The best walks and hikes in Prince George's County

Yes, many parks in Prince George's County welcome dogs on leashes. For a pleasant walk with your canine companion, consider the Spicebush & Upland Trail loop within Watkins Regional Park. The park is a local favorite and offers plenty of space for a good walk. Always remember to check specific park regulations before you go.

The county is great for family outings. A wonderful option is the Greenbelt Lake Trail loop at Buddy Attick Lake Park. It's an easy, short walk around a picturesque lake, perfect for little legs. Another excellent choice is Watkins Regional Park, which has trails and other attractions like playgrounds and a nature center.

Absolutely. The county has an extensive network of paved trails. The Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail is a well-regarded paved path that offers changing scenery. Another great option is the Paint Branch Trail, which provides a smooth surface for walking or cycling along the water.

While Prince George's County is known more for its serene rivers and wetlands than dramatic waterfalls, you can find smaller cascades in the region. The Cascade Falls Trailhead, located just outside the county in Patapsco Valley State Park, is a popular destination for those specifically seeking a waterfall hike.

For scenic riverfront views, the trails around Bladensburg Waterfront Park are excellent. The Anacostia River Trail loop offers a mix of marshlands, wooded areas, and open river views. For a more immersive woodland experience, the trails within Rosaryville State Park are highly recommended for their beautiful forest setting.

While most trails in the county are easy to moderate, you can find longer routes that offer more of a challenge. The Cedarville Orange Trail loop is a moderate hike of nearly 6 miles (9.7 km) through Cedarville State Forest. For a longer day, consider the nearly 7.5-mile (12 km) route from Kirkwood park to Park Valley Road Bridge.

The trails here are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, especially the paved tributary trails, and the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands. The accessibility of nature so close to urban areas is a frequently mentioned highlight.

There are nearly 50 curated hiking routes available on komoot for Prince George's County. The network is quite extensive, ranging from short, easy loops in local parks to longer paths that follow the region's scenic rivers.

Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. Spring offers blooming wildflowers and budding trees, especially along trails like the Azalea Trail in Greenbelt Park. Autumn provides cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage in the county's many forests, such as Cedarville State Forest.

Yes, many trails connect to this extensive system. The Indian Creek Trail is a popular segment that is part of the Anacostia Tributary Trails. Additionally, routes starting from Bladensburg Waterfront Park often connect directly to the main Anacostia River Trail, allowing for much longer and varied hikes.

The county has many excellent loop trails. For a straightforward circular route through a forested area, consider the Green & Blue Trail loop in LP Cosca Regional Park. It's a pleasant walk of about 3 miles (4.9 km) that is easy to follow.