Explore the best rated trails in College Park, MD, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Anacostia River Trail and Meadowlark Connector Trail . With more than 120 trails covering 4658 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I often had to slow down for pedestrians on a weekend in February. Has some brief but aggressive climbs. Excited for the final piece to open soon.
I tried to do this trail in segments in January. The snow melts way slower on the trail than in other unplowed places. I also think the grades in the northern parts are tough.
I biked the BWI Trail today with my son. We had a fantastic time. We covered 12.4 miles, and the trail was smooth, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. It loops around the airport, but you’d be surprised scenic it feels, with stretches of greenery, wooded areas, and even a few nice rest stops. Great for casual riders and pros alike. We’ll definitely be back for another ride.
I’m a casual writer and I wrote the entire trail and one day.
The map shows the trail stopping at Main Street in Bel Air. Another mile has been added to that. It’s been there a couple of years and now they are working on a new section. When done this will connect the two sections that are existing. While this is the closest trail to me I seldom ride it because of two things. 1 is it does not really follow the old rail bed the whole time. Because of this it has some major hills. 2 is that it is to crowded for me. All personal opinions.
I didn't really like this trail. You are traveling beside busy roads the majority of the time, breathing in car and jet fumes.
The railroad bridge appears to be the only way to access the C&O Canal Towpath directly from Harpers Ferry. It's narrow and congested in the warmer months, and walking a bike across the bridge can be challenging. More difficult is the tight spiral staircase descending to the towpath from the bridge. It's not exceptionally strenuous with a light bicycle but I wouldn't attempt it with a heavy E-bike. Once at the bottom, the towpath is a beautiful cycling experience and it's also an easy walk to the Maryland Heights trail with its Civil War fortifications and fantastic overlook of Harpers Ferry.
garailroader is correct - There is no legal parking on the west end (Ilchester) of this trail. The trail simply "dead ends" at the edge of Ilchester Road, making it appear that that would be the beginning of the trail for people parking along the road, under the railroad bridge, or even across the river on several pull over spots. Unfortunately, the entire area is a no parking zone, and the powers that be expect people to park in the park (there is an entrance fee) and use the trail from the east end at Lost Lake (or park near the swinging bridge and cross it to join the Grist Mill Trail). Also, the article above mentions abandoned railroad tracks. These tracks are not abandoned and are still active. There are a few trains per day.
This “trail” is nothing more than a sidewalk behind a shopping center.
Plentiful parking downtown and at Watkins Park on Route 27. East section is picturesque along smooth gravel, decked, and paved sections between interesting rock formations with varied vegetation. Museum in original train station depot is opposite beautifully restored caboose where right of way ends. To reach west section must walk north on Main Street and west on Prospect Road past castle to Hill Street entrance. West section is nicely paved with benches and trees carved with nature scenes. Also can walk up Hill Street, down Baker Street, and ascend stairs behind shops to reach Main Street. This will be a five star trail once the rail connecting east and west sections becomes accessible!
If your from Montgomery County this trail is perfect. You get to see so many beautiful parks, open meadows, dense forest, and it’s all along the bank of rock creek. The trail is well labeled so it’s difficult to get lost. The trail also passes by the Mormon temple, where you get to see A pearl White Castle in the distance of the trail. One thing I found challenging was the trail after rain, due to all of the trees the trail gets slippery from fallen leaves and dirt, be careful. Other than that a beautiful trail 9/10.
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