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Washington, DC Birding Trails and Maps

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Looking for the best Birding trails around Washington?

Find the top rated birding trails in Washington, 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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Length
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Anacostia River Trail

2.6 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

17.35 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Anacostia Tributary Trail System

29.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

BWI Trail

12.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

13 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Bethesda Trolley Trail

4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Beulah Street Sidepath

3.25 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Black Hill Trail

4.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Blake Lane Sidepath

3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Bluemont Junction Trail

1.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Braddock Road Sidepath

10 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Broadneck Peninsula Trail

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Burke Lake Loop Trail

4.5 mi

State: VA

Gravel

Burke VRE Trail

1.4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Cameron Station Linear Park

1 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Capital Crescent Trail

11 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Carl Henn Millennium Trail

10.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete

Catonsville Short Line Trail

1.4 mi

State: MD

Dirt, Gravel

Centreville Road Sidepath

4.7 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

184.5 mi

State: DC, MD

Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Accordion

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

1.4 mi

State: MD

Boardwalk

Cross County Trail (VA)

40 mi

State: VA

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

Cross Island Trail

6 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Cub Run Stream Valley Trail

9.1 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Custis Trail

4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail

15.7 mi

State: VA

Dirt

Downs Park Trail

5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt

Eisenhower Avenue Trail

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Fairfax County Parkway Trail

28.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Folly Branch Trail

2.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Folly Lick Branch Trail

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail

7 mi

State: DC

Dirt, Gravel

Four Mile Run Trail

6.2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Goldmine Loop Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Dirt

Great American Rail-Trail

3614 mi

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

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Gwynns Falls Trail

18.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Harpers Ferry Railroad Bridge

0.14 mi

State: MD, WV

Boardwalk

Henson Creek Trail

5.7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Herndon Parkway Sidepath

2 mi

State: VA

Concrete

Herring Run Trail

2.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Holmes Run Trail

5.2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Indian Creek Trail (MD)

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Indian Head Rail Trail

13.4 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Intercounty Connector Trail

8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

John Overstreet Connector

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Jones Falls Trail

9.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Kent Island South Trail

5.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Klingle Valley Trail

0.7 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Lake Accotink Trail

4.5 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Lake Artemesia Trail

1.35 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lake Mercer Loop Trail

5.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Linton Hall Road Trail

5.4 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Little Paint Branch Trail

1.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lone Wolf Trail

1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Long Branch Trail (MD)

1.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Lord Fairfax Community College Connector Trail

0.3 mi

State: VA

Crushed Stone

MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path

8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Marvin Gaye Trail

1.9 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Mary Washington Hospital Trail

0.75 mi

State: VA

Concrete

Matthew Henson Trail

4.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Meadowlark Connector Trail

1.25 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Metro Linear Park

0.5 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Metropolitan Branch Trail

8 mi

State: DC, MD

Asphalt

Middletown Road Sidepath

3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Mount Airy Rail-Trail

0.5 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

Mount Vernon Trail

18 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Northeast Branch Trail

3.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Northwest Branch Trail

7 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Number Eight Streetcar Path

0.33 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone

Ox Road Sidepath

11.5 mi

State: VA

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)

3.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Patuxent Branch Trail

4.6 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Poplar Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Potomac Yard Trail

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Rappahannock Canal Walk

1.8 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Rappahannock River Heritage Trail

1.6 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail

3.8 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Rock Creek Park Trails

8.5 mi

State: DC

Asphalt, Dirt

Rock Creek Trail (MD)

14 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail

4.6 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Rosewick Road Sidepath

5.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Savage Mill Trail

1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

Sligo Creek Trail

10.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

South Shore Trail

0.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

St. Michaels Nature Trail

1.3 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Stony Run Trail

2.9 mi

State: MD

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

Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path

2.2 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Stringfellow Road Sidepath

