Explore the best rated trails in Potomac, 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 118 trails covering 4656 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 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.
Who ever scheduled work and approved the contactor to repair boardwalk bridge section along Telegraf Road should look for another job. New boards make it less safe than the old ones. A trip hazard and surface that may cause wheeled users to lose control. It is not improved but made less safe of a crossing for bikers, walkers, joggers, strollers, rollerbladers and skateboarders when they cross it. Almost like adding pot holes to asphalt. Just one persons comment.
I’m a casual writer and I wrote the entire trail and one day.
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.
I just completed walking the main trail in both directions. Two days of hiking, with about 10,000 steps each day. I started by parking in a shopping mall lot about 1/3 of a mile from the eastern end trail head. In retrospect, the trail is near residential homes. I could have parked on the street and accessed the trail with a public access point. It is a lovely trail. The one downside is that i was never really in the woods. From almost every point on the trail, one can see the back of somebody’s house. This is more pronounced on the eastern half. The prettiest is within Ellanor C Lawrence Park.
I frequently ride the Cross Island Trail. You can extend your ride starting at the Royal Farms. Continue on Sadler Rd when it ends make a left on Chester River Beach Rd then right on VFW Ave. At the Quality Inn make a left onto Winchester Creek Rd. Then right onto Hissey Rd and then left back onto Winchester Creek Road. Stop at Nesbit Rd. The roads are not busy and will add 4 more miles to your round trip.
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