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Carney, MD Birding Trails and Maps

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Find the top rated birding trails in Carney, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Most Popular

Anacostia River Trail

21.5 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete

B&A Trail

13.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

BWI Trail

12.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Ballenger Creek Linear Trail

4.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete

Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail

1.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Black Hill Trail

4.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Bluemont Junction Trail

1.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Brentwood Levee Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Broadneck Peninsula Trail

2.43 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Canning House Run Trail

0.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Capital Crescent Trail

12.7 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt

Catonsville Short Line Trail

1.4 mi

State: MD

Dirt, Gravel

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

184.2 mi

State: DC, MD

Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Conestoga Greenway Trail

1.3 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Cross Island Trail

9.13 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Easton Rails-to-Trails

4.6 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Farmingdale Trail

4 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Grass

Gettysburg Trail

3 mi

State: PA

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

Accordion

Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

H & F Trolley Trail

1.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Heritage Rail Trail County Park

27.4 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Hollow Creek Greenway

1.7 mi

State: PA

Crushed Stone, Gravel

Indian Creek Trail (MD)

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

James F. Hall Trail

1.8 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

Jones Falls Trail

12.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Klingle Valley Trail

0.73 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Lake Artemesia Trail

1.35 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lake Frank Trail

1.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lancaster Junction Trail

2.3 mi

State: PA

Crushed Stone

Little Falls Trail (MD)

2.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Long Branch Trail (MD)

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

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

Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail

12.4 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

Mount Airy Rails to Trails

1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Mount Vernon Trail

18 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete

Newark Reservoir Trail

1.8 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

Northeast Branch Trail, Lake Artemesia Trail, and Paint Branch Trail

8.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

15.9 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

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)

4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Patuxent Branch Trail

4.35 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail

4.4 mi

State: DE

Asphalt, Gravel

Potomac Yard Trail

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Powerline Trail (MD)

6 mi

State: MD

Dirt, Grass

Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail

4.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Rock Creek Park Trails

8.5 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Rock Creek Trail (MD)

16 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Springlawn Trail

2.1 mi

State: PA

Dirt, Gravel

St. Michaels Nature Trail

1.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

19.9 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

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

44.4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Windsor Hills Conservation Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Dirt

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail

4.1 mi

State: MD, VA

Concrete

Anacostia Tributary Trail System

29.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Arlington Loop

16 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Belmont Trail

0.5 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Bethesda Trolley Trail

5.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Broad Street Greenway

0.9 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Concrete

Carl Henn Millennium Trail

10.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

1.3 mi

State: MD

Boardwalk

Chickies Rock Overlook Trail

0.5 mi

State: PA

Dirt

Custis Trail

4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Downs Park Trail

5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Enola Low Grade Trail

29.15 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

6.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Georgia Avenue Trail

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail

40 mi

State: VA

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

Greater Lancaster Heritage Pathway

1.2 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Gwynns Falls Trail

19.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Hanover Trolley Trail

5.5 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Henson Creek Trail

5.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Heritage Trail (PA)

0.4 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Herring Run Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Intercounty Connector Trail

8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Ireland Drive Trail

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Kent Island South Trail

5.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Little Jersey Trail

8.1 mi

State: DE

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Lone Wolf Trail

1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

MA & PA Heritage Trail

5.1 mi

State: MD

Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Ma & Pa Community Greenway

1.44 mi

State: PA

Crushed Stone

Manheim Township Bikeway

0.7 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Metropolitan Branch Trail

7.9 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt

Mill Creek Trail (PA)

0.9 mi

State: PA

Woodchips

Northwest Branch Trail

17.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

PennDel Trail

5.4 mi

State: DE, PA

Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

Savage Mill Trail

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

Sligo Creek Trail

9.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path

1.5 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

South Shore Trail

2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Stony Run Trail

2.9 mi

State: MD

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

Swamp Forest Trail

6.4 mi

State: DE

Crushed Stone, Dirt

WB&A Trail

13.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Wayne Gilchrest Trail

2.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

John Overstreet Connector

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Landenberg Junction Trail

0.4 mi

State: PA

Dirt, Gravel, Woodchips

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

Metro Linear Park

0.5 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Mill Race Trail

1.2 mi

State: PA

Cinder, Dirt, Grass, Woodchips

Northwest Corridor Linear Park

0.7 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Gettysburg Inner Loop

1.03 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Beach Drive (Rock Creek Park)

