The best walks and hikes around College Park
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Hikes around College Park Maryland are characterized by an extensive network of paved and unpaved trails connecting local parks and natural areas. The landscape consists of rolling hills, woodlands, and waterways like the Anacostia River and its tributaries. Many routes center around features such as the 38-acre Lake Artemesia or are located within the nearby Greenbelt National Park.
Best hiking trails around College Park
- The most popular hiking route is Perimeter Trail loop — Greenbelt Park, a 5.4 mile…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
3
hikers
12.0km
03:03
30m
30m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, a route that spans 7.5 miles (12.0 km) and features a gentle 98 feet (30 metres) of elevation…
8.24km
02:05
10m
20m
Embark on a moderate hike along the Northeast Branch Trail, a 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route that offers pleasant views as it follows the levee of the Anacostia River. You will…
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5.50km
01:27
40m
60m
Embark on an easy hike along the Little Paint Branch Park and Bike Path, a serene route that winds through varied landscapes. You will follow the Little Paint Branch Stream,…
13
hikers
8.74km
02:18
80m
80m
Hike the 5.4-mile Perimeter Trail Loop in Greenbelt Park, a moderate route with 250 feet of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 18 minu
6
hikers
2.99km
00:46
10m
10m
Hike the easy 1.9-mile Greenbelt Lake Trail loop in Buddy Attick Lake Park, offering scenic lake views and a peaceful nature setting.
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Tips from the Community
It’s really a skateboard track, but I was really tempted to test it with my bike
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This picturesque lake is the centerpiece of this beautiful park. A dirt and stone path winds its way around the lake and through the woods, with plenty of bird species that inhabit the area. There are nice benches along the shoreline, a perfect place to spend time admiring its tranquil beauty.
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College Park Airport, founded in 1909 as the military demonstration area for the Wright Brothers, is the world's oldest continually operating airport. From here, there is only a fence and a few lights between you and the beginning of the runway to this small airport. If you are lucky, you will catch a plane flying over your head as you walk by.
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The Perimeter Trail is the longest route among the four trails in Greenbelt Park, encircling the entire park perimeter, offering a serene and picturesque hike. As you follow this trail, you'll come across the park's charming picnic areas at the northern end, where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. On the southern end, you can stroll through the park's inviting campground and stop at the ranger station, which offers trail maps, information, a water station and restrooms.
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The Dogwood Trail is a 1.5-mile loop through the forest that ends right back on the Perimeter Trail. The beauty of the trees and the ample shade makes it a perfect side trail to extend your hike, especially on a hot day. There are nice benches along the way, ideal for a place to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the woods.
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Buddy Attick Lake Park offers a flat trail encircling the Greenbelt Lake, giving visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife such as great blue herons, songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels. The park features a playground, a recycling center, restrooms, and well-maintained facilities. This park is a popular spot for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
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Managed by the National Park Service since 1950, Greenbelt Park is a forested park with paved, unpaved, and boardwalk trails running through it. The park boasts many amenities, including a 5.3-mile hiking trail, Park Central Road for bikers, an equestrian trail, shorter nature trails, numerous campsites, and three picnic areas.
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College Park Airport was founded in 1909 as the military demonstration area for the Wright Brothers. Notably, it is the world's oldest continually operating airport. As you ride by College Park Airport, you are separated by a fence and a few lights, but not by much else, from the beginning of the runway to this small airport. If you are lucky, you will catch a plane coming right over your head as you ride by.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many easy, beginner-friendly hikes in College Park?
Yes, College Park is great for beginners. The area has over 30 easy-rated trails. A popular choice is the Greenbelt Lake Trail loop — Buddy Attick Lake Park, a gentle walk of about 3 km around a scenic lake.
What are the best options for a family-friendly walk?
For a family outing, the Lake Artemesia Natural Area is an excellent choice. It features easy, paved paths around a 38-acre lake with plenty of spots for picnics and bird watching. The Indian Creek Trail – Lake Artemesia loop from Berwyn is a well-regarded route that's suitable for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around College Park?
Many trails in the College Park area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. The trails within Lake Artemesia Natural Area and Greenbelt Park are popular spots for walking with four-legged friends. Always check specific park regulations before you go.
Are there any circular hiking routes or loops?
Yes, there are several great loop trails. For a shorter, easy walk, the Azalea Trail loop — Greenbelt Park is a pleasant 2 km woodland path. If you're looking for a more substantial hike, the Perimeter Trail loop — Greenbelt Park offers a moderate 8.7 km circuit through the forest.
Where can I find paved trails for walking or running?
The Anacostia Tributary Trail System, which runs through the area, is largely paved and ideal for walking and running. The Paint Branch Trail — Paint Branch Park is a key part of this system, offering a long, paved route that follows the stream and connects several local parks.
What is the Anacostia Tributary Trail System?
It's a fantastic network of over 30 miles of interconnected, mostly paved trails that weave through the region. It connects major parks like Lake Artemesia Natural Area and Greenbelt Park, allowing for long, continuous hikes or bike rides without having to navigate busy streets.
How long is the trail around Lake Artemesia?
The main paved trail directly around Lake Artemesia is approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km). However, it serves as a central hub connecting to other paths like the Indian Creek and Paint Branch trails, so you can easily extend your walk or hike for many more miles.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in College Park?
The trails here are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths, the peaceful woodland scenery within Greenbelt Park, and the beautiful lakeside views at Lake Artemesia.
Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls?
While the region is characterized by its beautiful streams, creeks, and ponds, there are no significant waterfalls on the main hiking trails. The routes focus more on woodland and lakeside scenery.
What are the parking options for the main trailheads?
Most major trailheads and parks have dedicated parking lots. Lake Artemesia Natural Area and Greenbelt National Park both have ample parking available for visitors. For smaller trail access points, you may need to use street parking where permitted. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends.
Which trails are best for seeing local wildlife?
Lake Artemesia Natural Area is a top spot for wildlife, especially for bird watching, with over 100 species recorded. The quieter, unpaved trails within Greenbelt National Park, such as the Dogwood Trail, also offer good opportunities to see deer, squirrels, and other woodland creatures.
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