 mi	Asphalt	33 reviews
Custis Trail The Custis Trail is a popular urban route that links Virginia's D.C. suburbs with the District itself, connecting to both the W&OD Railroad Regional Park Trail at the latter's 4-mile marker and the...	VA	4 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	11 reviews
Downs Park Trail Downs Park Trail is located in Downs Park on the Chesapeake Bay just north of Gibson Island. The 3.5-mile perimeter trail is paved, popular for walkers and cyclists alike, and an additional 1.5 miles...	MD	5 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	14 reviews
Easton Rails-to-Trails The Easton Rails to Trails runs from Dutchmans Lane in southern Easton, Maryland, to North Easton Parka large sports complexover 2.5 miles away. The trail opened in 1998 and has been a popular local...	MD	2.5 mi	Asphalt	6 reviews
Eisenhower Avenue Trail Although it parallels Eisenhower Avenue, this paved pathway is not without its charms. On its west end, Alexandria's Eisenhower Avenue Trail begins in Hensley Park, which offers plentiful parking and...	VA	2 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	2 reviews
Enola Low Grade Trail Caution: On April 12, 2018, a fire severely damaged the Martic Forge Trestle, which runs over Pequea Creek and River Road on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Access to the trail going west from the Route...	PA	28.9 mi	Ballast, Crushed Stone	114 reviews
Folly Branch Trail A winding line of asphalt meanders between Glenn Dale Park in Lanham to Annapolis Road. The trail is sheltered amongst the riparian woodland of Folly Branch. At the north end of the trail can be...	MD	2.9 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail Washington, D.C.'s Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail links some of the District's dozens of Civil War era forts (now national parks) that were built to defend the city from attack by the southern...	DC	7 mi	Dirt, Gravel	1 reviews
Four Mile Run Trail The Four Mile Run Trail traverses the Four Mile Run stream valley and has many twists and turns, not to mention steep sections (mercifully short). The trail more or less parallels the popular W&OD...	VA	6.2 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Goldmine Loop Trail Tucked in the meandering, wooded hills of the sprawling yet understated multimillion-dollar estates of Great Falls, just outside Washington, D.C., is the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic...	MD	2.5 mi	Dirt	1 reviews
Great American Rail-Trail Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...	DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY	3743.9 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	3 reviews
Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park The Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park course for 2.5 miles through the heavily wooded park between Ilchester Road and Lost Lake. The trail is gentle and wheelchair accessible. It passes...	MD	2.5 mi	Asphalt	9 reviews
Gwynns Falls Trail The Gwynns Falls Trail is a 19-mile continuous corridor connecting dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods with parks, historical and cultural landmarks and the urban business district....	MD	18.9 mi	Asphalt	14 reviews
Hanover Trolley Trail The Hanover Trolley Trail is being built along the 16-mile corridor of the York-Hanover Trolley Line that ran between the two cities in the early 1900s. Currently, about a quarter of that distance is...	PA	3.5 mi	Crushed Stone	4 reviews
Henson Creek Trail The Henson Creek Trail is located in the southwestern portion of Prince George's County, Maryland, and connects the growing District of Columbia suburbs of Fort Washington and Oxon Hill with the...	MD	5.7 mi	Asphalt	21 reviews
Heritage Rail Trail County Park Heritage Rail Trail County Park (HRT), along with the connecting Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail that continues south through Maryland, are in Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame. Both trails follow...	PA	27.4 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	82 reviews
Herring Run Trail Baltimore’s Herring Run Trail runs through scenic Herring Run Park, centered on a tributary of the Back River. The winding trail follows Herring Run through a woodlands environment so peaceful you're...	MD	2.5 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Hollow Creek Greenway The Hollow Creek Greenway follows its namesake waterway through scenic woodlands and valleys, offering a quiet oasis in the suburbs. The trail provides an important link between neighborhoods, schools...	PA	1.7 mi	Crushed Stone, Gravel	6 reviews
Holmes Run Trail The Holmes Run Trail offers a scenic pathway through the heart of a busy residential area in Alexandria and adjoining Fairfax County, both suburbs of Washington, D.C. The trail, which is divided into...	VA	5.2 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	8 reviews
Indian Creek Trail (MD) Maryland's Indian Creek Trail is one of the shorter components of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, but it serves as a vital link between the town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, and scenic Lake...	MD	1.5 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Intercounty Connector Trail Maryland's Intercounty Connector Trail serves as an important commuting route across Montgomery County and Prince George's County. It gets its name from the Intercounty Connector (also known as State...	MD	8 mi	Asphalt	6 reviews
James F. Hall Trail The James F. Hall Trail—a rail-with-trail—packs a lot into a short stretch: Its paved surface is great for bicycling, in-line skating, and strolling, and there are multiple playgrounds, picnic areas,...	DE	1.8 mi	Asphalt	7 reviews
