Find the top rated dog walking trails in Maryland, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Trail Image | Trail Name | States | Length | Surface | Rating |
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The 413 Rail to Trail is located in Somerset County, Maryland. The trail will be 12 miles point-to-point when complete. The trail parallels State Route 413, which lends it its name, and is built in...
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MD | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
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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...
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DC, MD | 21.5 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete |
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Long known for its sandy beaches and wild pony herds, beautiful and remote Assateague Island has become more bike-friendly thanks to the construction of a 4.9-mile paved, multi-use trail that allows...
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MD | 4.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 13.3 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 12.4 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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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...
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MD | 4.2 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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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...
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MD | 1.8 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 0.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.43 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 0.8 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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DC, MD | 12.7 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.4 mi | Dirt, Gravel |
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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...
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DC, MD | 184.2 mi | Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 9.13 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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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...
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MD | 4.6 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Dirt |
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Notice: There are a couple detours along the long GAP route. For all trail notices, see GAP website for more current information.
Ever since the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) was completed in 2013,...
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MD, PA | 153.22 mi | Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel |
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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...
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DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY | 3743.9 mi | Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone |
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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 historical sites...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.1 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
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Although located within easy reach of the Washington, D.C., metro area, the Indian Head Rail Trail in southern Maryland seems far removed from the hectic pace of urban life. The 13-mile paved rail...
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MD | 12.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.35 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.8 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.2 mi | Asphalt |
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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:...
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MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 8 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 3.45 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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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...
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MD | 4.5 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel, Boardwalk |
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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...
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MD | 8.3 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.3 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 4 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 4.35 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 6 mi | Dirt, Grass |
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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...
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MD | 4.3 mi | Asphalt |
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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,...
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MD | 16 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.3 mi | Asphalt |
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Southern Maryland's Three Notch Trail is a work in progress under the guidance of St. Mary's County and other stakeholders.
About the Route
Currently, two portions are open for use: In the...
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MD | 13.1 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 19.9 mi | Crushed Stone, Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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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,...
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MD | 0.8 mi | Asphalt |
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Hugging the picturesque Potomac River and the C&O Canal Towpath, the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) rolls for nearly 28 miles through Maryland’s narrow panhandle wedged between Pennsylvania and...
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MD | 27.5 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 0.9 mi | Dirt |
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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...
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MD, VA | 4.1 mi | Concrete |
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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...
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MD | 29.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 5.4 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 10.7 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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The Carpendale Trail straddles the North Branch of the Potomac River between Carpendale in West Virginia and Cumberland in Maryland. The wooden bridge spanning 386 feet across the river is a...
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MD, WV | 0.8 mi | Crushed Stone |
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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...
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MD | 1.3 mi | Boardwalk |
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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...
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MD | 5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 2.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 19.7 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
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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...
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MD, WV | 0.14 mi | Boardwalk |
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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...
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MD | 5.7 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 8 mi | Asphalt |
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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....
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 12.4 mi | Asphalt |
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The little-known Kendall Trail extends 2 miles south from the tiny community of Friendsville, Maryland, to the ruins of the former logging town of Kendall. The trail offers expansive views of the...
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MD | 2 mi | Dirt, Gravel |
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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...
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MD | 5.8 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 1 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 5.1 mi | Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt |
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The Marshyhope Creek is a 37-mile tributary of the Nanticoke River running from Delaware to Maryland. One of the towns it passes through is Federalsburg, Maryland, where a 2.5-mile multiuse greenway...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt, Gravel |
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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...
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DC, MD | 7.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 17.4 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 5.2 mi | Asphalt |
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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....
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MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel |
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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...
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MD | 9.4 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2 mi | Asphalt |
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Nestled amongst the trees of St. Mary's River State Park, trail-goers will find an 8-mile path that loops around St. Mary's Lake, offering beautiful natural scenery and the chance to catch a glimpse...
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MD | 7.5 mi | Dirt |
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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...
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MD | 2.9 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips |
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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...
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MD | 13.2 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.1 mi | Asphalt |
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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,...
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Crushed Stone |
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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...
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MD | 3 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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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...
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MD | 0.8 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 6.4 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 3 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 0.33 mi | Crushed Stone |
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The Point Lookout Railroad Trail (also called Periwinkle Point Nature Trail) follows a corridor that was cleared in the early 1800s for a planned railroad line connecting Point Lookout, Maryland, to...
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MD | 1 mi | Dirt, Grass |
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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...
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MD | 0.9 mi | Asphalt |
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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...
