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 and residents alike can enjoy a different kind of luxury as they walk or pedal on the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail, which occupies a portion of the abandoned railroad corridor.

Unusual for a rail-trail, the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail rests almost entirely on a wooden boardwalk just above serene Fishing Creek and the marshlands surrounding it. Bicyclists needn't worry, though—unlike some boardwalks, the trail is open for bicycling, and the width is adequate for such use.

Start your journey at the water park in downtown Chesapeake Beach. If you have the time, be sure to check out the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum located just a few blocks from the trailhead. The museum is the last remaining depot of the railway still standing on its original site. The railroad's last known passenger railcar also sits behind the building.

As you trek away from downtown, the trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding marshland and forest. A spur to the north will connect you with the residential developments of Bayview Hills and Richfield Station. Cross Fishing Creek to join its southern shore and you may be treated to a sighting of a bald eagle. The trail once again crosses Fishing Creek and then abruptly ends; be sure to bring your camera and binoculars, as this is one of the best spots along the trail for bird watching.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking for the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail can be found at Chesapeake Beach Water Park on Gordon Stinnett Boulevard at the trail's northern endpoint. Additional parking can be found on the streets of the residential neighborhoods of Richfield Station and Bayview Hills.

Kent Island South Trail

Maryland - 5.8 miles

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...

Three Notch Trail

Maryland - 13.1 miles

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...

St. Michaels Nature Trail

Maryland - 1.3 miles

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

Accordion

Poplar Trail

Maryland - 0.9 miles

Annapolis' Poplar Trail runs for nearly 1 mile on a section of the old Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis right-of-way in the heart of Maryland's...

South Shore Trail

Maryland - 0.5 miles

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

Rosewick Road Sidepath

Maryland - 5.2 miles

The separated multi-use Rosewick Road Sidepath provides a direct link for both recreation and transportation between the southern Maryland communities...

Middletown Road Sidepath

Maryland - 3 miles

The 3-mile separated multi-use path along Middletown Road allows for safe recreation and transportation along the western side of Waldorf, Maryland....

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

Maryland - 13 miles

If you are looking to augment your physical workout with some intellectual exercise, look no further than the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. The scenic,...

Indian Head Rail Trail

Maryland - 13.4 miles

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...

Henson Creek Trail

Maryland - 5.7 miles

The Henson Creek Trail is located in the southwestern portion of Prince George's County, Maryland, and connects the growing District of Columbia...

Cross Island Trail

Maryland - 6 miles

Maryland's Cross Island Trail spans Kent Island, east to west, in Queen Anne's County, providing multiple points of access to everything from...

WB&A Trail

Maryland - 13.1 miles

Central Maryland's WB&A Trail occupies the former Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railway corridor—hence its name—for its entire route. The...

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail Reviews

Submit Review

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.