Northeast Branch Trail – College Park Airport loop from Calverton

Bike touring routes & trails

Northeast Branch Trail – College Park Airport loop from Calverton

Moderate

4.6

(6453)

15,054

riders

Northeast Branch Trail – College Park Airport loop from Calverton

02:12

37.6km

150m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

5.29 km

Paint Branch Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Here, you can take the Paint Branch Trail from its northern end. This paved path connects Lake Artemesia with this point, Cherry Hill, and is well-marked along its route.

Tip by

8.45 km

The Paint Branch Trail passes by Acredale Community Park. This park is a great spot to stop, grab water, or use the restroom. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a covered picnic shelter, a stream, open fields, and a playground.

Tip by

10.7 km

Paint Branch Stream Valley Park Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The paths in this area are well paved and good for cycling. You will be surprised how quickly you are surrounded by nature, once you leave the busy streets behind. …

Tip by

12.1 km

Paint Branch

Highlight • River

This 17-mile-long stream flows from the Anacostia River, descending 30 feet in elevation along the way. This point provides a great view of the stream, making it a good break point.

Tip by

13.3 km

Northeast Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail meanders along the Northeast Branch Anacostia River and passes through several parks along the way. This section leads to Denis Rest Stop, providing a nice spot to take a break and enjoy the views.

Tip by

15.4 km

Northeast Branch Anacostia River

Lake

17.5 km

Anacostia River Stream Valley Park

Nature Reserve

19.4 km

Red Caboose at Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Highlight • Structure

Near to the Bladenburg Waterfront Park.

Tip by

20.1 km

Anacostia River Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The boardwalk surface has seen better days. Very rough and bumpy. Caution!

Tip by

26.1 km

College Park Airport

Highlight • Historical Site

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 …

Tip by

37.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

29.6 km

3.32 km

3.24 km

1.20 km

228 m

Surfaces

34.7 km

2.06 km

613 m

162 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 12 October

23°C

14°C

73 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 28, 2025,a marathon of a meander.

A ride to remember why riding a bike is just the best. Saw a young buck in the trail near the river, surprised us both. A blue heron swooped in for a landing shortly thereafter, completing the woodland fantasy motif. Riding through the detour around the washed out underpass, a mom was teaching her son to ride a bike for …