3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

Sudley Manor Drive Trail

4.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Suitland Parkway Trail

1.7 mi

State: DC

Asphalt

Three Notch Trail

13.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

19.5 mi

State: MD

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Trolly Line #9 Trail

1.5 mi

State: MD

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail

1.2 mi

State: VA

Dirt

Virginia Central Railway Trail

4.5 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

WB&A Trail

13.1 mi

State: MD

Asphalt

Warrenton Branch Greenway

2 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

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

45 mi

State: VA

Asphalt, Concrete

West Campus Access Road Trail

0.4 mi

State: DC

Concrete

West Ox Road Sidepath

2.9 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

White's Mill Trail

1.3 mi

State: VA

Asphalt

Windsor Hills Conservation Trail

0.9 mi

State: MD

Dirt

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail

3.3 mi

State: MD, VA

Concrete

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Anacostia River Trail The Anacostia River Trail begins in Cottage City, Maryland, at the split of the Anacostia River into its northeast and northwest branches. Those traveling south on either the Northeast Branch Trail or...	MD	2.6 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Anacostia Riverwalk Trail The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is an important component of the transportation network in the nation's capital and a priority project under President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative. The...	DC	17.35 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
	Anacostia Tributary Trail System The Anacostia Tributary Trail System includes a number of trails linked together and managed by the National Park Service. The trail include: the Anacostia River Trail, the Northwest Branch Trail, the...	MD	29.9 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
	BWI Trail The 11-mile BWI Trail was primarily designed for area commuters; however, the trail also makes for a great recreation venue. Despite being close to BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport, much of the trail is...	MD	12.5 mi	Asphalt	39 reviews
	Baltimore and Annapolis Trail If you are looking to augment your physical workout with some intellectual exercise, look no further than the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. The scenic, paved, 13-mile community trail is brimming with...	MD	13 mi	Asphalt	33 reviews
	Bethesda Trolley Trail The Bethesda Trolley Trail—also known as the North Bethesda Trail—is a 4-mile path linking Bethesda and North Bethesda, primarily by bridging two major highways. The trail occupies the abandoned...	MD	4 mi	Asphalt	6 reviews
	Beulah Street Sidepath 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	0 reviews
	Black Hill Trail Black Hill Trail offers a wooded trek with gentle inclines through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. The trail is primarily paved, though a short section in...	MD	4.3 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	5 reviews
	Blake Lane Sidepath 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	1 reviews
	Bluemont Junction Trail The Bluemont Junction Trail is a short paved trail that branches off from the popular Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) in the heart of Arlington. The trail was built on a spur line that once...	VA	1.3 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Braddock Road Sidepath 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	0 reviews
	Broadneck Peninsula Trail The Broadneck Peninsula Trail is 1.2 miles of asphalt walking and biking pathway in east Annapolis. The trail runs parallel to College Parkway, from Green Holly Drive to Old Cape St. Claire Road,...	MD	1.2 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Burke Lake Loop Trail The Burke Lake Loop Trail offers a nearly 5-mile route for a pleasant walk or bike, while enjoying the beautiful scenery around Burke Lake in Fairfax. Since the Burke Lake Loop Trail is within Burke...	VA	4.5 mi	Gravel	1 reviews
	Burke VRE Trail 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	2 reviews
	Cameron Station Linear Park Cameron Station Linear Park is the quintessential neighborhood trail. Located in Alexandria, a suburb of Washington, D.C., it offers a pleasant paved pathway frequented by joggers, dog walkers,...	VA	1 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Capital Crescent Trail Detour notice: As of Sept. 5, 2017, a 3.5-mile section between Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and Talbot Avenue in Silver Spring at the northeastern tip of the Capital Crescent Trail (also known as the...	DC, MD	11 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	14 reviews
	Carl Henn Millennium Trail The Carl Henn Millennium Trail is Rockville's bicycle beltway. The 10-mile trail creates a circle around the city, providing a safe and convenient way to get around town or enjoy a leisurely...	MD	10.7 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	10 reviews
	Catonsville Short Line Trail The Catonsville Short Line Trail follows a segment of the former Catonsville Short Line Railroad, which ran from Charlestown to Catonsville. As of 2018, the trail runs between Shady Nook Avenue and...	MD	1.4 mi	Dirt, Gravel	1 reviews
	Centreville Road Sidepath 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	0 reviews
	Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (a.k.a. C&O Canal Towpath) follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles between Georgetown in Washington, D.C., and Cumberland, Maryland....	DC, MD	184.5 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	69 reviews