5 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Carroll Creek Path

3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete

Charles Bailey Trail

2.5 mi

State: DE, PA

Dirt

East Street Rail Trail

0.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Haydn Manor Trail

0.25 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

James T. Corcoran Memorial Greenway

2.3 mi

State: DE

Asphalt

Lancaster Bible College Path & Stoner Park Path

2 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Landis Valley Road Sidepath

1 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Lime Spring Trail

1 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

Little Paint Branch Trail

6.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

North Gettysburg Trail

0.88 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Number Eight Streetcar Path

0.33 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

Olde Hickory Village Trail

0.25 mi

State: PA

Asphalt

Poplar Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path

2.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Suitland Parkway Trail

1.7 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Valleybrook Pathway

0.93 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

West Campus Access Road Trail

0.4 mi

State: DC

Concrete

Worthington Pathway

0.63 mi

State: PA

Asphalt, Concrete

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Anacostia River Trail 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	14 reviews
	B&A Trail 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 display that might...	MD	13.3 mi	Asphalt	58 reviews
	BWI Trail 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 alike. Takeoffs...	MD	12.4 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	60 reviews
	Ballenger Creek Linear Trail 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	1 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	20 reviews
	Black Hill Trail 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, though a short...	MD	4.5 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	8 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	2 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	1 reviews
	Broadneck Peninsula Trail 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	2 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	1 reviews
	Capital Crescent Trail 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	26 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	2 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 184.2 miles between Cumberland, Maryland, and the Georgetown neighborhood in...	DC, MD	184.2 mi	Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt	105 reviews
	Conestoga Greenway Trail The Conestoga Greenway Trail runs next to the Conestoga River at Sunnyside. The one end of the trail is at Lancaster County Central Park. Although there is vehicular traffic in the park, it is great...	PA	1.3 mi	Asphalt	10 reviews
	Cross Island Trail 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 parks. While the...	MD	9.13 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	40 reviews
	Easton Rails-to-Trails The Easton Rails-to-Trails 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 local...	MD	4.6 mi	Asphalt	9 reviews
	Farmingdale Trail Actually a small network of multi-use trails, the Farmingdale Trail has recently been extended through The Crossings mixed-use development and now connects several neighborhoods in the northwest...	PA	4 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Grass	5 reviews
	Gettysburg Trail 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	1 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	9 reviews