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MD | 2.2 mi | Asphalt |
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I started riding this trail in 2018 and rode it 3-5 times a summer. It was a great trail that allowed you to get 12 miles in before riding the Cross Island Trail just 3 miles away. The tree roots have been bulging the asphalt for the past 7 years and now it is so bad I don't know if I will ride it again. For the first 1-2 miles from the start of either end the roots have the asphalt bulged up over two inches. Even riding with a suspension seat post the trail jars your spine unless you are standing on the foot pegs. Since the roots are so numerous this means you would be on the pegs 50 percent of the time. With the financial state that Maryland is in I doubt this trail will be repaired any time in the foreseeable future.
The western end is paved and is a nice as any rail trail anywhere. Just short. The eastern end has a boardwalk section and then drops you on a gravel section. The gravel is a little big for my liking. I was on a road bike riding 30s but did fine. This section goes through a cut in the mountain made to get the railroad a level grade.
I kept hearing how beautiful this "trail" was. Most of the "trail" was city streets even before you get in to Baltimore. It was also poorly marked. Keep a GPS handy, or just give up on the trail and ride through whatever Baltimore streets you feel like riding.
It does take you past the Baltimore Zoo which was nice. It also takes you right in to Inner Harbor which is also a good place to hang out for a bit.
Stretching for more than 2 miles across Chestertown on MD's Eastern Shore, the Wayne Gilchrest Trail is a scenic greenway that has the potential to connect to more communities.
Like many town-based trails, the paved, multi-use path allows residents to walk or bike between communities with minimal street crossings. It links Washington College with the north and south sides of town and the southern terminus along Cross Street is just a short distance from the waterfront at Wilmer Park as well as the historic downtown. Also notable is a spur of the trail that branches from the main path on the grounds of an office building and parallels High Street, connecting to the northwest side of town and ending at the former Radcliffe Mill, which has been restored and now houses a restaurant and microbrewery.
The trail also serves as an outdoor museum of sorts and features several sculptures and murals along the route, while the old train station, vintage passenger coaches and caboose at the southern end off Cross Street are a testimony to the rail line that used to run here.
Last, but not least, the lush vegetation that lines most of the trail's route provides a serene atmosphere and is a great place to observe local wildlife. The section from Mill Street south to Cross Street forms a greenbelt between residential communities and the Lawrence Preserve nature area, whose wetlands can be further explored through a network of paths extending from the trail. The ravine that forms the trail's route through the Washington College campus and the embankment on the portion north of Morgnec Road are also notable for their beauty and serenity.
My only caveats with this premier small town trail are the busy crossings on Morgnec Road and High Street, though flashing signal lights that warn motorists when trail users are crossing reduce the danger to a degree and the lack of any direct connection to Washington College. It would also be nice if a separate connector path or sidewalk could be built along Morgnec Road that would link the NW Spur of the trail with the main route on the north side of town so that trail users don't have to use the shoulder of that busy road.
Although currently confined to Chestertown, local officials are exploring plans to extend the Wayne Gilchrest Trail further north along the old RR towards Worton, forming part of a bigger network of greenways on the Eastern Shore.
Rode most of the trail yesterday starting in Railroad, PA on the Heritage Trail and turned around at the old train station in Monkton, MD. Temperature was in the mid-80s, and humidity was high. Because most of the trail was shaded, it was still a great ride. Definitely not a trail for narrow road tires, but still an excellent surface of crushed stone and hard packed dirt. Plenty of restrooms and stops available. Slightly downhill starting in New Freedom, PA into MD for about 6-7 miles and then a typical rail trail of mostly flat and straight sections. Great scenery of wooded areas. Highly recommend for a relaxing ride in the woods.
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!
Riding on this was a bucket list trail. Had hoped to ride further on it but had time restraints. Great trail. The rest stop in Meyersdale is wonderful. Plan someday to return and ride more of it.
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.
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.
Paint Branch Trail is good with one fatal flaw. Just west of Lake Artemesia there is a railroad underpass that develops a large mud pit after rainfall. Most of the time I've used this trail it has not been an issue, but I recently rode it after a rainfall and there was a mud pit approximately 25 feet long, with mud 2-3 inches deep, with no way around. Very unsafe and very irritating.
The trail is paved and easy to ride, and the water fountains that line the trail actually work! Great for beginners and experienced riders. Well-populated but not overcrowded.
I just rode 28 miles round trip today (May 30, 2025) on the WB&A Trail and it was great!
Contrary to the narrative in the description, the bridge over the Patuxent River is now open.
Started in Odenton and parked on Railroad Ave just North of the trail entrance and rode all the way to Annapolis Road (Rt 450).
Lots of bikers and pedestrians out on the trail today.
Great day to ride!
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