Accordion

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail Between 1900 and 1935, the Chesapeake Beach Railway whisked vacationers from Washington, DC, to the grand hotels, beaches and boardwalk of the resort town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Now tourists...	MD	1.4 mi	Boardwalk	1 reviews
Cross County Trail (VA) The Cross County Trail is a multi-use trail that generally follows the various stream valleys in Fairfax County, Virginia. Some sections are wheelchair/mobility scooter accessible but not all...	VA	40 mi	Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	16 reviews
Cross Island Trail Maryland's Cross Island Trail spans Kent Island, east to west, in Queen Anne's County, providing multiple points of access to everything from libraries and schools to ball fields and the waterfront....	MD	6 mi	Asphalt	22 reviews
Cub Run Stream Valley Trail 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	0 reviews
Custis Trail The Custis Trail is a popular urban route that links Virginia's D.C. suburbs with the District itself, connecting to both the W&OD Railroad Regional Park Trail at the latter's 4-mile marker and the...	VA	4 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	11 reviews
Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT) is currently a private-use trail only, which means a permit is required to use it. Friends of the DRHT are working to create public access to the trail,...	VA	15.7 mi	Dirt	7 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	8 reviews
Eisenhower Avenue Trail Although it parallels Eisenhower Avenue, this paved pathway is not without its charms. On its west end, Alexandria's Eisenhower Avenue Trail begins in Hensley Park, which offers plentiful parking and...	VA	2 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	2 reviews
Fairfax County Parkway Trail 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	2 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	0 reviews
Folly Lick Branch Trail 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	0 reviews
Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail Washington, D.C.'s Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail links some of the District's dozens of Civil War era forts (now national parks) that were built to defend the city from attack by the southern...	DC	7 mi	Dirt, Gravel	1 reviews
Four Mile Run Trail The Four Mile Run Trail traverses the Four Mile Run stream valley and has many twists and turns, not to mention steep sections (mercifully short). The trail more or less parallels the popular W&OD...	VA	6.2 mi	Asphalt	3 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	0 reviews
Great American Rail-Trail Picture yourself pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects along historic routes... enjoying the experience of exploring...	DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY	3614 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	0 reviews
Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park Notice: As of July 2018, the western portion of the Grist Mill Trail is closed through spring 2019 for removal of the Bloede Dam. The eastern 1.5 miles of the trail remains open for all uses. See...	MD	2.5 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Gwynns Falls Trail The Gwynns Falls Trail is a 19-mile continuous corridor connecting dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods with parks, historical and cultural landmarks and the urban business district....	MD	18.9 mi	Asphalt	10 reviews
Harpers Ferry Railroad Bridge This rail-with-trail bridge crosses the Potomac River near its confluence with the Shenandoah River, at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. A cantilevered section of the bridge allows pedestrian access...	MD, WV	0.14 mi	Boardwalk	1 reviews
Henson Creek Trail The Henson Creek Trail is located in the southwestern portion of Prince George's County, Maryland, and connects the growing District of Columbia suburbs of Fort Washington and Oxon Hill with the...	MD	5.7 mi	Asphalt	18 reviews
Herndon Parkway Sidepath 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	0 reviews
Herring Run Trail Baltimore’s Herring Run Trail runs through scenic Herring Run Park, centered on a tributary of the Back River. The winding trail follows Herring Run through a woodlands environment so peaceful you're...	MD	2.5 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Holmes Run Trail The Holmes Run Trail offers a scenic pathway through the heart of a busy residential area in Alexandria and adjoining Fairfax County, both suburbs of Washington, D.C. The trail, which is divided into...	VA	5.2 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	6 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	0 reviews
Indian Head Rail Trail Located just 18 miles south of our nation's capital, the Indian Head Rail Trail offers a unique natural outdoor experience, seemingly far removed from urban development and its associated chaotic...	MD	13.4 mi	Asphalt	66 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	0 reviews
John Overstreet Connector The John Overstreet Connector is a 1.5-mile trail segment that links the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and BWI Trail. The shortbut vitaltrail is named after Overstreet, a retiree from Glen Burnie,...	MD	1.5 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Jones Falls Trail When complete, the Jones Falls Trail will extend 10 miles between Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the Mount Washington Light Rail Station. Currently, a paved, off-road section runs from Cylburn...	MD	9.1 mi	Asphalt	9 reviews
Kent Island South Trail The Kent Island South Trail is one of two popular recreational trails (along with the Cross Island Trail) on Maryland's Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay. The trail runs parallel...	MD	5.8 mi	Asphalt	9 reviews