Accordion

Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park 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	14 reviews
H & F Trolley Trail 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	1 reviews
Heritage Rail Trail County Park 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 trail,...	PA	27.4 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	96 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	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
James F. Hall Trail The James F. Hall Trail, named for the City of Newark’s late parks and recreation director, packs a lot into a short stretch. Its paved surface is great for bicycling, inline skating, and stroller and...	DE	1.8 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Jones Falls Trail 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 stream valleys...	MD	12.4 mi	Asphalt	15 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	0.73 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	3 reviews
Lancaster Junction Trail The popular Lancaster Junction Trail follows the former Reading and Columbia Railroad, which transported iron ore and coal from Reading to the Chesapeake Bay via the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal...	PA	2.3 mi	Crushed Stone	20 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
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	2 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	4 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	7 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	3 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
Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail The Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail offers a scenic 12.4-mile route along the north shore of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in northern Delaware. The popular trail is named after the former...	DE	12.4 mi	Asphalt	79 reviews
Mount Airy Rails to Trails 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 the Town of...	MD	1 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Gravel	3 reviews
Mount Vernon Trail 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 river from central...	VA	18 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete	49 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, Lake Artemesia Trail, and Paint Branch Trail 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	6 reviews
Northwest Lancaster County River Trail Overview Spanning over 15 miles on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is a tranquil and easy-going meander between the towns of Bainbridge, Marietta...	PA	15.9 mi	Asphalt	121 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 4 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Road Community Park...	MD	4 mi	Asphalt	9 reviews
Patuxent Branch Trail 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	23 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	11 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	3 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	1 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	4.3 mi	Asphalt	4 reviews
Rock Creek Park Trails 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. Established...	DC	8.5 mi	Asphalt	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	12 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 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 lent the...	MD	1.3 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail 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 valleys through...	MD	19.9 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	99 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	8 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	1 reviews
Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD) 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 the nation’s...	VA	44.4 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	49 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	1 reviews
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail 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 crosses on the...	MD, VA	4.1 mi	Concrete	14 reviews
Anacostia Tributary Trail System The 29.9-mile Anacostia Tributary Trail System includes a number of trails linked together and managed by the National Park Service. About the Route This trail system carries trail users...	MD	29.9 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Arlington Loop 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	2 reviews
Belmont Trail Constructed as part of the Belmont subdivision/Shoppers At Belmont mixed use development, the Belmont Trail is part of Manheim Township's growing network of multi-use greenways and the latest of...	PA	0.5 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Bethesda Trolley Trail 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 abandoned...	MD	5.4 mi	Asphalt	8 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	2 reviews
Carl Henn Millennium Trail 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 Carl Henn...	MD	10.7 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	16 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	1.3 mi	Boardwalk	5 reviews
Chickies Rock Overlook Trail As its name implies, the half-mile out-and-back Chickies Rock Overlook Trail leads to a beautiful vista in Chickies Rock County Park. About the Route Start at the trailhead on its eastern end...	PA	0.5 mi	Dirt	9 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	13 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	16 reviews
Enola Low Grade Trail 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 never exceed...	PA	29.15 mi	Ballast, Crushed Stone	135 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 6.3-mile trail more or less parallels the popular...	VA	6.3 mi	Asphalt	7 reviews
Georgia Avenue Trail 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	1 reviews
Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail 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 Connolly Cross...	VA	40 mi	Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	29 reviews
Greater Lancaster Heritage Pathway Currently just over a mile in length, the Greater Lancaster Heritage Pathway looks, at first glance, like most of the other multi-use trails that have been built across the Lancaster suburbs over the...	PA	1.2 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Gwynns Falls Trail 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 urban...	MD	19.7 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	18 reviews
Hanover Trolley Trail 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	7 reviews
Henson Creek Trail 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	26 reviews
Heritage Trail (PA) Part of the township's ongoing efforts to create a network of multiuse greenways, Manheim Township's Heritage Trail begins at Valley Road and extends south, along the eastern boundary of Landis Woods...	PA	0.4 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	4 reviews
Herring Run Trail 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	9 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	7 reviews
Ireland Drive Trail 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	2 reviews
Kent Island South Trail 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	18 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
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
MA & PA Heritage Trail 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	11 reviews
Ma & Pa Community Greenway 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	6 reviews
Manheim Township Bikeway Part of Manheim Township's growing network of multi-use greenways, the Manheim Township Bikeway begins off Kissel Hill Road, immediately north of the intersection with Landis Valley Road. Heading...	PA	0.7 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Metropolitan Branch Trail 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, and outdoor fun...	DC, MD	7.9 mi	Asphalt	9 reviews
Mill Creek Trail (PA) Just short of a mile in length, the Mill Creek Trail follows the south bank of the stream for which it is named in the suburbs east of Lancaster. Paved with a surface of compact woodchips, the...	PA	0.9 mi	Woodchips	2 reviews
Northwest Branch Trail 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 commercial-residential centers...	MD	17.4 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	7 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	7 reviews
Savage Mill Trail 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	6 reviews
Sligo Creek Trail 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 the...	MD	9.4 mi	Asphalt	12 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	1 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	2 mi	Asphalt	7 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	5 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
WB&A Trail The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis (WB&A) Trail runs for 13.2 miles through Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County. About the Route The northern section of the trail in Anne Arundel...	MD	13.2 mi	Asphalt	35 reviews
Wayne Gilchrest Trail 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	3 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
Landenberg Junction Trail The Landenberg Junction Trail holds a lot of history in just 0.4 miles. The trail follows two former rail beds, the Pomeroy & Newark Railroad and the Wilmington & Western Railroad. Located in the...	PA	0.4 mi	Dirt, Gravel, Woodchips	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
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	1 reviews
Mill Race Trail The Mill Race Trail follows the former Pomeroy & Newark Railroad bed along the banks of the White Clay Creek. The trail's surface is a mix of packed dirt, woodchips and cinders. There is a steep...	PA	1.2 mi	Cinder, Dirt, Grass, Woodchips	1 reviews
Northwest Corridor Linear Park Northwest Corridor Linear Park is a short paved pathway that winds its way among the city streets just northeast of the city square. The pathway functions as community park for residents of downtown...	PA	0.7 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Gettysburg Inner Loop 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	1 reviews
Beach Drive (Rock Creek Park) 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	0 reviews
Carroll Creek Path The Carroll Creek Path runs for 3 miles through the heart of Frederick, MD. About the Route The Carroll Creek Path leaves off in the north from Rosemount Ave., near the Schifferstadt...	MD	3 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	0 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
East Street Rail Trail 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	0 reviews
Haydn Manor Trail One of a growing number of local greenways connecting points in the Lancaster suburbs, the quarter mile long Haydn Manor Trail arcs from Wayfaring Way to Camas Lane in the northeast corner of the...	PA	0.25 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
James T. Corcoran Memorial Greenway The James T. Corcoran Memorial Greenway is a paved trail that runs through several New Castle County parks between Newark and Wilmington, traversing wooded land along the route of the Christina River...	DE	2.3 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Lancaster Bible College Path & Stoner Park Path Part of Manheim Township’s growing network of greenways, this multiuse trail is located in the southeastern part of the suburban municipality. At its eastern end, this paved trail encircles Stoner...	PA	2 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete	0 reviews
Landis Valley Road Sidepath Part of Manheim Township's growing greenways network, the Landis Valley Sidepath is an asphalt, multi-use trail that begins at the Manheim Township Bikeway on the south end of the Landis Valley...	PA	1 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Lime Spring Trail Currently about a mile in length, the Lime Spring Trail is envisioned to connect several residential communities to the nearby Lancaster suburb of Rohrerstown as well as to shopping centers, office...	PA	1 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel	0 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	6.4 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
North Gettysburg Trail 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	0 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
Olde Hickory Village Trail This short, quarter mile long trail winds through meadows on either side of Landis Run, connecting the Olde Hickory Village condo complex with the Worthington subdivision. The trail is one of several...	PA	0.25 mi	Asphalt	0 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
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	0 reviews
Valleybrook Pathway The Valleybrook Pathway is a 0.93-mile trail that connects trail users to other nearby trails in the greater Lancaster Trail network. About the Route The Valleybrook Pathway offers a short...	PA	0.93 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	0 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
Worthington Pathway The Worthington Pathway is a 0.63-mile trail that connects trail users to other nearby trails in the greater Lancaster Trail network. About the Route The Worthington Pathway offers a short...	PA	0.63 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	0 reviews