John Overstreet Connector The John Overstreet Connector is a 1.5-mile trail segment that links the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and BWI Trail. The shortbut vitaltrail is named after Overstreet, a retiree from Glen Burnie,...	MD	1.5 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Jones Falls Trail The Jones Falls Trail extends over 10 miles between Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the Mount Washington Light Rail Station. From Mount Washington, an elevated boardwalk whisks users through a...	MD	11.1 mi	Asphalt	11 reviews
Kent Island South Trail The Kent Island South Trail is one of two popular recreational trails (along with the Cross Island Trail) on Maryland's Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay. The trail runs parallel...	MD	5.8 mi	Asphalt	14 reviews
Klingle Valley Trail The Klingle Valley Trail spans just shy of a mile in a leafy, residential area of northwest Washington, DC. The trail opened in June 2017 and is accessible to the neighborhoods of Cleveland Park,...	DC	0.7 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Lake Artemesia Trail The Lake Artemesia Trailone component of the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail Systemcompletely encircles its scenic eponymous lake in Prince George's County, Maryland. The trail is also a great...	MD	1.35 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Lake Frank Trail Lake Frank is a 54-acre reservoir located in the heart of Rock Creek Regional Park in Derwood, east of Rockville. The reservoir, together with Lake Needwood was created for flood control and was named...	MD	1.8 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Little Falls Trail (MD) Little Falls Trail is a hike-and-bike pathway in Montgomery County, Maryland. Winding through parks and along creeks, the trail runs parallel to the popular Capital Crescent Trail for part of its...	MD	2.2 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Little Jersey Trail The Little Jersey Trail loops through Lums Pond State Park on a wide, packed earth surface that accommodates hikers, cyclists and equestrians. The trail is the longer of two loops; the Swamp Forest...	DE	8.1 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	7 reviews
Little Paint Branch Trail This bike and pedestrian path threads through the park of the same name. The trail exists in 2 sections: the northern segment begins in the Fairland Recreational Park and winds south, eventually...	MD	1.1 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Lone Wolf Trail The Lone Wolf Trail is a 1-mile trail in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail is connected to two already existing trails: The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path, and the WB&A Trail. Although the...	MD	1 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Long Branch Trail (MD) The Long Branch Trail is a neighborhood trail tracing the Long Branch Creek beginning at its confluence with Sligo Creek in Takoma Park, to Piney Branch Road in Long Branch. The trail is an easy ride:...	MD	1.2 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is recognized for challenging hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, rock outcroppings, boating, a museum and restored historical sites. But none of these...	MD	2.5 mi	Crushed Stone	12 reviews
MA & PA Heritage Trail The MA & PA Heritage Trail is found in two segments (about 2 miles apart) through the wooded parks of Maryland's Bel Air and Forest Hill communities. The folksy sounding name actually stands for the...	MD	5 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	9 reviews
MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path The MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path follows the winding road through the communities of Bethesda and Potomac, just north of Washington, DC. Along the way, the path passes shops in Cabin John and Glen...	MD	8 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Magruder Branch Trail This 3.45-mile paved trail follows the Magruder Branch creek, beginning at the Damascus Recreational Park on Kings Valley Road. It’s a relatively flat trail for most of its length, barring the steeper...	MD	3.45 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	6 reviews
Marvin Gaye Trail The Marvin Gaye Trail offers a paved pathway through the Deanwood, Burville, Lincoln Heights, and Hillbrook neighborhoods of Washington, DC. Just shy of 2 miles, it runs from Minnesota Avenue NE, near...	DC	1.9 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Matthew Henson Trail The Matthew Henson Trail runs along a paved surface (rough in places from tree roots) through a narrow band of forested green space between the Rock Creek Trail just south of Veirs Road and Alderton...	MD	4.5 mi	Asphalt	7 reviews
Metro Linear Park This short rail-with-trail is short but makes some pretty significant connections: it links the King Street and Braddock Road metro stations. It also connects to the Potomac Yard Trail, helping to...	VA	0.5 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Metropolitan Branch Trail Following the route of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Metropolitan Branch rail line, the Met Branch Trail is a busy urban rail-with-trail that shares a corridor with Metro's Red Line, MARC commuter...	DC, MD	8 mi	Asphalt	6 reviews
Michael Castle Trail The Michael Castle Trail offers a scenic 12-mile route along the north shore of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in northern Delaware. The trail is named after the former governor and US...	DE	12.4 mi	Asphalt	74 reviews
