Explore the best rated trails in Silver Spring, 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 4653 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.
I have used this trail a few times to commute from the Arlington, VA area into the district. It is convenient but could use a repaving. The paved path is bumpy (It looks like tree roots grew to create the wavy in the path). The first time I rode it I was pulling my dog and the wavy ness of the trail actually broke the bike rack connecting the dog trailer from the bumps. 3 years later from when by rack broke, the path has only gotten more wavy.
This trail is also hilly so you will get a workout. Going from Ballston to DC it was more downhill and rather easy, coming back the hills were somewhat steep. A good workout but not overly difficult.
On a side note: If you are visiting DC, I strongly suggest using the bike trails in DC, around DC, and all the trails in the surrounding areas. Every Smithsonian has bike racks to lock up your bike while visiting the museums. It is a great way to see the monuments, museums, and the mall without miles of walking. Today I first went to Library of Congress (to do some research), then to National African American Museum, and to the Native American Museum. I rode about a mile between the two museums which was much easier than walking.
I just finished a two-day solo tour (Cumberland to Williamsport, Williamsport to DC) and had an incredible experience despite the rain and the tough going over a few stretches. I hear a lot of criticism about the C & O, particularly when compared to the GAP (which I have also done). I appreciate the contrast and hope that the C&O retains its historic character as a more rugged towpath (not a rail trail). That said, the conditions on the east side of Paw Paw and from White’s Ferry to DC were challenging (again, I like the changing surfaces). Highlights: wilderness character, Paw Paw Tunnel, sycamores between Harper’s Ferry and Antietam, Great Falls, Monocacy, Point of Rocks station and the towns.
Paint Branch Trail is good with one fatal flaw. Just west of Lake Artemesia there is a railroad underpass that develops a large mud pit after rainfall. Most of the time I've used this trail it has not been an issue, but I recently rode it after a rainfall and there was a mud pit approximately 25 feet long, with mud 2-3 inches deep, with no way around. Very unsafe and very irritating.
The trail is paved and easy to ride, and the water fountains that line the trail actually work! Great for beginners and experienced riders. Well-populated but not overcrowded.
I just rode 28 miles round trip today (May 30, 2025) on the WB&A Trail and it was great!
Contrary to the narrative in the description, the bridge over the Patuxent River is now open.
Started in Odenton and parked on Railroad Ave just North of the trail entrance and rode all the way to Annapolis Road (Rt 450).
Lots of bikers and pedestrians out on the trail today.
Great day to ride!
The bridge is open and you're able to ride the full length of the trail. Great nature viewing throughout the ride. Surprisingly, over 1000 ft of elevation gain.
Some parts east of Carroll Park were a bit sketchy. That said, I love the variety that this trail brings. Western part is very well-signed and doesn’t even feel like city. Eastern part is a bit more confusing (I definitely recommend having the map open). This was a fun 2 rides.
My husband and I broke the trail up into 3 segments between May 8th to May 19, 2025 riding our bikes. We started at New Freedom, PA and rode to Walker Road and back. (14.2 miles). The next time we rode from Walker Road to Monkton station and back. (14.2 miles). Then we finished the trail riding from Monkton to Ashland Road and back (14.2 miles). The scenery included beautiful foliage, a winding creek, and various forest creatures. The trail itself is well kept. It is also well traveled with walkers, runners and cyclists.
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.
It’s in great shape compared to some of the city streets, and is somewhat well-marked. I used the map on the TrailLink app to make sure I didn’t make a wrong turn, and would recommend the same to other riders. Sometimes you have to share a sidewalk or street, but when you do they’ve been widened for it. North of Falls Road, there are several sets of switchbacks and several hills.
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