Find the top rated running trails in Arbutus, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Trail Image | Trail Name | States | Length | Surface | Rating |
|
Overview
Winding along its namesake river, from Maryland into southeast D.C., the Anacostia River Trail (also known as the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail) provides an outstanding recreation and...
|
DC, MD | 21.5 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete |
|
|
Overview
The paved 13-mile B&A Trail connects the Chesapeake Bay cities of Baltimore and Annapolis. Along with extensive historical markers, this trail features the Planet Walk, a multi-mile...
|
MD | 13.3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
The only trail in the U.S. fully encircling an international airport, the BWI Trail, also known as the BWI Hiker-Biker Trail, hosts walkers, bikers, runners, and aviation enthusiasts...
|
MD | 12.4 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
|
|
The Ballenger creek Linear Trail is a 4.2 mile greenway in Frederick County Maryland. Constructed by both local developers and the county government, whose goal was to connect the community, the trail...
|
MD | 4.2 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
|
|
Overview
Black Hill Trail offers a 4.5-mile wooded trek with gentle inclines through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. The trail is primarily paved,...
|
MD | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The Broadneck Peninsula Trail is 2.43 miles of asphalt walking and biking pathway in east Annapolis. The trail runs parallel to College Parkway, from Bay Dale Dr. to Old Cape St. Claire Road, across...
|
MD | 2.43 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
The Burke Lake Loop Trail is a 4.6-mile loop around the scenic Burke Lake.
About the Route
The Burke Lake Loop Trail sits in Burke Park, offering access to various activities...
|
VA | 4.6 mi | Gravel |
|
|
Burke VRE Trail lies within Pohick Stream Valley Park and provides an important commuting and recreational corridor, connecting a shopping center, residential neighborhoods, and a Virginia Railway...
|
VA | 1.4 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Detour Notice: As of September 2017, the Capital Crescent Trail east of downtown Bethesda was closed due to the construction of the Purple Line light-rail system. It is estimated that the reopening of...
|
DC, MD | 12.7 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
Following the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Towpath traverses the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for 184.2 miles between Cumberland, Maryland, and the Georgetown...
|
DC, MD | 184.2 mi | Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt |
|
|
Overview
Explore the best of the Eastern Shore of Maryland on Queen Anne’s County’s Cross Island Trail, which runs the width of Kent Island for 9.3 miles, stretching between two nature...
|
MD | 9.13 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
|
|
Overview
The Easton Rail-Trail runs between Dutchmans Lane in southern Easton, Maryland, and North Easton Park—a large sports complex for 2.5 miles. The trail opened in 1998 and has been a popular...
|
MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Not to be confused with the nearby Gettysburg Inner Loop, the roughly 3-mile Gettysburg Trail is a paved walking trail that connects the Visitor Center to important locations on the battlefield, the...
|
PA | 3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
The Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park runs along the Patapsco River for 2.5 miles between Ilchester Road and Lost Lake. The heavily wooded paved trail passes by various...
|
MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Sitting on the corner of East Main Street and Alley 5 in Thurmont is a green and white one-story building. Murals decorate its walls, depicting the history of the famous Hagerstown and Frederick...
|
MD | 1.1 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
The Heritage Rail Trail County Park (HRT) runs between the Pennsylvania–Maryland state line and York, Pennsylvania. Most of the trail has a crushed-stone surface, although portions of the...
|
PA | 27.4 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
Although located within easy reach of the Washington, D.C., metro area, the Indian Head Rail Trail in southern Maryland seems far removed from the hectic pace of urban life. The 13-mile...
|
MD | 12.9 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
Running north to south for over 12 miles along the Jones Falls Stream Valley, the Jones Falls Trail is one of the Baltimore region’s premier urban trails. Combining pristine forested...
|
MD | 12.4 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
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...
|
DC | 0.73 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
In Northern Virginia’s suburban community of Springfield, Lake Accotink Park provides a wilderness escape amid the city surroundings. The 500-acre park features picnic areas, miniature golf, an...