Mount Airy Rail-Trail The Mount Airy Rail-Trail will one day span nearly 4 miles across the town of Mount Airy and through a scenic, wooded area. The first completed section of the trail covers a half mile and is surfaced...	MD	0.5 mi	Crushed Stone	1 reviews
Mount Vernon Trail The 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail is one of the Washington, D.C. Metro area's most popular trails. Just across the Potomac River from D.C. in Virginia, the trail links Theodore Roosevelt Island Park with...	VA	18 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	35 reviews
Newark Reservoir Trail Situated on hilly land on the northern edge of Newark, the Newark Reservoir was built in 2006 to capture water from the nearby White Clay Creek watershed - and thanks to the paved Newark Reservoir...	DE	1.8 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Northeast Branch Trail The Northeast Branch Trail follows the levee along theyou guessed itNortheast Branch of the Anacostia River from the Lake Artemesia Natural Area to Baltimore Avenue/US 1 (south of Hyattsville). The...	MD	3.5 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Northwest Branch Trail The Northwest Branch Trail—an integral part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System—runs between the Maryland towns of Hyattsville and Silver Spring, linking two bustling suburbs of Washington, D.C....	MD	7 mi	Asphalt	6 reviews
Northwest Lancaster County River Trail The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail follows the route of the historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, tracing the Susquehanna River northwest from Columbia to Falmouth. The entire trail is paved....	PA	14.1 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt	99 reviews
Number Eight Streetcar Path The #8 Streetcar Path runs just a short distance (0.33 mile) along part of the route of the former streetcar system that once ran between Catonsville and Ellicott City. The streetcar operated from...	MD	0.33 mi	Crushed Stone	1 reviews
Oxon Run Trail Oxon Run is the name of a tributary of the Potomac River in southeast DC, which lends its name to both the trail system and park in which the trail loop is found. The trail on both sides of the...	DC	3.4 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Paint Branch Trail (Montgomery County) Maryland is home to two Paint Branch Trails, this one in Montgomery County and another farther south in Prince George's County. This Paint Branch Trail offers a well-shaded, paved pathway...	MD	2.3 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Paint Branch Trail (Prince George's County) Prince George's County's Paint Branch Trail (not to be confused with Montgomery County's Paint Branch Trail farther north) runs for 3.5 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park...	MD	3.5 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Patuxent Branch Trail The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of a 20-mile trail system over and around the rolling hills of Howard County that follows a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line along the Patuxent River. The...	MD	4.6 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	20 reviews
PennDel Trail Also known as the Creek Road Trail from its origin road in Delaware, the PennDel Trail extends north from a connection with the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail in White Clay Creek State Park. The scenic...	DE, PA	5.4 mi	Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel	5 reviews
Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail The Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail offers urban connections to the University of Delaware campus, Newark Shopping Center, DART Transit Hub and the downtown area, as well as the recreational amenities...	DE	4.4 mi	Asphalt, Gravel	10 reviews
Poplar Trail Annapolis' Poplar Trail runs for nearly 1 mile on a section of the old Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis right-of-way in the heart of Maryland's capital city. Although short, the trail is a vital part...	MD	0.9 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Potomac Yard Trail Providing an important urban link between the Crystal City area of Arlington and the western edge of historical Alexandria, the Potomac Yard Trail is a huge boon to the area for commuting as well as...	VA	2 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Powerline Trail (MD) This trail traces a hilly green swath located in a Pepco electric utility right-of-way that stretches between South Gernmantown Recreational Park and Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park. It's a natural...	MD	6 mi	Dirt, Grass	0 reviews
Red Lion Mile This is a pleasant one mile community trail which begins right at the center of Red Lion, PA. The main trailhead is on Main St. at the restored MA&PA train station, which now is home to the Red Lion...	PA	1 mi	Crushed Stone	5 reviews
Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail provides a safe pathway for students, from kindergartners to doctoral candidates, to walk and bike to school in College Park, Riverdale Park and Hyattsville. The...	MD	3.8 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Rock Creek Park Trails Closure Notice: Beginning March 31, 2021, DDOT and the NPS will be working on a construction project that will impact much of the southern segment of the trail (between M Street and Broad Branch Road...	DC	8.5 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	8 reviews
Rock Creek Trail (MD) Rock Creek Trail forms a winding path, at times narrow, through the urban greenway of Rock Creek Regional Park. The trail extends between Needwood Lake northeast of Rockville, MD, and the Washington,...	MD	16 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Savage Mill Trail The Savage Mill Trail in Savage Park travels along the rolling Patuxent River through the grounds of an old cotton mill. In the early 1800s, Savage was a major manufacturing center, harnessing power...	MD	1 mi	Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel	5 reviews