Klingle Valley Trail The Klingle Valley Trail spans just shy of a mile in a leafy, residential area of northwest Washington, DC. The trail opened in June 2017 and is accessible to the neighborhoods of Cleveland Park,...	DC	0.7 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Lake Accotink Trail 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	7 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	2 reviews
Lake Mercer Loop Trail 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	0 reviews
Linton Hall Road Trail The Linton Hall Road Trail runs parallel to its namesake—also signed as State Route 619—in western Prince William County. More utilitarian than scenic, the trail acts as a transportation route for...	VA	5.4 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Little Paint Branch Trail This bike and pedestrian path threads through the park of the same name. The trail exists in 2 sections: the northern segment begins in the Fairland Recreational Park and winds south, eventually...	MD	1.1 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Lone Wolf Trail The Lone Wolf Trail is a 1-mile trail in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail is connected to two already existing trails: The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path, and the WB&A Trail. Although the...	MD	1 mi	Asphalt	0 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	0 reviews
Lord Fairfax Community College Connector Trail Opened in 2009, the short Lord Fairfax Community College Connector Trail extends from the parking lot of the junior college to its temporary endpoint in a scenic wildlife area. Eventually, an extended...	VA	0.3 mi	Crushed Stone	0 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	1 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	0 reviews
Mary Washington Hospital Trail The Mary Washington Hospital Trail runs along the southeast border of the hospital center, proving a pleasant stroll or gentle bike ride for hospital visitors and patients.	VA	0.75 mi	Concrete	0 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	3 reviews
Meadowlark Connector Trail 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	1 reviews
Metro Linear Park This short rail-with-trail is short but makes some pretty significant connections: it links the King Street and Braddock Road metro stations. It also connects to the Potomac Yard Trail, helping to...	VA	0.5 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Metropolitan Branch Trail Following the route of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Metropolitan Branch rail line, the Met Branch Trail is a busy urban rail-with-trail that shares a corridor with Metro's Red Line, MARC commuter...	DC, MD	8 mi	Asphalt	4 reviews
Middletown Road Sidepath 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	0 reviews
Mount Airy Rail-Trail The Mount Airy Rail-Trail will one day span nearly 4 miles across the town of Mount Airy and through a scenic, wooded area. The first completed section of the trail covers a half mile and is surfaced...	MD	0.5 mi	Crushed Stone	1 reviews
Mount Vernon Trail The 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail is one of the Washington, D.C. Metro area's most popular trails. Just across the Potomac River from D.C. in Virginia, the trail links Theodore Roosevelt Island Park with...	VA	18 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	28 reviews
Northeast Branch Trail The Northeast Branch Trail follows the levee along theyou guessed itNortheast Branch of the Anacostia River from the Lake Artemesia Natural Area to Baltimore Avenue/US 1 (south of Hyattsville). The...	MD	3.5 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Northwest Branch Trail The Northwest Branch Trail—an integral part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System—runs between the Maryland towns of Hyattsville and Silver Spring, linking two bustling suburbs of Washington, D.C....	MD	7 mi	Asphalt	5 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
Ox Road Sidepath 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	0 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	0 reviews
Paint Branch Trail (Montgomery County) Maryland is home to two Paint Branch Trails, this one in Montgomery County and another farther south in Prince George's County. This Paint Branch Trail offers a well-shaded, paved pathway...	MD	2.3 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Paint Branch Trail (Prince George's County) Prince George's County's Paint Branch Trail (not to be confused with Montgomery County's Paint Branch Trail farther north) runs for 3.5 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park...	MD	3.5 mi	Asphalt	7 reviews
Patuxent Branch Trail The Patuxent Branch Trail is part of a 20-mile trail system over and around the rolling hills of Howard County that follows a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line along the Patuxent River. The...	MD	4.6 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	17 reviews
