Parking and access are available at Winding Creek Park (intersection of Edgebrook Rd. and Charles Rd.), at Georgia and Hewitt Avenues (behind the Global Mission Church), west of Layhill Road at Middlevale Lane and at Layhill Village Park (Queensguard Rd.).
A friend of mine and I cycled from Rock Creek to this trail today. It was really nice and a big surprise to me considering I grew up nearby but moved out of the area 25 years ago. It’s a little hilly and the boardwalks are super slick if it’s rained, but they’re awfully pretty.
Nice walk!
Good trail for an easy short ride. Rolling hills give you a quick escape from reality.
Lots of hills, and forest. I would avoid on a bike when wet because there are lots of boardwalk bridges. This is definitely one of the best trails in the area.
I have biked the Matthew Henson Trail many times and it is very relaxing as it follows the water or has raised bridges in a very wooded area. Parts of it are inside a residential neighborhood but you would not know it. There is a lot of pedestrian traffic so be careful if you are on a bike
We did this trail in the fall and it was absolutely gorgeous. Well maintained paved trail and bridges. There were a lot of people and dogs, but everyone was really respectful of distance and providing space to pass.
Well maintained Matthew Henson Trail winds through the woods with a LOT of wooden bridges, some of which are very long. The trail crosses some pretty significant intersections - use CAUTION when crossing. Trail has smooth, well maintained surface and is good width for cycling. The many bridges, intersections, and winding nature of the path make it slow going. Shaded by trees and runs alongside a creek so nice ride overall.
This is a lovely trail and a nice one hour round trip. It is a gradual uphill from Rock Creek and Winding Creek Park to Alderton Road, but nice coming back down. The trail facts lists it for in-line skating but the long pieces of wooden boardwalk north of Georgia Ave would not make for good skating. They are even bumpy on a bike and perhaps dangerous when wet. 9/6/2010 Youker

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