Sligo Creek Trail The Sligo Creek Trail parallels the eponymous waterway from its confluence with the Northwest Branch in Hyattsville to just north of its origin in Wheaton in Montgomery County. Along the way, a number...	MD	10.2 mi	Asphalt	10 reviews
Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path Providing over a mile of trail between the Kent County communities of Smyrna and Clayton, the Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path is a nifty recreational asset that offers a nice path for outdoor exercise as...	DE	1.5 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
South Shore Trail The developing South Shore Trail will one day stretch 14 miles between Annapolis and Odenton. It's also part of the larger East Coast Greenway, a widespread network connecting trails from Maine to...	MD	1.9 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Springlawn Trail The Springlawn Trail travels on what was once Springlawn Road, connecting Chesterville Road (Rt. 841) and Strickersville Road. The 2-mile trail is comprised of dirt and gravel and makes for a good...	PA	2.1 mi	Dirt, Gravel	7 reviews
St. Michaels Nature Trail The St. Michaels Nature Trail skirts the western edge of the scenic town of St. Michaels, Maryland, which was built on the site of a 17th century Anglican church that eventually lent the settlement...	MD	1.3 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Stony Run Trail Baltimore’s Stony Run Trail follows an old Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad line through nearly 3 miles of wooded stream valleys and small parks, providing a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle...	MD	2.9 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips	4 reviews
Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path is a 2.2 mile trail that is located between Laurel and Annapolis in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail starts at Piney Orchard Elementary School, and ends at...	MD	2.2 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Suitland Parkway Trail The Suitland Parkway trail is a short paved multi-use path that runs adjacent to Suitland Parkway in SE D.C. to the border with Maryland. Proposed construction may extend the trail to the Branch...	DC	1.7 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Swamp Forest Trail The Swamp Forest Trail loops through Lums Pond State Park on a packed earth surface that accommodates hikers and cyclists. The trail is the shorter of two loops; the Little Jersey Trail runs closer to...	DE	6.4 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	7 reviews
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is one of the best hiking and biking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region. It allows for nearly 20 miles of flat travel, punctuated by a number of access points and an...	MD	19.7 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	83 reviews
Trolley Line #9 Trail The first thing you may notice about the Trolley Line #9 Trail is the boardwalk that curves between the bluffs of massive rock. The granite was hand cut in the 1890s when the electric streetcar rails...	MD	1.5 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	5 reviews
Twinbrook Connector Trail Formerly known as the Parklawn North Trail, this path provides a bike-ped connection from the Twinbrook neighborhood to the Rock Creek Trail. The paved trail begins at the end of Rock Creek Mill Road,...	MD	0.8 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Vesper Trail The Vesper Trail, which opened in 2019, serves as a short but important connector between Tysons and northern Vienna. The pathway spans 0.4 miles between the Spring Hill Metro Station (on the Silver...	VA	0.4 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
WB&A Trail Central Maryland's WB&A Trail occupies the former Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railway corridor—hence its name—for its entire route. The railroad operated electric commuter trains...	MD	13.1 mi	Asphalt	29 reviews
Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD) The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) is one of suburban Washington, D.C.'s most popular rail-trails. The heavily used trail is frequented by commuters and recreationists alike, and is a...	VA	45 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	42 reviews
Wayne Gilchrest Trail The Wayne Gilchrest Trail, which opened on Earth Day in 2012, runs along the southern edge of the historic Maryland Eastern Shore community of Chestertown. The trail connects Washington College to the...	MD	1.2 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
West Campus Access Road Trail The West Campus Access Road Trail, the newest rail-trail in Washington, D.C., travels through the sprawling former campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital, now set to become the new home of the Department...	DC	0.4 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Windsor Hills Conservation Trail The Windsor Hills Conservation Trail is a short hiking trail through the Windsor Hills neighborhood of Baltimore. Built partially on a former streetcar line that once connected the area with the...	MD	0.9 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail provides a superb link between Alexandria, VA, and Maryland's National Harbor over the Potomac River. This well-used trail crosses on the up-river side of the bridge...	MD, VA	3.3 mi	Concrete	14 reviews