Poplar Trail Annapolis' Poplar Trail runs for nearly 1 mile on a section of the old Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis right-of-way in the heart of Maryland's capital city. Although short, the trail is a vital part...	MD	0.9 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Potomac Yard Trail Providing an important urban link between the Crystal City area of Arlington and the western edge of historical Alexandria, the Potomac Yard Trail is a huge boon to the area for commuting as well as...	VA	2 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Rappahannock Canal Walk The Rappahannock Canal Walk follows the old towpath along the disused canal just northwest of downtown Fredericksburg. The path follows a winding course past old suburban back yards and through a...	VA	1.8 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Rappahannock River Heritage Trail The Rappahannock River Heritage Trail offers a pleasant, paved route in the center of Fredericksburg with beautiful views of the Rappahannock River. Part of the trail winds through Old Mill Park,...	VA	1.6 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail provides a safe pathway for students, from kindergartners to doctoral candidates, to walk and bike to school in College Park, Riverdale Park and Hyattsville. The...	MD	3.8 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Rock Creek Park Trails Located in the northwest section of Washington, D.C., Rock Creek Park is the oldest and largest urban park in the national park system. Established in 1890, Rock Creek offers more than 1,700 acres of...	DC	8.5 mi	Asphalt, Dirt	7 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	14 mi	Asphalt	5 reviews
Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail 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	0 reviews
Rosewick Road Sidepath 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	3 reviews
Savage Mill Trail The Savage Mill Trail in Savage Park travels along the rolling Patuxent River through the grounds of an old cotton mill. In the early 1800s, Savage was a major manufacturing center, harnessing power...	MD	1 mi	Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel	4 reviews
Sligo Creek Trail The Sligo Creek Trail parallels the eponymous waterway from its confluence with the Northwest Branch in Hyattsville to just north of its origin in Wheaton in Montgomery County. Along the way, a number...	MD	10.2 mi	Asphalt	10 reviews
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	0.5 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
St. Michaels Nature Trail The St. Michaels Nature Trail skirts the western edge of the scenic town of St. Michaels, Maryland, which was built on the site of a 17th century Anglican church that eventually lent the settlement...	MD	1.3 mi	Asphalt	3 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	3 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
Stringfellow Road Sidepath 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	2 reviews
Sudley Manor Drive Trail The Sudley Manor Drive Trail runs parallel to the southern 4.5 miles of its namesake road in western Prince William County. The trail services a number of the surrounding communities, such as Bristow...	VA	4.3 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Suitland Parkway Trail The Suitland Parkway trail is a short paved multi-use path that runs adjacent to Suitland Parkway in SE D.C. to the border with Maryland. Proposed construction may extend the trail to the Branch...	DC	1.7 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
Three Notch Trail Southern Maryland's Three Notch Trail is a work-in-progress under the guidance of St. Mary's County and other stakeholders. When complete, the recreational trail will extend 28 miles along an...	MD	13.1 mi	Asphalt	16 reviews
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is one of the best hiking and biking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region. It allows for nearly 20 miles of flat travel, punctuated by a number of access points and an...	MD	19.5 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	71 reviews
Trolly Line #9 Trail The first thing you may notice about the Trolly 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	2 reviews
Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail The Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail is a short hiking trail within Manassas National Battlefield Park. The rail-trail runs on a corridor planned in the mid-19th century as a complement to the Manassas...	VA	1.2 mi	Dirt	1 reviews
Virginia Central Railway Trail Situated midway between the nation’s capital and the Virginia capital of Richmond, the Virginia Central Railway Trail will one day offer more than 30 miles of trail from downtown Fredericksburg west...	VA	4.5 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	9 reviews
WB&A Trail Central Maryland's WB&A Trail occupies the former Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railway corridor—hence its name—for its entire route. The railroad operated electric commuter trains...	MD	13.1 mi	Asphalt	27 reviews
Warrenton Branch Greenway The Warrenton Branch Greenway follows a segment of the former Warrenton Branch Spur railroad, running between downtown Warrenton (at S. 4th Street) and Meetze Road. The Warrenton Branch was...	VA	2 mi	Asphalt	7 reviews
Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD) The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) is one of suburban Washington, D.C.'s most popular rail-trails. The heavily used trail is frequented by commuters and recreationists alike, and is a...	VA	45 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	35 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
West Ox Road Sidepath 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	0 reviews
White's Mill Trail The White’s Mill Trail provides a scenic route through wetlands and residential areas in the rural town of Warrenton. Trail-goers will enjoy the natural beauty of the Cedar Run valley and wildlife...	VA	1.3 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Windsor Hills Conservation Trail The Windsor Hills Conservation Trail is a short hiking trail through the Windsor Hills neighborhood of Baltimore. Built partially on a former streetcar line that once connected the area with the...	MD	0.9 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail provides a superb link between Alexandria, VA, and Maryland's National Harbor over the Potomac River. This well-used trail crosses on the up-river side of the bridge...	MD, VA	3.3 mi	Concrete	13 reviews

