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Trails

Paint Branch Trail/Acredale park closure
Due to trail construction scheduled to begin August 2, the Paint Branch Trail in Acredale Park will be detoured until approximately November 2010. If you have questions, please e-mail: eileen.nivera@pgparks.com or call 301-699-2522.


Hiking, 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 Anacostia Tributary Trail System Map and The WB&A Trail Map are both sized to fit into a pocket or a backpack and feature recreational areas, historic sites and communities along the trails. You can pick up these free maps at M-NCPPC sites, offices, and facilities located adjacent to the trails or you can download the maps using Acrobat Reader. Also, check with your local bicycle or outdoors store for copies.

Please note: The Inter-County Connector (ICC) project has disturbed the new trail between Cross Creek Community Park and Fairland Regional Park in the Laurel area. There currently is a stone dust bridge over the trail with ramps on either side to make a smooth transition for all users. If the stone dust washes out, it will be replaced. In the future, the trail will experience closures and will be disturbed at times with temporary stone crossings. 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 changes 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.

Little Paint Branch/Cross Creek Temporary Trail Closure
The Little Paint Branch Trail (also known as the Cross Creek Trail) from Cross Creek Community Park to Greencastle Road in Laurel will be closed from November 17-19 from 7 am to 6 pm while a covered walkway is built to protect pedestrians and bicyclists during construction of the ICC bridge over the Little Paint Branch. The trail will re-open each evening on the days of the closure.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but this short closure will allow use of the trail during construction of the ICC which is expected to be completed in late 2011 in this area.

For further information about the closure, please call Mike Baker, ICC Team, at 301-586-9249, mbaker@iccproject.com .


Anacostia Tributary Trail System

Northern Prince George's County, MD
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)

Anacostia Tributary Trail 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 Colmar Manor Community Park, and trail spurs extend northeasterly and northwesterly 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, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 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.

pdf small icon Download the Anacostia Tributary Trail System Map
(You will need the Adobe Reader to see this files. Download Adobe Reader. )


Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis
Recreational Trail

Central Prince George's County
Information: 301-699-CALL (2255)

bird on tree branch 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.

pdf small icon 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)

jug bay bird watching The Patuxent River Park manages over 7,000 acres of “limited-use” parkland preserving the natural resources and scenic character of the Patuxent River while providing compatible recreational activities for the public. The 2000 acre Jug Bay Natural Area in Upper Marlboro has over 8 miles of natural surface trails open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Each trail is identified by a white fiberglass marker with colored coded diamonds and directional arrows. The map also indicates the distance between each intersection. Trail users are encouraged to follow proper trail etiquette and adhere to smart trail use.

pdf small icon Download the Jug Bay Natural Area Trail Map
(You must have Adobe Reader to read this file. Download Adobe Reader. )

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.