Poplar Trail

MD - 0.9 miles

Annapolis' Poplar Trail runs for nearly 1 mile on a section of the old Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis right-of-way in the heart of Maryland's capital city. Although short, the trail is a vital part...

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

MD - 1.4 miles

Between 1900 and 1935, the Chesapeake Beach Railway whisked vacationers from Washington, DC, to the grand hotels, beaches and boardwalk of the resort town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Now tourists...

Matthew Henson Trail

MD - 4.5 miles

The Matthew Henson Trail runs along a paved surface (rough in places from tree roots) through a narrow band of forested green space between the Rock Creek Trail just south of Veirs Road and Alderton...

Newark Reservoir Trail

DE - 1.8 miles

Situated on hilly land on the northern edge of Newark, the Newark Reservoir was built in 2006 to capture water from the nearby White Clay Creek watershed - and thanks to the paved Newark Reservoir...

Accordion

Heritage Rail Trail County Park

PA - 27.4 miles

Heritage Rail Trail County Park (HRT), along with the connecting Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail that continues south through Maryland, are in Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame. Both trails follow...

Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path

DE - 1.5 miles

Providing over a mile of trail between the Kent County communities of Smyrna and Clayton, the Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path is a nifty recreational asset that offers a nice path for outdoor exercise as...

Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail

DE - 4.4 miles

The Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail offers urban connections to the University of Delaware campus, Newark Shopping Center, DART Transit Hub and the downtown area, as well as the recreational amenities...

Bluemont Junction Trail

VA - 1.3 miles

The Bluemont Junction Trail is a short paved trail that branches off from the popular Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) in the heart of Arlington. The trail was built on a spur line that once...

Intercounty Connector Trail

MD - 8 miles

Maryland's Intercounty Connector Trail serves as an important commuting route across Montgomery County and Prince George's County. It gets its name from the Intercounty Connector (also known as State...

South Shore Trail

MD - 1.9 miles

The developing South Shore Trail will one day stretch 14 miles between Annapolis and Odenton. It's also part of the larger East Coast Greenway, a widespread network connecting trails from Maine to...

Folly Branch Trail

MD - 2.9 miles

A winding line of asphalt meanders between Glenn Dale Park in Lanham to Annapolis Road. The trail is sheltered amongst the riparian woodland of Folly Branch. At the north end of the trail can be...

MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path

MD - 8 miles

The MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path follows the winding road through the communities of Bethesda and Potomac, just north of Washington, DC. Along the way, the path passes shops in Cabin John and Glen...

Long Branch Trail (MD)

MD - 1.2 miles

The Long Branch Trail is a neighborhood trail tracing the Long Branch Creek beginning at its confluence with Sligo Creek in Takoma Park, to Piney Branch Road in Long Branch. The trail is an easy ride:...

Brentwood Levee Trail

MD - 0.9 miles

The Town of Brentwood is tucked between Mt Rainier & Hyattsville in Prince George's County, Maryland. This short stretch of paved trail sits on the crest of a levee along the south bank of the...

Northeast Branch Trail

MD - 3.5 miles

The Northeast Branch Trail follows the levee along theyou guessed itNortheast Branch of the Anacostia River from the Lake Artemesia Natural Area to Baltimore Avenue/US 1 (south of Hyattsville). The...

Enola Low Grade Trail

PA - 28.9 miles

Caution: On April 12, 2018, a fire severely damaged the Martic Forge Trestle, which runs over Pequea Creek and River Road on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Access to the trail going west from the Route...

St. Michaels Nature Trail

MD - 1.3 miles

The St. Michaels Nature Trail skirts the western edge of the scenic town of St. Michaels, Maryland, which was built on the site of a 17th century Anglican church that eventually lent the settlement...

Paint Branch Trail (Prince George's County)

MD - 3.5 miles

Prince George's County's Paint Branch Trail (not to be confused with Montgomery County's Paint Branch Trail farther north) runs for 3.5 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park...

Herring Run Trail

MD - 2.5 miles

Baltimore’s Herring Run Trail runs through scenic Herring Run Park, centered on a tributary of the Back River. The winding trail follows Herring Run through a woodlands environment so peaceful you're...

Rock Creek Trail (MD)

MD - 16 miles

Rock Creek Trail forms a winding path, at times narrow, through the urban greenway of Rock Creek Regional Park. The trail extends between Needwood Lake northeast of Rockville, MD, and the Washington,...

More Essex bike trails

Windsor Hills Conservation Trail

MD - 0.9 miles

The Windsor Hills Conservation Trail is a short hiking trail through the Windsor Hills neighborhood of Baltimore. Built partially on a former streetcar line that once connected the area with the...

Northwest Branch Trail

MD - 7 miles

The Northwest Branch Trail—an integral part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System—runs between the Maryland towns of Hyattsville and Silver Spring, linking two bustling suburbs of Washington, D.C....

Marvin Gaye Trail

DC - 1.9 miles

The Marvin Gaye Trail offers a paved pathway through the Deanwood, Burville, Lincoln Heights, and Hillbrook neighborhoods of Washington, DC. Just shy of 2 miles, it runs from Minnesota Avenue NE, near...