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Recent Trail Reviews

Burke VRE Trail

me and my friends went on this trail from LBSS all the way to Walmart

April, 2019 by damarcus2004

It’s a really nice and fun trail that only has small hills. We go to the end of the trail in five minutes.

Custis Trail

Convenient and Practical

April, 2019 by maestro4332

I just moved to Arlington and needed a place to practice riding my OneWheel. The trail provided a perfect venue for this. It runs along i66 so it is not particularly tranquil, but it certainly is convenient.

Custis Trail

Challenging connector trail

March, 2019 by mcfdtony

I rode this from the W&OD over to the Mt. Vernon Trail as part of a "loop" ride on a warmer than normal February day. This paved trail offers some challenging hills in the 4 mile ride that pretty much parallels I-66.

Accordion

Three Notch Trail

All the Amenities, None of the Crowds

February, 2019 by elemenope

I moved from Northern Virginia where the similar trails are so congested that they just aren’t enjoyable. I tried Three Notch Trail beginning at Baggett Park. During my two hour walk, I shared the trail with enough people to feel safe, but not so many to ruin the experience. Restrooms. Scenery of animals (horses, cows, goats, and a barn cat), woods, streams, and ruined barns. I’ll use this trail often.

BWI Trail

A Great ride for beginners and more challenging practice too

February, 2019 by phil.lord.359

I started riding this trail in 2007 and love it. You can learn a lot about handling your bike and shifting efficiently here. It is a nice mix of mild climbs, curves, and a couple 9fun!) straightaways. Do be careful on the curves as you depart the Dixon Observation area and the final bend by I-97 (sand and other riders), the decline along I-195, and the bend after the light rail crossing, as it is a public trail. And watch the traffic at the MD-176 Dorsey Road light as it can be tricky and the drivers are not always aware or courteous--safety first.
All that said, I am 15 minutes from BWI and it is an easy go to. For two more miles, avoid the craziness in the Dixon lot and park at the DOT HQ on New Ridge Road.

A lot of walkers/joggers use the trail, and from experience they do appreciate a warning when you are coming up behind them.

Of course the BWI trail links to the B & A Trail, and also passes W B & A Blvd. for more miles.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Needs Maintenenace badly

January, 2019 by kirkdw

Rode from Williamsport MD upriver to Ft Frederick in 2018. Same potholes and other trail safety issues (only worse) that we saw on our first ride in 2014. Shame there is no biking group in the area to take over and maintain what could be a fantastic ride.

I won't ride this part of the trail again.

