Rachel Carson Greenway & Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park Trails
Notice: Trail work on the Northwest Branch Trail at Kemp Mill Road and Glenallen Road A stream restoration project has begun on the Northwest Branch Trail at Kemp Mill Road and Glenallen Road. The project, which is scheduled to continue until June 1, 2013, consists of trail reconstruction, stream bank stabilization, stream grade control structures and minor bridge repairs. The trail will remain open during construction with temporary detours. Trail users are advised to use caution when walking or biking in this area during construction.
Description
Located in one of our Best Natural Areas, the Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park hosts both a hard surface and natural surface trail. 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.
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.
Unless noted otherwise on the map, trails marked “Natural Surface” and “Hard Surface” are "Shared by All" trails which includes hikers, bikers and equestrians. Additional information about permitted uses of Park trails is available on our Trail User Information page.
Download Rachel Carson Greenway and Northwest Branch Trails Map (pdf)
Activities |
|
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. |
Drinking water |
No |
Restrooms |
No |
Access
and parking |
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. |
Hiking and 
Horseback Riding (Natural surface trail)
Biking and 
Rollerblading (Hard surface trail) 
Date of last page update: August 12, 2008
Montgomery County Department of Parks