The best walks and hikes around Greenbelt
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Hikes around Greenbelt provide access to a network of trails within several local parks, including Greenbelt Park and Buddy Attick Lake Park. The region's landscape is characterized by mixed pine and deciduous woodlands, with paths that follow creeks and circle lakes like Lake Artemesia. Most routes are on relatively flat terrain, making the area suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Greenbelt
- The most popular hiking route is Perimeter Trail loop — Greenbelt Park, a 5.4 mile (8.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. This route encircles the park, passing through its forested areas.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Greenbelt Lake Trail loop — Buddy Attick Lake Park, an easy 1.9 mile (3.0 km) path. The trail offers a short, accessible walk around the lake.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Paint Branch Trail — Paint Branch Park, an 8.4 mile (13.6 km) trail leading through Paint Branch Park, often completed in about 3 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking around Greenbelt is defined by woodland paths, lakeside trails, and routes along stream valleys. The network of Greenbelt Park hiking trails offers options for different ability levels, from short loops to longer park circuits.
- The routes in Greenbelt are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from a number of reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Greenbelt's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
8.24km
02:05
10m
20m
The Northeast Branch Trail offers a wonderfully smooth and scenic escape, following the gentle curves of the Northeast Branch of the Anacostia River. This paved path winds through open fields and community parks, providing continuous river views and a chance to connect with nature. It's a moderate 5.1-mile (8.2 km) hike with a negligible 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable 2-hour and 4-minute journey perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
Planning your visit is simple, as there are no permits or fees required to enjoy this accessible trail. While it's a great option any time of year, consider visiting in spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors. The trail is well-integrated into the broader Capital Trails Coalition, offering easy connections to other popular routes like the Lake Artemesia Trail if you're looking to extend your adventure.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail boasts a unique historical landmark: the College Park Airport, the world's oldest continuously operating airport. This blend of natural scenery and historical intrigue makes the Northeast Branch Trail a standout in the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, providing an easy, high-reward experience for hikers of all abilities, including those with strollers or wheelchairs.
15
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8.74km
02:18
80m
80m
8
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2.99km
00:46
10m
10m
The Greenbelt Lake Trail loop offers a delightful, easy stroll around the picturesque Greenbelt Lake, a true local favorite. You'll wind through a hardwood forest of oaks and maples, enjoying serene lake views that reflect the sky. Keep an eye out for herons, beavers, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.
This 1.9-mile (3.0 km) hiking loop has a minimal 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 46 minutes to complete, making it accessible for nearly everyone. The trail, part of Buddy Attick Lake Park, is popular for walking, running, and biking, and is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Be aware that the varied terrain of packed earth, gravel, and dirt can get muddy after rain.
Greenbelt Lake itself was constructed in 1935 as part of the planned New Deal community of Greenbelt, giving the area a rich historical context. Beyond the main loop, you can explore side trails into the Belle Point Tract for additional walking. It's a perfect spot to naturally slow your pace and appreciate the natural details of this cherished community park.
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hikers
2.11km
00:34
20m
20m
The Azalea Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, perfect for a quick refresh. This 1.3-mile (2.1 km) hiking loop, with a minimal 63 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a serene natural setting, providing a gentle path underfoot. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely 33-minute walk, especially if you're looking for a peaceful outdoor experience without a strenuous climb. You'll find yourself surrounded by local flora, making it a pleasant stroll for all ages.
Planning your visit to the Azalea Trail is straightforward, as it's easily accessible for a spontaneous outing. Parking is generally available, though arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea to secure a spot, particularly on busier weekends. The trail is enjoyable throughout the year, but a spring visit might reward you with blooming plants, enhancing the natural beauty of your walk.
While the name "Azalea Trail" hints at the spectacular blooms of wild azaleas found on the much longer Wild Azalea Trail in Louisiana, this specific easy route in Prince George'S County offers its own charm. It's a great choice for families or anyone seeking a low-impact outdoor activity, providing a quiet natural environment to unwind and enjoy some fresh air.
11
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4.65km
01:10
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Popular around Greenbelt
Tips from the Community
The Indian Creek Trail, spanning 1.5 miles through Prince George's County, is an asphalt trail open to biking, skating, horseback riding, walking, and wheelchair access. It serves as a link between Berwyn Heights and Lake Artemesia, offering a shaded route through the woods. Starting at the Indian Creek Trail, follow the Indian Creek, a river that is visible from the trail, providing relaxing scenery.
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Artemesia Lake, a 38-acre man-made lake, is named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who donated the area in 1972. The lake features a fishing dock, and it's common to see people enjoying various water activities.
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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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Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake, spanning 38 acres and surrounded by Lake Artemesia Park. The lake and the park are named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who in 1972 donated ten lots to the county for preservation as a public green space.
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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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Sweetgum is the largest picnic area at Greenbelt Park and is open to the public without reservations. It includes a baseball field, playground equipment, restrooms, and plenty of open space, making it the perfect starting and ending point for hiking the park's beautiful trails.
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This picturesque trail offers a beautiful loop with various alternate routes and signs, allowing you to extend or shorten your hike. As you wander, look for different woodpecker species, robins, and white-tailed deer, which love to graze in the open areas. This trail is a great option for families, as there are plenty of fallen logs over streams for kids to enjoy.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the main places to go hiking in the Greenbelt area?
The primary hiking areas are concentrated within a few key parks. Greenbelt Park offers a network of trails through its woodlands. For lakeside walks, the highly-regarded Buddy Attick Lake Park and the serene Lake Artemesia Natural Area are popular choices. You can also explore trails in Paint Branch Stream Valley Park.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes around Greenbelt?
Yes, the region is well-suited for families. The Greenbelt Lake Trail loop — Buddy Attick Lake Park is a very popular, short walk around a lake. Another great option is the Azalea Trail loop — Greenbelt Park, which is a gentle path through the forest.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Greenbelt Park and surrounding areas, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the parks beautiful for everyone.
What are the trail conditions like and is there a best time to visit?
Most trails are natural surface paths through woodlands, which can become muddy after rain. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle slopes. The parks are beautiful year-round, but spring offers blooming dogwoods and azaleas, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage.
How many hiking trails are available around Greenbelt?
There are over 30 designated hiking routes in the Greenbelt area. They range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick walk to longer trails that explore the full extent of the local parks.
Are there any circular or loop hikes?
Absolutely. Many of the most popular routes are loops, so you can end your hike where you started without backtracking. The Perimeter Trail loop — Greenbelt Park is a fantastic longer option that circles the entire park.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Greenbelt?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful, forested environment so close to the city and the well-maintained, easy-to-follow trail networks.
Is it possible to go camping in Greenbelt Park?
Yes, Greenbelt Park has a large campground with 172 sites, making it a great option for combining hiking with an overnight stay. It's one of the closest places to Washington, D.C. for camping. For more details on facilities and reservations, you can check the official National Park Service website.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The woodlands and creeks provide a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife. It's common to spot white-tailed deer, red foxes, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species. Keep an eye out near Still Creek and Deep Creek for the best chances of a sighting.
Are there any paved trails suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
While most trails in Greenbelt Park are natural surface, the path around Lake Artemesia is paved and fully accessible. The Indian Creek Trail – Lake Artemesia loop from Berwyn is a great choice for a smooth, easy walk.
Where can I park to access the trails?
All the main parks have designated parking areas. Greenbelt Park has several lots near its main entrance and picnic areas. Buddy Attick Lake Park and Lake Artemesia Natural Area also offer ample, convenient parking close to their trailheads.
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