ANACOSTIA TRIBUTARY TRAILS

ANACOSTIA TRIBUTARY TRAILS:

MONTGOMERY & PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTIES, MARYLAND-WASHINGTON, DC

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Last Updated: November 09, 2025

Length: Little Paint Branch Trail; 7.5 miles

     Paint Branch Trail; 3.7 miles

     Lake Artemesia Loop; 1.4 mile Loop

     Indian Creek Trail; 2 miles

     Northeast Branch Trail; 3.8 miles

     Anacostia River Trail; 10 miles

     Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail; 3.9 miles

     Northwest Branch Trail; 7.3 miles

     Sligo Creek Trail; 9 miles

Difficulty: Easy. Flat, paved trails.

Directions:

To start from the Fairland Regional Park in Laurel, MD for the Little Paint Branch Trail [Northern End]; From I-95 take exit 32 to Konterra Dr and travel left, west. Take your first left along Old Gunpowder Rd. The park entrance is on your right. You can access the trail from the Northern End of the parking lot on your right.

To start from the Lake Artemesia/55th Ave parking lot in Berwyn Heights North, of Trail Hub A for the Lake Artemesia Loop [Northern End], Indian Creek Trail [Center Section] & Northeast Branch Trail [Center Section]; From the intersection of Routes 193 & 201 follow Route 193 west, for 0.8 miles and turn left, along 58th Ave. Take your second right on Ruatan St and follow to Berwyn Rd. Straight ahead is Indian Creek Park, where you can access the Indian Creek Trail [Center Section]. Head right, across Indian Creek and turn left on 55th Ave. Parking lot on your left.

To start from Melrose Park in Hyattsville, MD West, of Trail Hub B for the Northeast Branch Trails [Southern End], Northwest Branch Trails [Southern End] & Anacostia River Trail [Northern End]; From the intersection of Routes 1 & 410 follow Route 1 south, for 0.4 miles. Turn left on Berwyn Rd and .

The Anacostia Tributary Trail System is a series of connected trails along the many tributaries of the Anacostia River, winding through the woods, fields and wetlands of the Anacostia Headwaters. This trail system forms a Y. Most of the trails are located in Prince George's County, but extend into both Montgomery County & Washington, DC.

Top Right Y Trails:

Starting from the Little Paint Branch Trail in Prince George's County. A short off-shoot travels West, into Montgomery County. The trail travels South, following the Little Paint Branch, connecting to the Paint Branch Trail, which follows the Paint Branch and crosses the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, before passing by Lake Artemesia and coming to Trail Hub A.

Here you can access 3 trails; the Lake Artemesia Loop, the Indian Creek Trail, which follows Indian Creek North and the Northeast Branch Trail, which follows the Northeast Branch Anacostia River South. The Northeast Branch Trail ends at the confluence of the Northeast Branch Anacostia River & Northwest Branch Anacostia River at Trail Hub B.

Top Left Y Trails:

From Trail Hub B, the Northwest Branch Trail follows the Northwest Branch Anacostia River Northwest, to Trail Hub C, Here, the Northwest Branch Trail continues Northwest, into Montgomery County, while the Sligo Creek Trail follows Sligo Creek Northwest, into Montgomery County.

Bottom Y Trail:

From Trail Hub B, the Anacostia River Trail follows the Anacostia River South, into Washington, DC, where it continues Southwest, to Anacostia Park. Past here the Anacostia River flows into the Potomac River.

For more information visit; CAPITOL TRAILS COALITION , DC TRAILS , WASHINGTON BIKE ASSOC , BIKE WASHINGTON & BIKES on METRO . The Anacostia Tributary Trail is part of the EAST COAST GREENWAY , a planned biking & hiking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine South, to Florida. When complete it will traverse 15 states with a mostly off-road path.

Little Paint Branch Trail:

Starting from the Fairland Regional Park in Laurel, MD for the Little Paint Branch Trail [Northern End]; Porto-Potty and water fountain. I have not checked out these sections. From the Northern End of the parking lot a paved trail takes you North, to the Little Paint Branch Trail.

Note; Continuing straight, North, the paved Little Paint Branch Trail travels alongside Old Gunpowder Rd to Konterra Dr, ending after 0.5 miles.