Recent Trail Reviews

Hanover Trolley Trail

too cool, too short

July, 2025 by sunnybrookusa

Great trail close to my home so I get to ride it as often as I want. I’m looking forward to another leg being completed and hoping it doesn’t take 10 years. I took my 9 year old twin grand sons on it and they love it too.

Anacostia River Trail

well maintained

July, 2025 by bwjcgtc4kb

The trail is 100% paved and takes you along the Anacostia River. I like that this trail has a good mix of city elements and natural beauty. The Kenilworth aquatic gardens are a wonderful stop early in the trail, you get to see a lot of swamp flowers. Later, closer to Dc you are taken up to the Fredrick Douglas memorial bridge. The large white arches of the bridge are breathtaking. There are many places to eat diner once you make it to Dc. I stopped at Gordon Ramseys fish and chips. Great trail!

PennDel Trail

Varying conditions throughout

July, 2025 by tnbpptw5x7

Definitely an adventure on a bike. Some parts are smooth; others are pretty rugged. Just be prepared for some rocks. 10mph feels like flying.

Accordion

Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail

Neat trail with varying conditions

July, 2025 by tnbpptw5x7

The southern part is paved and easy to follow. The middle section joins with a state park road, and one siding is deceiving. After leaving the state park road, the trail turns to gravel with frequent mud puddles and electrical boxes. Wouldn’t recommend this section to beginners.

James F. Hall Trail

Simple

July, 2025 by tnbpptw5x7

Not much to it. Just paved and easy. The trains do get loud so maybe not the best for small children.

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

Fantastic Biking Trail

July, 2025 by joshua.d.waterman

This trail is paved end to end and is incredibly scenic! The trail goes through several small towns along the way and features great views of the river. It is our favorite rail trail in the county. Get out there and experience all this trail has to offer for yourself!

