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Rachel Carson Greenway & Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park Trails

Northwest Branch  Trail Map Locator Description

Both hard surface and natural surface trails are located in the Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park.

  • The hard surface trail is located south of the Capital Beltway and links into the Prince George's County Anacostia Tributary Trail System. The natural surface trail extends north of the Capital Beltway to Wheaton Regional Park.
  • The natural surface trail is 10.2 miles: the most popular segment is a 5.5 mile loop that starts just north of Colesville Road (Rte 29) where trail head parking is available (see map). The trail hugs the Northwest Branch river edge and provides a wilderness-like experience.

These trails are part of the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail Corridor. A 25-mile trail corridor that will one day connect Patuxent River State Park to Prince George's County.

Download Trail Map (pdf)

 

Activities

Hiking Hiking and Horseback Riding Horseback Riding (Natural surface trail)
Hiking Hiking, Biking Biking and Rollerblading Rollerblading (Hard surface trail)

Location

The trail is located in the southeastern portion of the county and extends both north and south of the Capital Beltway.

Trail length/surface

Asphalt trail south of the Capital Beltway is 2.7 miles; natural surface trail north of the Beltway is 10.2 miles.

Trail characteristics

The natural surface trail on the east side of the Northwest Branch stream is hiker only. On the west side, horses and hikers are permitted.
NOTE: Bicycles are not permitted. The hard surface trail is open to hikers, bikers and rollerblades.

Drinking water

No

Restrooms

No

Access and parking

Accessibility

See maps. Accessible parking for hard surface trail is located at Adelphi Mill in Prince Georges County click here for details.

Contact

Park Managers Office: 301-625-7207.
SmartParks: 301-670-8080 for non-emergency & trail maintenance.

Date of last page update: August 12, 2008