Head left, West, the paved Little Paint Branch Trail travels around the ball field and quickly come to an intersection.

Note; Right, an off-shoot of the paved Little Paint Branch Trail travels Northwest, into the woods, entering Fairland Recreational Park in Montgomery County. Here you'll find a series of Loop Trails through the woods. See; PARK MAP .

Continue South, past more ball fields and come to a small bridge on your left. You may continue straight or cross this bridge. Both trails travel past Little Lake to an intersection at 0.7 miles.

Note; A Spur Trail leads North, the the Gardens Ice House parking lot, located in Fairland Regional Park.

The wide trail now enters the woods, crossing Greencastle Rd and traveling underneath the Intercounty Connector (Route 200) and coming to an intersection at 1.3 miles.

Note; Left, The ICC Trail takes you West, up to and alongside the Intercounty Connector 0.8 miles to Briggs Chaney Rd.

Continuing straight, East, you travel past some sport fields and come to the Cross Creek Park parking lot. Here the trail travels South, alongside Old Gunpowder Rd. Travel over I-95 at 2.5 miles. Here you'll encounter a short on-road section. At Montgomery Rd, you cross over Old Gunpowder Rd, where the trail continues South, crossing Route 212, past which you cross back over Old Gunpowder Rd. The trail travels West, alongside Powder Mill Rd, bringing you to the entrance for Beltsville West Park at 3.5 miles. Here, the trail utilizes the park road South, through the woods, bringing you to the Beltsville West Park parking lot at 4 miles. Picnic tables, and playground. The paved trail enters the woods, paralleling the Little Paint Branch. Cross a bridge over Little Paint Branch, bringing you to the Beltsville Community Center parking lot at 4.6 miles. Map Board. The trail follows an entrance road out to Sellman Rd, where it continues right, West, alongside the road and away from Little Paint Branch. Cross Cherry Hill Rd at 5.5 miles, where the trail turns left, South. Travel underneath I-495 and cross a bridge over Little Paint Branch to an intersection after 6.8 miles [7.3 miles Total]. This is where the Paint Branch Trail begins.

Note; Left, North, will take you across Cherry Hill Rd, where a paved trail travels through the woods, bringing you to Cherry Hill Road Community Park after 0.3 miles. Parking lot, tennis courts and a gazebo overlooking a pond here.

Paint Branch Trail:

I have checked out this next section. The paved Paint Branch Trail travels South, alongside Little Paint Branch. [Continuing Mileage] Cross a bridge over Little Paint Branch, followed by Paint Branch, before passing by the Paint Branch Golf Course and coming alongside Paint Branch at 8.2 miles, where you travel underneath Route 193. Pass by Acredale Community Park, before crossing Metzerott Rd and passing by the College Park Dog Park parking lot on your right at 8.5 miles. Travel through the woods and come to an intersection at 8.9 miles.

Note; Left, a pedestrian bridge takes you East, over Paint Branch to Baltimore Ave (Route 1).

Note; Right, a paved trail takes you West, out to Paint Branch Dr.

Continuing South, between Paint Branch and the University of Maryland, you'll pass by another pedestrian bridge over Paint Branch to Baltimore Ave (Route 1), before traveling underneath and up to Baltimore Ave (Route 1). Head right, via a BIKE LANE (sidewalk available) across Paint Branch, where the paved trail now travels along the Eastern Side of Paint Branch. The trail splits at Paint Branch Stream Valley Park. Both trails travel around the park, past sports courts, playground and picnic tables before merging next to Rhode Island Ave at 9.6 miles.

Note; The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail crosses here traveling North-South. See Below.

The Paint Branch Trail/Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail continues right, South, into the woods. Quickly come to another intersection.

Note; The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail continues straight, South. See Below.

Continue left, East, through the woods and you'll come to some RR tracks. Here, the trail travels South, where it travels underneath the RR tracks bringing you to an *Intersection at 10 miles.

Artemesia Lake Loop Trail:

[Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake created by the Metro]

Note; I have checked out this trail. Left, North, the paved Outer Artemesia Lake Loop Trail travels below the RR tracks and along the Southern Portion of the lake to an intersection.