|
VA | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The Lake Mercer Loop Trail wraps around Lake Mercer in Fairfax and is slightly over five miles in length. From the Lake Mercer Loop Trail you can hop on to the South Run Trail, or the Burke Lake Loop...
|
VA | 5.3 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The MA & PA Heritage Trail is not your typical rail-trail. Named for the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad, which chugged through the Harford County countryside for the first half of the 20th...
|
MD | 5.1 mi | Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
Mount Airy Rails to Trails (R2T) is currently 1 mile long split into two unconnected half-mile sections. Following a former railroad corridor, it will one day span nearly 4 miles across...
|
MD | 1 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Gravel |
|
|
Overview
Hugging Arlington’s Potomac River waterfront, the Mount Vernon Trail links Gateway Park in Rosslyn with George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia. Just across the...
|
VA | 18 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete |
|
|
The Northeast Branch Trail, Lake Artemesia Trail, and Paint Branch Trail combine to form an 8.3-mile segment of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System in Prince George’s County. Connecting in the south...
|
MD | 8.3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
Prince George's County's Paint Branch Trail (not to be confused with Montgomery County's Paint Branch Trail farther north) runs for 4 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Road...
|
MD | 4 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Whether by wheel or foot, many off-road trips in southern Howard County involve the Patuxent Branch Trail. Opened in 1997, the 4.5-mile regional trail connects to an extensive network of local trails...
|
MD | 4.35 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 | 4.3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
Located in the northwestern neighborhoods of Washington, D.C., Rock Creek Park serves as a lush natural oasis spanning more than 1,700 acres in the bustling heart of the nation’s capital....
|
DC | 8.5 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
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...
|
MD | 16 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail is part of the countywide trail system. This trail runs from the Fairfax County Parkway to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The distance along the trail from the Parkway to the...
|
VA | 4.6 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
|
|
Overview
The 1.3-mile 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...
|
MD | 1.3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to populous Baltimore and its relatively flat course, which winds along river...
|
MD | 19.9 mi | Crushed Stone, Dirt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
The 44.4-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), one of suburban Washington, D.C.’s most popular rail-trails, is a fantastic link between the state’s rural and historical past and...
|
VA | 44.4 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail provides a superb 4.1-mile link between Alexandria, VA, and Maryland's National Harbor over the Potomac River.
About the Route
This well-used trail...
|
MD, VA | 4.1 mi | Concrete |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The Arlington Loop is composed of four local trails—the Mount Vernon Trail, the Custis Trail, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), and the Four Mile Run Trail. Together they create a paved...
|
VA | 16 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete |
|
|
Overview
The Bethesda Trolley Trail—also known as the North Bethesda Trail—is a 3.5-mile path linking Bethesda and North Bethesda, primarily by bridging two major highways. The trail occupies the...
|
MD | 5.4 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
The Carl Henn Millennium Trail is Rockville's bicycle beltway. The paved 10-mile loop connects residential neighborhoods, parks, shops, restaurants, and more.
About the Route
The...
|
MD | 10.7 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
Running through southeastern Pennsylvania, the Enola Low Grade Trail is remarkably flat, even for a rail trail —it says so right in the name! Even across hilly terrain, the trail’s grades...
|
PA | 29.15 mi | Ballast, Crushed Stone |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
This paved path parallels Georgia Avenue along the west side, and provides easy access to the Intercounty Connector Trail (ICC Trail).
Starting at the southern endpoint, the trail follows Georgia...
|
MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail is a multi-use trail that follows along the various stream valleys in Fairfax County, Virginia for 41.4 miles. It is officially named the Gerry...
|
VA | 40 mi | Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel |
|
|
Overview
The Gwynns Falls Trail is a nearly 20-mile continuous corridor that winds through dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods, parks, and historical and cultural landmarks and the...
|
MD | 19.7 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
|
|
The Hanover Trolley Trail is currently 5.5 miles in two disconnected trail segments. The trail is being built along the 16-mile corridor of the York-Hanover Trolley Line that ran between the two...
|
PA | 5.5 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel |
|
|
Visitors to the Henson Creek Trail in the sprawling suburbs of southwestern Prince George’s County may be surprised by the extent of woodlands and open space along this corridor that lies just outside...