Metropolitan Branch Trail

DC,MD - 8 miles

Following the route of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Metropolitan Branch rail line, the Met Branch Trail is a busy urban rail-with-trail that shares a corridor with Metro's Red Line, MARC commuter...

Accordion

Hanover Trolley Trail

PA - 3.5 miles

The Hanover Trolley Trail is being built along the 16-mile corridor of the York-Hanover Trolley Line that ran between the two cities in the early 1900s. Currently, about a quarter of that distance is...

Indian Creek Trail (MD)

MD - 1.5 miles

Maryland's Indian Creek Trail is one of the shorter components of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, but it serves as a vital link between the town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, and scenic Lake...

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail

MD - 2.5 miles

Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is recognized for challenging hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, rock outcroppings, boating, a museum and restored historical sites. But none of these...

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

MD - 1.4 miles

Charles Bailey Trail

DE,PA - 2.5 miles

Traversing the Delaware/Pennsylvania border along the scenic White Clay Creek, the Charles Bailey Trail offers a pleasant, wooded hike for those willing to travel somewhat off the beaten path. The...

Swamp Forest Trail

DE - 6.4 miles

The Swamp Forest Trail loops through Lums Pond State Park on a packed earth surface that accommodates hikers and cyclists. The trail is the shorter of two loops; the Little Jersey Trail runs closer to...

Newark Reservoir Trail

DE - 1.8 miles

Situated on hilly land on the northern edge of Newark, the Newark Reservoir was built in 2006 to capture water from the nearby White Clay Creek watershed - and thanks to the paved Newark Reservoir...

Wayne Gilchrest Trail

MD - 1.2 miles

The Wayne Gilchrest Trail, which opened on Earth Day in 2012, runs along the southern edge of the historic Maryland Eastern Shore community of Chestertown. The trail connects Washington College to the...

Downs Park Trail

MD - 5 miles

Downs Park Trail is located in Downs Park on the Chesapeake Bay just north of Gibson Island. The 3.5-mile perimeter trail is paved, popular for walkers and cyclists alike, and an additional 1.5 miles...

Patuxent Branch Trail

MD - 4.6 miles

The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of a 20-mile trail system over and around the rolling hills of Howard County that follows a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line along the Patuxent River. The...

BWI Trail

MD - 12.5 miles

The 11-mile BWI Trail was primarily designed for area commuters; however, the trail also makes for a great recreation venue. Despite being close to BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport, much of the trail is...

Black Hill Trail

MD - 4.3 miles

Black Hill Trail offers a wooded trek with gentle inclines through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. The trail is primarily paved, though a short section in...

Sligo Creek Trail

MD - 10.2 miles

The Sligo Creek Trail parallels the eponymous waterway from its confluence with the Northwest Branch in Hyattsville to just north of its origin in Wheaton in Montgomery County. Along the way, a number...

Twinbrook Connector Trail

MD - 0.8 miles

Formerly known as the Parklawn North Trail, this path provides a bike-ped connection from the Twinbrook neighborhood to the Rock Creek Trail. The paved trail begins at the end of Rock Creek Mill Road,...

Brentwood Levee Trail

MD - 0.9 miles

The Town of Brentwood is tucked between Mt Rainier & Hyattsville in Prince George's County, Maryland. This short stretch of paved trail sits on the crest of a levee along the south bank of the...

Intercounty Connector Trail

MD - 8 miles

More Essex walking trails

Brentwood Levee Trail

MD - 0.9 miles

The Town of Brentwood is tucked between Mt Rainier & Hyattsville in Prince George's County, Maryland. This short stretch of paved trail sits on the crest of a levee along the south bank of the...

BWI Trail

MD - 12.5 miles

Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path

MD - 2.2 miles

The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path is a 2.2 mile trail that is located between Laurel and Annapolis in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail starts at Piney Orchard Elementary School, and ends at...

Folly Branch Trail

MD - 2.9 miles

A winding line of asphalt meanders between Glenn Dale Park in Lanham to Annapolis Road. The trail is sheltered amongst the riparian woodland of Folly Branch. At the north end of the trail can be...

Accordion

James F. Hall Trail

DE - 1.8 miles

The James F. Hall Trail—a rail-with-trail—packs a lot into a short stretch: Its paved surface is great for bicycling, in-line skating, and strolling, and there are multiple playgrounds, picnic areas,...

Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path

DE - 1.5 miles

Providing over a mile of trail between the Kent County communities of Smyrna and Clayton, the Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path is a nifty recreational asset that offers a nice path for outdoor exercise as...

Four Mile Run Trail

VA - 6.2 miles

The Four Mile Run Trail traverses the Four Mile Run stream valley and has many twists and turns, not to mention steep sections (mercifully short). The trail more or less parallels the popular W&OD...