Note; Right, the paved Inner Artemesia Lake Loop Trail travels Southeast, between the Southern & Northern Portions of the lake.

Continuing North, the paved Outer/Inner Artemesia Lake Loop Trail travels below the RR tracks and along the Northern Portion of the lake, passing by an outdoor gym and coming to an intersection at 0.5 miles.

Note; Left, a paved trail takes you North, 0.25 miles to the Lake Artemesia/55th Ave parking lot.

Continue right, South alongside the lake coming to pedestrian bridge at 1 mile.

Note; Right, the paved Inner Artemesia Lake Loop Trail travels Northwest, between the Southern & Northern Portions of the lake.

Note; Left, you can access the Indian Creek Trail.

Continuing South, the paved Outer Artemesia Lake Loop Trail travels along the Southern Portion of the lake to an **Intersection.

Note; Left, the Paint Branch Trail continues South.

Continue straight, West, along the Southern End of the lake, completing the Outer Artemesia Lake Loop Trail after 1.4 miles.

Continuing from the *Intersection the Paint Branch Trail travels East, passing by another **Intersection for the Outer Artemesia Lake Loop Trail and turning right, South. Come to another ***Intersection at 10.4 miles for Trail Hub A.

Indian Creek Trail:

Note; I have checked out this trail. Left, The paved Indian Creek Trail travels North, through the woods to an intersection. It continues right, across Indian Creek to another intersection.

Note; Straight, East, a paved trail takes you out to Sweetbrier Dr.

The Indian Creek Trail continues alongside Indian Creek through Indian Creek Stream Valley Park. Very scenic. Pass by Indian Creek Park, before crossing over Berwyn Rd at 0.9 miles. Next, pass by the Berwyn Heights Park & parking lot, where you'll find a playground. Come to Greenbelt Rd at 1.3 miles. Head right to a cross light over Greenbelt Rd and continue straight, on-road along Branchville Rd. Quickly pick up the paved Indian Creek Trail on your right, as it travels through an open field. Come to an intersection.

Note; Right, a paved trail takes you East, out to Cherrywood Ln.

Continue left, Northwest, crossing a bridge over Indian Creek and come to Greenbelt Station Pkwy after 2 miles.

From the ***Intersection continue right, across a bridge over Paint Branch after 10.5 miles [11 miles Total] to the start of the Northeast Branch Trail.

Northeast Branch Trail:

I have checked out this next section. [Continuing Mileage] The paved Northeast Branch Trail travels South, alongside Paint Branch. Travel past the College Park Airport along your right and come to the Northeast Branch Anacostia River, as you travel around the Southern End of the runway and come to an intersection at 11 miles.

Note; Right leads to a parking lot for the College Park Aviation Museum. The College Park Airport and Museum is the world's oldest continually operating airport, where Wilbur Wright instructed Army officers in the first government airplane.

The trail then travels underneath Campus Dr, where it follows an partially shaded corridor through Northeast Branch Stream Valley Park. Travel underneath River Rd and alongside Northeast Branch Anacostia River. Come to a spur trail on your right at 12 miles.

Note; Right will bring you to the Riverdale Community Park Parking lot. Sports fields & courts, Dog Park, playground, restrooms and picnic tables.

Travel underneath Route 410 and across Riverdale Rd, where you travel atop a dyke. Cross Decatur St and underneath a RR bridge, before traveling underneath Baltimore Ave (Route 1) and coming to an intersection after 13.8 miles [14.3 miles Total including Little Paint Branch & Paint Branch Trails & Northeast Branch Trail]. This is Trail Hub B for the Anacostia River Trail and Northwest Branch Trail.

Note; The Northwest Branch Trail starts on your right, heading Northwest. See Below.

Anacostia River Trail:

I have checked out this next section. [Continuing Mileage] The paved Anacostia River Trail travels left, South, crossing a bridge over the Northwest Branch Anacostia River. The trail then travels alongside the Anacostia River, traveling underneath Bladensburg Rd and coming to a pedestrian bridge over the river at 14.6 miles.

Note; Straight, a trail takes you to the Colmar Manor Community Park, where you'll find a parking lot, playground, picnic tables, Porto-Potty and sports courts & fields.