|
MD | 5.7 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The 2.5-mile Herring Run Trail is a neighborhood gem that runs through Herring Run Park, a scenic 375-acre stream-valley oasis in Northeast Baltimore. This loop trail, bordered by Harford Road to the...
|
MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
|
|
Closure Notice: Parts of this trail were heavily damaged due to flood-related erosion in 2018 and 2019, forcing the closure of certain segments, especially near the Holmes Run Parkway bridge, and...
|
VA | 6.6 mi | Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Curving around the perimeter of the Army's Forest Glen Annex, the paved portion of the Ireland Trail is 1.5 miles and winds through the woods, making for a pleasant and scenic excursion into nature....
|
MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Kent Island South Trail is one of two popular recreational trails on Maryland’s Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay (the other is the Cross Island Trail). The trail runs parallel...
|
MD | 5.8 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Although less than two miles long, the Meadowlark Connector Trail provides a terrific link between the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and the popular W&OD Trail. The trail meets the W&OD in Vienna;...
|
VA | 1.25 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
Connecting Union Station, historic D.C. neighborhoods, and the bustling beltway town of Silver Spring, the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) weaves connectivity, post-industrial renewal,...
|
DC, MD | 7.9 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Overview
The Northwest Branch Trail travels a sylvan setting through a string of parks in the Maryland suburbs northeast of Washington, D.C. The 17.4-mile greenway connects the...
|
MD | 17.4 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
|
|
The separated multi-use Rosewick Road Sidepath provides a direct link for both recreation and transportation between the southern Maryland communities of St. Charles and La Plata. The path runs...
|
MD | 5.2 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Only a mile long, the Savage Mill Trail rolls through a significant piece of Howard County’s industrial heritage as it crosses the grounds of an old textile mill complex on the Little Patuxent River....
|
MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel |
|
|
Overview
The bustling D.C. metro area seems light-years away from the parklands bordering the Sligo Creek Trail in the Maryland suburbs northeast of the city. The paved stream-valley trail follows...
|
MD | 9.4 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 | 2 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Overview
The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis (WB&A) Trail runs through Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County. Currently, the trail is open in sections, but these will be connected when...
|
MD | 13.1 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Wayne Gilchrest Trail offers a scenic off-road route across historical Chestertown on the Eastern Shore, connecting Wilmer Park on the Chester River with Washington College on the north side of...
|
MD | 2.1 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Running parallel to Beulah Street from Franconia to Fort Belvoir in southeast Fairfax County, the paved Beulah Street Sidepath provides a link to numerous neighborhoods along its route. A parallel...
|
VA | 3.25 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
|
|
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 |
|
|
This paved sidepath runs parallel to Centreville Road/State Route 657, providing a safe route for alternative transportation along the busy suburban roadway in western Fairfax County. The trail runs...
|
VA | 4.7 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Cub Run Stream Valley Trail offers a paved route meandering through Cub Run Stream Valley Park in the Northern Virginia suburb of Centreville. Though it's surrounded by residential neighborhoods,...
|
VA | 9.1 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Fairfax County Parkway Trail parallels Fairfax County Parkway/State Route 286 on its route across Fairfax County, Virginia. While the paved trail varies in width and condition, most of the trail...
|
VA | 28.3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Meandering 1.4 miles through the borough of Red Lion, this section of the Ma & Pa Community Greenway is called the Red Lion Trail. Following a disused railway corridor for part of its route, this...
|
PA | 1.44 mi | Crushed Stone |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The Ox Road Sidepath is a paved trail that runs parallel to Ox Road/State Route 123 in Fairfax County. The trail runs from George Mason University's main Fairfax campus to just south of the former...
|
VA | 11.5 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Stringfellow Road Sidepath runs for three miles through Chantilly and Centreville in Northern Virginia's Fairfax County. The asphalt and concrete trail connects multiple neighborhoods to various...
|
VA | 3 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
|
|
The Braddock Road Sidepath parallels Braddock Road and New Braddock Road (State Route 620) between Centreville and Burke, two bedroom communities in Northern Virginia's Fairfax County. The trail...
