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TrailsHiking, bicycling, and horseback riding are some of the best ways to explore Prince George's County's natural beauty. As you plan your excursion, please check out our Tips for Trail Safety . The trail system is open for public use from sunrise to sunset each day.
The Northwest Branch Trail will be temporarily detoured during Melrose Park renovation.
Melrose Park located at 4666 Rhode Island Avenue and 41st Place, Hyattsville, MD and the Northwest Branch Trail through the park will be CLOSED for park renovations from approximately September 9 through March 2012. Weather conditions may shorten or lengthen the park closure period.
The renovations will include construction of a skate park, new half-court basketball, additional parking, trail realignment, and landscaping (see Concept Plan).
During construction the Northwest Branch Trail will be temporarily detoured to use 41st Place and the trail connector on 41st Street that are adjacent to Melrose Park.
 Download the Northwest Branch Trail Detour at Melrose Park
Downlaod the Melrose Park Concept Plan
Temporary Detour of Paint Branch Trail
The Paint Branch Trail in Acredale Park will be temporarily detoured from November 2011 through Spring 2012 to accommodate construction of a major stream restoration for a section of the Paint Branch located between MD 193 (University Boulevard) and US 1 (Baltimore Avenue ) in College Park. Additionally, the pedestrian bridge to North Gate Park will be closed to traffic during the University of Maryland Winter Break beginning in December 2011. The stream restoration is being completed by a contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
ICC Construction: Due to the construction of the ICC (MD 200), Little Paint Branch/Cross Creek Trail between Cross Creek Community Park and Greencastle Rd in Laurel will experience periodic trail closures. The ICC Project Team will make every effort to keep the trail open, and will be working with the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation to inform trail users about coahanges in surfacing. Electronic signs have been placed on site. This work is expected to continue through 2012. Please call the Park Planning and Development Division at 301-699-2438 or e-mail laura.connelly@pgparks.com for further information.
Anacostia Tributary Trail System
Northern Prince George's County, MD
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)
 Get away from automobile traffic and experience nature! The Anacostia Tributary Trail System, a link in the national shore-to-shore American Discovery Trail, provides miles of uninterrupted trails along the tributaries of the Anacostia River. The southernmost point of the trail is located at Baldensburg Waterfront Park, and trail spurs extend northeast and northwest along beautiful stream valley parkland. The trail system's continuous greenway traverses a variety of natural environments including woodlands, open fields, and wetlands.
The trail affords ample opportunities for fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking, jogging, horseback riding, and in-line skating. Sites along the Anacostia Tributary Trail System worth a stop include College Park Airport, College Park Aviation Museum, Ellen Linson Swimming Pool, Herbert Wells Ice Rink, Lake Artemesia, Adelphi Mill, College Park Community Center, Paint Branch Golf Course, and many local neighborhood and community parks.
The flat, barrier-free trail system is designed for a wide variety of users, and a signage system with mile markers assists with location awareness. The trail system links several neighborhoods to Metro stations, but commuters needing to travel at speeds greater than 12 miles per hour should consider alternative routes.
The Anacostia Tributary Trail System Map is sized to fit into a pocket or a backpack and features recreational areas, historic sites and communities along the trails. You can pick up a free map at M-NCPPC sites, offices, and facilities located adjacent to the trail or you can download using link below.
Download the Anacostia Tributary Trail System Map
(You will need the Adobe Reader to see this files. Download Adobe Reader. )
 Little Paint Branch Trail Extented – A New Trail Segment
A new two mile segment of the Little Paint Branch Trail will begin design in 2012. The new trail extension will connect the existing trail at the Beltsville Community Center to the Paint Branch Trail that currently ends at Cherry Hill Road in College Park. The new trail will parallel Cherry Hill and Sellman Roads. With the new trail segment, you will be able to bicycle or walk from the Beltsville Community Center to the Bladensburg Waterfront Park on a continuous 10-mile trail.
For more information, call 301-699-2255.
Henson Creek Trail
Henson Creek Trail Closure : A bridge on the Henson Creek Trail is closed to all pedestrians, bicycles, and equestrians. It is being replaced and will re-open by the end of December 2011. The bridge is located approximately 1 mile north of Oxon Hill Road and 1.3 mile south of the Tucker Road Community Center. Please adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)
This 5.7-mile trail extends from Oxon Hill Road to Temple Hill Road. The trail is a scenic, recreational route through the Henson Creek Stream Valley Park and passes through several neighborhood and community parks, including Tucker Road Athletic Complex and Community Center. The asphalt surface accommodates shared use for cyclists, pedestrians, hikers, joggers and inline skaters. The grassy shoulder accommodates equestrians. The trail has a rating of easy. There are at-grade road crossings at Tucker Road, Bock Road and Brinkley Road. Along Tucker Road, there is a short section where the trail is located in the shoulder of the road.
Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis
Recreational Trail
Central Prince George's County
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)
 The Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis (WB&A) Trail runs along the site of the former Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad. From 1908 through 1935, state-of-the-art electric commuter trains ran along this route through Bowie and Glenn Dale, carrying passengers between Washington, DC, and Baltimore.
The 5.6-mile trail from Route 450 in Glenn Dale, running northeasterly to the Patuxent River, includes five bridge crossings, two tunnel crossings, and two at-grade intersections. Ancillary facilities include trail head parking and rest areas with benches, bike racks, and landscaping. The 10-foot wide bituminous trail runs from Glenn Dale through Bowie, and opened in November 2000. The trail will eventually be extended across the Patuxent River into Anne Arundel County.
The WB&A Trail Map is sized to fit into a pocket or a backpack and features recreational areas, historic sites and communities along the trails. You can pick up a free map at M-NCPPC sites, offices, and facilities located adjacent to the trail or you can download using link below.
Download the WB&A Trail Map
(You must have Adobe Reader to read this file. Download Adobe Reader. )
Jug Bay Natural Area Trail
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)
 The 2000 acre Jug Bay Natural Area has over 8 miles of natural surface trails for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. All trails are identified by white fiberglass markers with color coded diamond directional arrows. Users are encouraged to evaluate trails conditions prior to use and follow proper trail etiquette. A map is available by calling 301 627-6074.
Download the Jug Bay Natural Area Trail Map
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Patuxent River Park, Governor Bridge Natural Area and Canoe Launch
The Governor Bridge Natural Area has approximately 2 miles of natural surface trails for hikers and bicyclists. It is an excellent area for bird watching and nature study. All trails are identified by white fiberglass markers with color coded diamond directional arrows. Users are encouraged to evaluate trail conditions prior to use and follow proper trail etiquette. A map is available by calling 301 627-7074.
Patuxent Water Trail
 The Patuxent Water Trail is a self-guided paddling trail designed for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. It allows paddlers an opportunity to explore the river, experience its beauty, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and refuges. The Patuxent Water Trail is a cooperative project by state, county and local government agencies, conservation organizations, volunteer groups and the business community. The trail can be accessed from many points in several counties along the river. Additional information, is available at www.patuxentwatertrail.org , by calling 301-627-6074.
Download the Patuxent Water Trail Map
(You will need the Adobe Reader to see this files. Download Adobe Reader.
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)
This 3.5-mile trail extends from Oxon Hill Road across the Potomac River to the Huntington Metro Station in Virginia. The trail connects to the network of trails in Northern Virginia, including the Mount Vernon Trail. The asphalt and concrete trail surface accommodates shared use for bicyclists, pedestrians, hikers, runners, and inline skaters and is completely separated from motor vehicle traffic. The trail has a rating of easy except for a difficult half-mile, uphill section to Oxon Hill Road from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge where the trail gains approximately 200 feet in elevation. To access the trail in Maryland, there are at-grade road crossings at Oxon Hill Road and National Harbor Boulevard. Expect expansion joints and unexpected dips on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge portion of the trail. NOTE: This trail over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is closed during snowstorms due to plowing operations which might cause injury to trail users.
Tips for Trail Safety
Smart trail use includes adherence to some basis safety practices. Trails are shared recreation amenities and are accessed by a variety of users at the same time. Please be courteous to all users, and remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way. All trail users should stay to the right on the trail.
- Never use the trails at dark and always follow posted regulations.
- Bicyclists should pull off the trail when stopping to avoid a possible accident.
- Bicyclists approaching pedestrians should make an advanced noise using voice, bell, or horn to avoid startling walkers.
- Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and ride at speeds that do not exceed 12 miles per hour.
- Horses should be kept on the grass shoulder, when possible.
- With the exception of motorized wheelchairs, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
- Pets should be kept on short leash and people must clean up after their pets.
- Be sure to carry identification (which includes name, phone number, and pertinent medical information), and record your bicycle serial number.
- Carry coins for phone calls or have a cell phone.
- Prior to using new trail take the time to familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route.
- Tell friends or family the route you'll be taking, and always travel with a partner when possible.
- Avoid unfamiliar areas when on the trails alone.
- Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings and avoid areas where visibility is poor.
- Never wear headsets.
- Wear reflective material and carry a whistle or noisemaker.
- Use discretion when acknowledging strangers, and follow your intuition about unfamiliar people and areas.
- When on roadways, remember to ride with traffic, but walk and run against traffic.
- Always carry tools to repair minor issues and especially have supplies to change a flat tire.
- Trails are available for use from sunrise to sunset each day.
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