Head left, across the long pedestrian bridge to the Bladensburg Historic Waterfront Park, where you'll find a parking lot, playground, picnic pavilion, docks and a promenade overlooking the river. This was as far as I traveled. The trail then crosses a bridge over an inlet where it heads into the woods. Travel past some wetlands before retuning alongside the river, where a boardwalk takes you underneath Route 50 at 16.4 miles as you cross into Washington, DC. The boardwalk continues underneath a RR bridge, bringing you to a bridge across Beaverdam Creek. You enter Kenilworth Park, passing by the hard packed dirt River Trail, which takes you to the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. You then cross a bridge between the river and Kenilworth Marsh. Travel past open fields of Kenilworth Park North, before passing by the track, sports fields and parking lot at 17.9 miles. Cross Deane Ave and enter a wooded area with picnic tables and a playground, before crossing a bridge over Watts Branch and coming to Jay St. Here, a 2-Way SEPARATED BIKE LANE takes you North, along Jay St, then South, along Hayes St to Anacostia Ave. Head right, Southwest, on-road and pick up the paved trail on your right at 19 miles. The trail re-enters the woods, back alongside the river, where it continues South, traveling underneath a RR bridge and Benning Rd, coming to an ^Intersection at 19.8 miles & the Anacostia River Trail; East Bank.

Anacostia River Trail; West Bank:

Note; [Continuing Mileage; 19.8 miles] Left, a paved trail will take you up and across the Benning Road bridge along a pedestrian path. The trail then continues along a sidewalk, passing by the entrance for Kingman & Heritage Islands. A path takes you East, down to a dock overlooking the river.

Note; The crushed gravel Kingman Island Trail travels South, through the woods for 0.7 miles. A crushed gravel Spur off this trail takes you West, to a boardwalk and observation platform across the river, then to Heritage Island after 0.2 miles. Here, a hard packed dirt trail? Loops 0.6 miles South, around the Island. A boardwalk then takes you West, 0.2 miles across the river to the Anacostia River Trail; West Bank and Kingman & Heritage Islands Park. See; KINGMAN & HERITAGE ISLANDS & MAP .

Continuing West, alongside Benning Rd, you'll travel underneath a RR bridge and come to an intersection 20.3 miles. Here, the Anacostia River Trail; West Bank travels South, alongside the Anacostia River and through Kingman & Heritage Islands Park. Come to an intersection where a cement trail travels left, East, to a boardwalk across the Anacostia River to Heritage Island. See Above. Continue past sports fields, before traveling underneath East Capitol St. Look right, in the distance to spot RFK Stadium. The open trail travels alongside Southeast Blvd, turning Southwest, before the trail splits at 21.8 miles.

Note; Right, the trail takes you out to Barney Circle.

Continue left, where the trail crosses a bridge over the RR tracks, before traveling underneath Pennsylvania Ave and continuing alongside M St. Cross Water St and continue left. The trail briefly travels on-road along Water St (low traffic). Just before I-695 you'll pick back up the paved trail. The trail then turns left, when you reach I-695 and travels underneath I-695 and 11th St, bringing you to the iron gates of the Washington Navy Yard at 22.8 miles. Head through these gates, where the cement trail travels right next to the river. Trail turns West, crossing a narrow lift bridge over a canal, before passing by Swift Boat PCF-1. Exit the Washington Navy Yard, where you'll follow a wide boardwalk past The Yard Park. You'll need to veer right, off the boardwalk up past a wide grass promenade. This leads to the the modern Yards Park bridge, over an inlet, to the Great Lawn. Another wide boardwalk is cantilevered over the water. Check out the modern glass Pump Station on your right. Cross a wide cement trail.

Note; Right, leads to the Potomac Ave BIKE LANE, across from Nationals Park.

Continue along the boardwalk to the Fredrick Douglas Bridge and head right along the cement trail up to the Fredrick Douglas Bridge (S Capitol Ave) after 23.8 miles.

Note; A wide cement path takes you East, across this bridge to Anacostia Park and the Anacostia River Trail; East Bank after 24.2 miles. See Below.