John Overstreet Connector

MD - 1.5 miles

The John Overstreet Connector is a 1.5-mile trail segment that links the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and BWI Trail. The shortbut vitaltrail is named after Overstreet, a retiree from Glen Burnie,...

Mount Vernon Trail

VA - 18 miles

The 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail is one of the Washington, D.C. Metro area's most popular trails. Just across the Potomac River from D.C. in Virginia, the trail links Theodore Roosevelt Island Park with...

Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail

MD - 1.8 miles

Maryland's Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail links to Delaware's Michael Castle Trail; both run along the north bank of the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal and meet at the state line. The...

This trail traces a hilly green swath located in a Pepco electric utility right-of-way that stretches between South Gernmantown Recreational Park and Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park. It's a natural...

Suitland Parkway Trail

DC - 1.7 miles

The Suitland Parkway trail is a short paved multi-use path that runs adjacent to Suitland Parkway in SE D.C. to the border with Maryland. Proposed construction may extend the trail to the Branch...

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

PA - 14.1 miles

The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail follows the route of the historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, tracing the Susquehanna River northwest from Columbia to Falmouth. The entire trail is paved....

Springlawn Trail

PA - 2.1 miles

The Springlawn Trail travels on what was once Springlawn Road, connecting Chesterville Road (Rt. 841) and Strickersville Road. The 2-mile trail is comprised of dirt and gravel and makes for a good...

Cross County Trail (VA)

VA - 40 miles

The Cross County Trail is a multi-use trail that generally follows the various stream valleys in Fairfax County, Virginia. It is officially named the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in recognition...

Mount Airy Rail-Trail

MD - 0.5 miles

The Mount Airy Rail-Trail will one day span nearly 4 miles across the town of Mount Airy and through a scenic, wooded area. The first completed section of the trail covers a half mile and is surfaced...

Lone Wolf Trail

MD - 1 miles

The Lone Wolf Trail is a 1-mile trail in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail is connected to two already existing trails: The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path, and the WB&A Trail. Although the...

Marvin Gaye Trail

DC - 1.9 miles

More Essex running trails

Recent Trail Reviews

Enola Low Grade Trail

Beautiful Fall Bike Ride

October, 2021 by kdenikend

Nice (approx 20 mile) out and back bike ride on a beautiful fall day. Appreciated the well maintained mostly level gravel pathway. Left from Quarryville area parking lot and rode to the Martic Forge closure. Many birds crossed the path as well as woolly bear caterpillars. Nice to know that there are 2 bike stations along the way if needed. We'll be back!

Cross County Trail (VA)

GT/cross-county Trail Markers are almost non-existant

October, 2021 by fsgregs

I took my bike and started up this trail from its terminus at the Occoquan Marine Park near Lorton, VA. For the 1st mile, it was obvious, a nice paved trail heading inland slightly up hill. After a mile, I encountered a cross-walk. There was NO marker on the other side, but I assumed the trail continued there. It then went into and around the side of the old Lorton Prison, which is now called the Workhouse complex. Within the complex, the trail ... just came to a stop at a parking lot. No signs, no arrows ... no anything. The map which Traillink provides showed no clear detail of where to go next. I asked 3 people, none of whom had any idea. I biked around all the buildings, went out onto the street, found nothing, and got ready to quit. Then, I talked to a biker who said to find the trail, I had to go out onto a main road (Workhouse Rd.), turn right, and I'd eventually find some signs. I biked over a mile, went into another park and biked around, and found nothing. Finally, I saw what looked like the trail, going UNDER the main road through a tunnel. Biked back up Workhouse Rd, eventually found a small branch off the road with a small GT trail sign in the back, followed its paved trail, only to find it dead-ending. Backtracked and discovered I had to branch off the paving onto a dirt trail to keep on the GT trail. Took it for 1/2 mile, came to a fork in the trail, but again, no sign as to which fork to take. I then gave up in disgust, and biked back to my car.

This trail markers are very poor. Fairfax Cty is a major well-maintained municipality. One would think its major cross-county trail would be reasonably marked. Its not. Thoroughly disgusted!!!

Mount Vernon Trail

Nice Views

October, 2021 by danaprn

As you ride out to Mount Vernon, you feel like you are far away from NoVA/DC. Beautiful views across the river. Just be aware of the many roots that are cracking through the trail - not a smooth ride, but a great trail location.