|
VA | 10 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
|
|
The Gettysburg Inner Loop is a network of multi-use trails and signed, on-street bicycle routes, paralleled by sidewalks for foot traffic, currently being built around the perimeter of the historic,...
|
PA | 1.03 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Enjoy the natural beauty of our Nation's Capital by exploring Rock Creek Park via pedestrian-only roads! Winding through Rock Creek Park in Northwest DC, three sections of Beach Drive have been...
|
DC | 5 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Blake Lane Sidepath runs for 3 miles, linking Oak Marr Park and Recreation Center with neighborhoods, Oakton High School and other parks. Most of the trail is concrete and the width of a standard...
|
VA | 3 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
|
|
Running along N. East Street in Frederick, this very short segment of trail is built on a former rail corridor. There are plans to extend the trail along the former Walkerville Southern Railroad...
|
MD | 0.8 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The Folly Lick Branch Trail begins in Herndon, a northern Virginia suburb. The paved pathway begins off Herndon Parkway and winds northeast along the Folly Lick Branch stream through a residential...
|
VA | 2 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
This short sidepath parallels Herndon Parkway on the eastern edge of Herndon in Northern Virginia. Much of the trail is the width of a standard sidewalk, and it includes crosswalks and curb-cuts at...
|
VA | 2 mi | Concrete |
|
|
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 | 6.4 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
The 3-mile separated multi-use path along Middletown Road allows for safe recreation and transportation along the western side of Waldorf, Maryland. The trail begins just south of State Route 228 and...
|
MD | 3 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
Part of the Gettysburg area's growing trail network, the North Gettysburg Trail begins at the north end of the borough at the northwest corner of East Broadway and Old Harrisburg Road. The asphalt...
|
PA | 0.88 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Right in the middle of the Herndon suburbs, the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail provides an Oasis for hikers and bikers looking to escape into the woods. For it's nearly 3 mile run, the trail...
|
VA | 6 mi | Asphalt |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The West Ox Road Sidepath is a short paved trail along the west side of West Ox Road. The trail extends from the Oak Hill area of Fairfax County to southeastern Chantilly (near Fair Oaks Mall in...
|
VA | 2.9 mi | Asphalt |
|
Easy walk on an asphalt trail. Almost all in trees. 1.4 miles or so up, 1.4 miles back. Easy parking at both ends.
The view from the dam, with the lake and fall colors is magnificent.
I biked from Pittsburgh to DC (GAP and C&O trails combined) 9/8 thru 9/14/24. This review is for the C&O only. Weather – excellent. Scenery- beautiful. Accommodations – very good. Trail surfaces –highly variable from narrow dirt paths laced with muddy holes to relatively smooth, hardpacked dirt to loose gravel (better for a pickup truck than a bicycle!). From 10 miles south of Great Falls into DC the trail/road was especially rough. I was riding an Off-road bike with 40 MM wide tires and momentarily lost front tire stability in MANY spots due to loose gravel (especially on the sloped paths leading into & out of lock areas). My biggest safety concern were the numerous concrete bridges over creeks & culverts that had ZERO guard rails, warning signs or even yellow paint. The bridge widths were narrower than the trail requiring the biker to NOTICE and move more to the center for safety. If a biker went off the side of any of these bridges, I’d expect serious injuries or worse. The worst safety hazard was at Lock 38. Approaching the lock from the southwest side, the (main) trail leads right across the top of the lock wall- that is 3 to 4 ft wide with only an outer rail – very dangerous. The drop off to the grassy floor below was about 7-9 feet straight down. I was in a group of riders that suddenly saw this “tightrope” situation and jammed on their brakes. (Nobody realized we should have diverted onto a narrow, unmarked path that led downward through the lock.) Fortunately, everyone stopped safely; walked their bikes down a slope and on to the safe path through the bottom of the lock. A simple, cheap sign could prevent the near-miss accidents at this spot.
I’m really disappointed that this National Park hasn’t (at least) marked these safety hazards. Considering all the hazards and the rough gravel, I think this C&O Towpath trail merits 2 stars.