Anacostia River Trail; East Bank:

Note; [Continuing Mileage; 19.8 miles] From the ^Intersection the Anacostia River Trail; East Bank continues South, alongside the Anacostia River and through Anacostia Park past a ball field and playground. Travel underneath E Capitol St and continue through the woods. Cross a long bridge over the RR tracks to River Park at 21.2 miles. Parking lot, boat launch, sports courts & fields and roller skating pavilion. Travel underneath Pennsylvania Ave, past the Nicholson Street parking lot and playground, followed by the Anacostia Recreation Center and parking lot, before traveling underneath I-695 and 11th St at 22.5 miles. Travel past the Poplar Point parking lot, before coming to the Fredrick Douglas Bridge (S Capitol Ave) after 23.4 miles.

Note; A wide cement path takes you up to and across this bridge, West, to the Anacostia River Trail; West Bank after 23.8 miles. See Above.

Northwest Branch Trail:

From Trail Hub B for the Anacostia River Trail and Northwest Branch Trail. [Re-zeroing Mileage] I have not checked out this trail. The paved Northwest Branch Trail travel North, up to Charles Armentrout Dr where it continues left, West, alongside the road. Travel underneath a RR bridge and come to Route 1 at 0.3 miles.

Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail:

Note; The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail begins here. I have not checked out this trail. Informational signs along the trail. Heading North, the paved Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail travels alongside Route 1, passing by a Map Board. RR tracks parallel the trail above on your right. Come to a bench circle at 0.5 miles. BIKE STATION. Here the trail follows the old rail bed through an urban corridor, traveling underneath Baltimore Ave. Pass by the Arts District Trolley Trail Playground, before the trail travels alongside Rhode Island Ave at 1.2 miles. Cross Queensbury Rd, before traveling underneath the East-West Hwy (Route 410), where the trail continues along the old rail bed. At 2 miles the trail again travels alongside Rhode Island Ave through a residential corridor. Multiple road crossings. Cross Campus Dr, before crossing a bridge over a stream at 2.9 miles, where the trail enters the woods. Cross another bridge over Paint Branch, before coming to an intersection at 3.1 miles.

Note; Right, the paved Paint Branch Trail travels East. See Above.

Continue straight, along the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail/ Paint Branch Trail and quickly come to Rhode Island Ave.

Note; Left, the paved Paint Branch Trail travels West, through Paint Branch Stream Valley Park. See Above.

The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail continues North, alongside Rhode Island Ave, crossing Lakeland Rd. Pick up the old rail bed again on your right at 3.3 miles and travel along a residential corridor. Multiple road crossings. Come alongside Rhode Island Ave again. The trail ends after 3.9 miles at Greenbelt Rd. A BIKE LANE continues North, along Rhode Island Ave and a BIKE LANE also follows Greenbelt Rd East-West.

Cross Route 1, where the trail travels through Melrose Park. Parking lot, sports field & court, Skatepark & Bike rentals. The trail then travels West, along the Northern Side of the Northwest Branch River. Travel though 38th Ave Park, crossing 38th St at 0.9 miles. Parking lot, sports courts & fields, playground. Cross a bridge over the river and come to an intersection at 1.2 miles.

Note; Left, South, will bring you to the Brentwood Levee Trail . I have not checked out this trail.

The trail continues Northwest, bringing you to another pedestrian bridge.

Note; Left, South, will bring you to the Brentwood Levee Trail . I have not checked out this trail.

Cross the bridge over the river, then cross Queens Chapel Rd, before passing by a Spur Trail on your right, which takes you up to Jamestown Rd and another Spur Trail on your left, at 1.9 miles, where a pedestrian bridge over the river takes you out to Chillum Rd. Travel underneath a RR bridge and pass by another Spur Trail on your left, that will take you to Chillum Park, before coming to an intersection at 2.3 miles.

Note; Left, Northwest, is the start of the Sligo Creek Trail. I have not checked out this trail. See Below.

The Northwest Branch Trail continues straight, North, following the Northwest Branch River. Just before I-495, the trail turns out to Oakview Dr, ending after 7.3 miles.

Sligo Creek Trail:

I have not checked out this trail. [Re-zeroing Mileage] From the intersection with the Northwest Branch Trail, the paved Sligo Creek Trail crosses a bridge over the Northwest Branch River. It then travels Northwest, alongside Sligo Creek, ending after 9 miles at Channing Dr.

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