Accordion

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Finally did the C&O

October, 2021 by pwalaski

Most of the recent reviews are spot on. If you are used to crushed limestone or asphalt the bulk of this trail is bumpy and full of exposed rocks, ruts and tree roots. The downside is you have to keep your eyes front and center most of the time. The Paw Paw Tunnel detour is a real challenge. I only had two panniers that were not full and it was a struggle. Can’t imagine how the fully loaded bike packers did it. (But I’ve also not done any mtb, so that could affect how easy/hard it was.) But the amount of history and really cool places to stop and explore make it worth it. Beautiful aqueducts and lock houses as w.landmarks makes up fo me the trail conditions.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

What a history filled experience...

October, 2021 by 7s5a692x35

***ATTENTION***
The Paw Paw detour due to the tunnel being closed which with talking to the construction crew, will remain closed for another 18 months (Spring ’23) but when reopened, it will have a new riding surface.

The marked detour is not like any other that I have ever experienced on a trail which normally is a divert to local roads until you can rejoin the trail. Eastbound is best described as a mountain bike trail which is narrow in sections and at a 10 to 15 percent grade with exposed roots, rock gardens (rocks vertically embedded in the trail surface) and other obstacles. With a bike loaded down with gear, it is extremely strenuous to make it to the top and over the tunnel. Just pushing your bike up and over East bound is a challenge also.

Westbound is a trail that is a large enough for a vehicle but also has 10 to 15 percent grades but has a loose surface for a majority of it.

From Cumberland to Paw Paw, the trail is need of maintenance as there is numerous hazards to include mud holes that are deep (10” to 12”), segments of large branches and this time of the year with leaves falling, they hide some of the obstacles. You must keep your eyes on the trail and not sightsee for this section of C&O.

Also, confirm your dining options along the trail as even if sites on the internet say they will be open during your visit, you may be disappointed and going hungry due to the lack of staffing.

The rest of the trail is in great condition to DC and be aware as you approach the Capitol and it is on a weekend that there will be plenty of trail traffic as they enjoy this gem in their backyard!

WB&A Trail

Status of the Patuxent River Bridge

October, 2021 by jennyjohn8484

Here's a note I received on 10/5/2021 from the Trail Development Program Manager for the Prince Georges County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Dawn Thomas is the Anne Arundel (AA) County Recreation and Parks point person for the project.

PG Parks is a partner in the project.

The latest news from AA County is that a Pre-Bid meeting was held by the Dept. of Public Works (AAC).

Contractors will be preparing bids for construction in October.

Contractor selection will happen in Nov-Dec. timeframe, and then a contract will need to be signed by the appropriate parties.

Depending on weather and the contractor’s planned schedule for construction activities, work will start in early 2022.

A planned construction schedule won’t be available until early 2022. In general, it will take at least 12 months, however weather will play a huge role in determining the actual timeframe.

Klingle Valley Trail

Delightful short walk

October, 2021 by meagan2

My aunt and I took a quick walk on this path. It’s a peaceful walk on a paved path with a burbling creek nearby. A lovely step into nature in the Cleveland Park area.

Black Hill Trail

Alright

September, 2021 by byronkwild

It was alright - the trail didn’t give much view of the lake itself and also didn’t circumnavigate it. You just kind of end up in a neighborhood. That said it was wide and well maintained and easy to navigate.

Heritage Rail Trail County Park

Great Ride

September, 2021 by jsasmith_tl

One of my favorites.

Cross County Trail (VA)

Disappointed

September, 2021 by interlake1395

Seems like a great path but horribly marked. I started at the Occoquan end and made it maybe five miles before getting frustrated and lost several times. There are intersecting trails, neighborhood paths, etc. that all look the same but no signage to tell you which way to go. Halfway through I started using this app for the trail map and still got off the trail several times.

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

Came from MI. To Baltimore, MD. to ride with my son. Awesome paved trail. Lots is things like the old ranger station to stop and see.

September, 2021 by david.c.allen.mi

Came from MI. To Baltimore, MD. to ride with my son. Awesome paved trail. Lots is things like the old ranger station to stop and see.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

My first multi day ride

September, 2021 by kevin339

I completed this ride the first week of September, cycling from Cumberland to DC the day after Hurricane Ida passed through. The first time I have done a multi-day ride. Took the Amtrak to Cumberland with my bike and stayed at 9 Decatur (recommended). The trail was in good shape. A couple of additional puddles from the rain but very rideable. I had a great time. Four days and three nights. Rode 50/50/50 and 30 miles. Camping worked out very well at the hiker/biker sites. The only major hitch was the Pawpaw tunnel had just closed and taking a bike loaded with gear up and over is quite a slog. Hopefully some entrepreneurial locals have come up with some drive around alternatives. Unless you are a purist I recommend taking advantage if they have.
Don't expect stunning vistas but settle in to a rhythm and enjoy the history and it is a meditative and fulfilling experience.
Thanks to all the park staff who keep the park in such great shape.

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