We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!
I recently walked virtually every foot of the 40+ mile long Jerry Connolly Cross County trail, in both directions. This includes the part of the route which is not a trail at all, but a 2-mile long sidewalk along a busy road. I would start by driving to a starting point and walk about 5000 steps in one direction, stopping at a convenient point where I could park my truck nearby. Then, I walked back along the same trail. Most of the southern part of the trail, from the Occoquan river to Arlington Blvd is paved in asphalt. Almost all of the northern part, from the Oakmont rec center to Great Falls park is a rough trail. This part would be quite muddy after a rain. Most of the trail parallels a stream, from Difficult Run in the north, to Accotink Creek in the middle, to Pohick Creek in the south. Trail markers range from excellent in some parts to hardly noticeable in other parts. Having Google Maps on a phone app was super helpful at times when I accidently veered from the trail, or was at a point with a fork in the trail. There are several signs along the way with a map of the trail in the near vicinity. These were necessary and helpful when the trail came to an apparent end and the resumption point was several yards away. Almost all of the trail is an easy walk with just a few steep-ish ascents and descents. Most of the trail is really quite pretty. Overall, a very fulfilling experience for me.
We were on Kent Island for a wedding, and we took a stroll from the Hyatt Hotel in the direction away from the Bay Bridge. The trail runs alongside the busy road for a mile or so, then there’s a short stretch in a pleasant piney woods, and then back to the busy road. The trail is well maintained and the surface is good, and the part in the woods was pretty nice. But for most of our 3.5 mile walk (total, there and back) it was like walking beside a busy road. If I did this again, I’d try to access the trail at a place where you would have a nicer experience.
This trail is perfect for beginners. And has a nice mixture of Terrain, heights and splits to keep it interesting. You will be tired but not exhausted if you walk the entire trail and back. Would recommend.
We started off at Mt. Vernon and the trail was easy to follow for about 3-4 miles right at the connection to Washington and Old Dominion trail. However past that, it was not easy to navigate as there are a lot of forks and parks that the trail passes, also there are some sketchy under bridge passes that are slippery and also very narrow concrete paths over streams. This makes trail fun, but you have to be cautious.
The description on TrailLink is a bit outdated, as the trail continues past Bluemont junction and past the intersection with Custis trail. Four miles runs alongside W & OD trail for a few miles, past the custis spur. It may even run further than that, but we turned around at that point to go back to Mt. Vernon. On AllTrails, this is labeled as 15 miles out and back.
I'd give it 5 stars but so many people let their dogs off-leash here. It's a true nuisance. They are extremely rude when asked politely to leash their dogs. There is a great deal of wildlife around - beaver and muskrats in the creek, tiny spotted fawns in the spring, barred owls, foxes, hawks. People allow their dogs to chase them and to foul the paths and bushes. There seems to be no authority to stop it. Looks for the water snakes basking under the bridge over the creek and the pileated woodpeckers nesting in the dead trees!
Great trail. Not too crowded. Lots of shade. We biked the loop with our six-year-old who rides a fixed gear bike. A few hills on the south side were a bit steep, so we did some walking, but the north side was much easier. Definitely going back.
The best part of the WOD is west of Leesburg, through Paeonian Springs into tunnels of trees, past farmland, ending at a fabulous barbecue place in Purcellville. Stunning in fall foliage.
The friends of the Mount Vernon trail has done a lot to improve the MVT including grinding down the trip hazard, filling potholes, replacing water fountains and more. NPS has also replaced a lot of the bridges and boardwalks, and will be widening and repaving the entire trail soon. be sure to stop in old town Alexandria for the self guided black history tour, or to get a bite to eat. Check out Mount Vernon and the distillery at the Southern end, or cut across into DC at the 14th street bridge. You can end your ride in Rosslyn for the many great attractions! The trail also goes past the new Amazon headquarters, Crystal City, the Pentagon, Arlington nationalcemetery, Teddy Roosevelt Island, and is just a bridge away from the Kennedy Center, Georgetown and the famous C&O Canal Trail.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!