Enola Low Grade Trail

23.5 Miles are Great

July, 2025 by joshua.d.waterman

The Enola Low Grade Trail is a great rail trail for biking and walking. Starting from the Turkey Hill end, the first 6 or so miles are super scenic along the river. Once the trail turns inland it is less scenic but still a very nice ride.

It should be noted that once you reach Hollow Rd east of Quarryville (around mile marker 23 or so), the trail is not particularly bike-friendly and the last mile is so overgrown it's not even really hike-friendly.

The trail is marketed as 29.1 miles, but if you're planning on biking, it is about 23 miles.

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

This Trail's got Flow!

June, 2025 by jeffrey.r.schmoyer

Echo a lot of other 5 star reviews, this a beautiful fully paved trail worthy of any biker to make the trip to ride. What I didnt expect is that the designers of this trail got just the right amount of curve and undulation to give a rider that feeling of flow. Varied views, plenty of shade, and some trains nearby but not too close, oh and also Marietta is a cool little town... makes a great divert on one leg to find a lunch spot. If only this tied seamlessly to the Enola lowgrade trail... it nearly does via roads!

Enola Low Grade Trail

Excellent choice for a long, flat ride

June, 2025 by tedreese_tl

“Low Grade” is no exaggeration and this is an excellent trail if you’re looking for a long, flat cruise. As others have commented, the scenic highlights are on the western half of the trail so start at Turkey Hill trailhead if that’s what you’re looking for. Portable toilets at maybe half the trailheads. No easy access to stores/conveniences (except Quarryville) so BYO water and nutrition

Custis Trail

Convenient to DC from Arlington and surrounding areas

June, 2025 by zap26

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Simply spectacular

June, 2025 by ethantabor

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.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

A Disappointment

June, 2025 by redebski

My son and I rode the C&O the first week of June '25 as part of a ride from Pittsburgh to Washington DC.

I am going to preface this review making it clear that it was an unusually wet Spring and significant damage has occurred due to flooding. Kudos to the efforts to repair the damage and keep the trail open. There were numerous detours off of the trail but it was open and passable. However, had I not taken this into consideration, and had not just completed the GAP as a comparison, I would have rated the trail 2 stars.

Here are my key issues rated from most, to least, significant:

1) The terminus of the trail in Georgetown is inaccessible due to construction. We rode 334 miles in 5 days to unceremoniously end our accomplishment carrying our bikes up a series of stairs, only to encounter detour signs that literally pointed in all four directions. After a half hour walking through urine-laden alleys searching for mile 0, a bicycle cop told us that we were as close as we could get. Our victory picture was taken next to a detour sign, each of us providing a middle-finger salute.

2) The trail surface through the Paw Paw tunnel can only be described as interconnecting pot holes filled with 6" of water. Had there not been other traffic in the tunnel, it may have been rideable. Just accept that you will get the opportunity to stretch your legs for a half-mile walk in the dark. Your shoes will eventually drain and dry by the time you arrive in DC.

3) For 15-20 miles south of the Paw Paw tunnel the trail is unmaintained. The riding surface is basically sunken truck tire tracks, separated by a hump of uncut weeds. The tracks themselves were devoid of any gravel which ensured that you were riding in either water or mud. The weeds on both sides of the trail had yet to be trimmed and had encroached into the tracks. The good news is that we were concentrating so hard on keeping our bikes upright in the slop, we didn't have time to think about the ticks. Anyone who has hiked the Adirondack high peaks knows exactly what I am describing.

4) Most of the trail repairs have been made with loose, coarse, crushed stone. I was fortunate to be riding a mountain bike with 2" tires at 60psi. My son was riding a gravel bike with 40mm tires which mean he was riding sideways much of the time. He ended up riding a combined total of 400 miles considering the lateral component of his travel.

5) Where washouts had yet to be filled with the previously mentioned stone, you have to cross crevices 6-8 inches deep. Not such a big problem if you were travelling slow enough to identify them before jamming your arms through your shoulders and ramming your saddle through the softer tissues of your rear end.

6) Having camped in Assateague for half my life, I thought that I knew aggressive mosquitoes. However, since the trail is totally devoid of any breeze, the stabbing critters locate you as soon as your bike comes to a halt. The good news is that we saved time taking breaks.

I will be posting a 5-star review for the GAP next. If you average the two scores together, the total trail experience was a 4. That still makes the ride from the 'Burgh to DC worthwhile. Just be prepared for the unexpected challenges.