Sligo Creek Trail

Lovely urban greenway

January, 2019 by metrogrrl

My partner and I walked the first section of the Sligo Creek Trail on New Year’s Day! We started near Arcola Elementary School, crossed University Ave and under the Beltway, and finished at Route 29. There is some nice signage along the way, including trail maps and some “interpretive trail” signs about wetlands, how rivers meander, etc. Since the trees were not leafed out it was easy to see the nearby houses in the neighborhood on one side and Sligo Parkway on the other. It was wonderful to follow the creek. Although the green buffer isn’t wide, I think it must be quite a different experience in full foliage, giving it a more “wooded” feeling.

At a moderate pace the first section took us about 1.5 hours, with a few stops to look at plants and trees, chat with other walkers, etc. It was a mild day but the trail was not crowded, I guess because folks weren’t up and out yet. We passed many other walkers and joggers, but saw very few bicyclists (other than tiny kids just learning how to ride), which was fine because we didn’t have to worry about getting mowed down.

When people say the “nicest part” of the trail is between University Ave. and New Hampshire I interpret that as code for the nicer, upper middle class neighborhoods in MoCo and corresponding parks budget. I’ve walked other trails in Prince Georges County (where I live) and don’t consider them less “nice” nor dangerous, though any trail walker needs to be alert in any case. The creek, of course, flows on its way and makes no distinction.

My goal is to do all of the Anacostia Tributary Trails (Sligo, Paint Branch, Northwest Branch) and eventually the main stem of the Anacostia down to Yards Park in DC.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail

Exceeded Expectations

November, 2018 by arendt

This trail feels more like an interpretive nature trail than a rail trail. There are many signs and exhibits explaining the surrounding nature and heritage. There are also many "pullouts" and benches meant for stopping to take in the sights, sounds, and aromas. It seems a great place for a walk or an easy hike. Although the surfaces are just fine for biking (slowly), I would not recommend biking this trail (as I did) because it's too short for much of a ride, and there are too many places you'll want to stop and look around.

Cross County Trail (VA)

Fun, but definitely need at least a hybrid

October, 2018 by jackdnvn0

This describes the first 7 miles of the trail from the south. I started at Occoquan Regional Park (more on this later), so traveled about 1.5 mi (all steeply uphill) before actually getting to the southern terminus of the CCT. I have to say that the trail is not well marked. Note that as you fly down Workhouse Rd the trail secretly takes a right without much signage. Also, as has been noted in previous reviews, the path through the prison area was very confusing, again due to lack of signage. After the prison, the trail continues with asphalt - thanks to the person who spray painted directional signals on the asphalt where users must make turns. I had fun crossing the creek several times. With the water level I dismounted only once. Otherwise plowed through the water like a kid! Not long after crossing Pohick Rd (approx 1.5 mi) the trail turned from asphalt to dirt/rocks. Encountered a newly fallen (I swear based on the fresh smell of the leaves and branches that it had fallen the night before) tree that required some nifty maneuvering. I continued on this for a bit, then decided to turn around. Will explore more of the trail later.

But, while parking at Occoquan Regional Park required a 1.5 mile uphill at the start, it provides a 1.5 mile downhill at the end. Plus, and this is the real bonus, you can coast right down to the Brickmaker’s Cafe and have a beer or two before you head out. I recommend the Port City Porter.

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

Lovely trail

October, 2018 by mwilson8

Last week I rode from Leesburg to Falls Church on the WO&D -- it's a great trail with long flat segments and rolling hills, going through woods and fields all the way to Tysons and Vienna. Be aware that some of the intersections are dangerous, and toward the western, more rural end, many cars don't even bother stopping. But the trail is well-maintained with many opportunities for stopping (but very few of them with bathrooms, unfortunately).

Capital Crescent Trail

Charming trail

October, 2018 by mwilson8

I rode this from the entrance off K Street (under the Whitehurst Bridge) up to Bethesda, where work on the Purple Line interrupts it. It's a charming trail, well-maintained though somewhat narrow and overgrown-feeling in places. It winds along the river, has some bridges and tunnels, and offers some great views of the C&O towpath. The only negatives: the trafficking entrance to the trail, and the dank-smelling river at the beginning.