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The Potomac Conservancy's favorite C&O spot, the River Center at Lockhouse 8, plays host to a National Trails Day event. Register here with REI Bailey's Crossroads.Towpath treasures await...

Forget triathlons, how about an adventure quintathlon on the C&O Canal? It's not a stretch - we count no less than five outdoor activities favored by park users: jogging/running, biking, kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, and fishing (yes, we're counting fishing as a sport). The Georgetown to Anglers Inn Canal corridor is a multi-sport athlete's paradise.

And to think, fifty years ago, our favorite 19th century waterway almost got paved over.

View C&O Canal Towpath - Georgetown to Angler's Inn Images on Flickr

Trail Profile

The C&O Canal Towpath runs 184.5 miles, but for brevity, we'll focus on the Georgetown (mile 0) to Angler's Inn (12.6) section. Continuing west from Anglers Inn, you enter the Great Falls Park area, which features additional natural surface hiking trails (like Billy Goat Section A), and of course, the Falls itself.

This map highlights the Palisades District of the C&O Canal which includes the Georgetown to Angler's Inn section.

Georgetown

If you've set foot in Georgetown within the last 180 years or so you're probably familiar with its unique setting on the Canal. Running parallel to M Street, the Georgetown section of the Canal starts (or ends) at Rock Creek.

Note: Don't plan on racing against the clock through Georgetown. The trail is narrow, heavily used, and crosses several roads.

Highlights: The Georgetown canal boat; Georgetown Visitor Center; views of Key Bridge and Rosslyn 

Fletcher's Boathouse

The crowds can be thick between Georgetown and Fletcher's Boathouse (mile 3.1), a DC landmark and a bustling hub of activity. Many visitors use Fletcher's as the launching point for their hike/bike/paddle/fishing adventure. The Capital Crescent Trail more or less converges with the Towpath near the Boathouse.

Highlights: Kayak/canoe rentals at Fletcher's Boathouse; access to the Capital Crescent Trail

Chain Bridge / Little Falls

Beyond the Capital Crescent Trail trestle (mile 3.6), trail activity quiets down. Wildlife activity, meanwhile, perks up. The Great Blue Heron is a mainstay, but also keep an eye out for box turtles and toads.

Lockhouse 6 (mile 5.4), near the Little Falls Dam, isn't just your everyday run-of-the-mill historic structure. This lockhouse is open for overnight guests thanks to the hard work of the C&O Canal Trust.

Highlights: Chain Bridge bike/ped access; Lockhouse 6 (parking and lodging); Little Falls Dam; Lock 7 (parking); Sycamore Island 

Seven Locks

The Seven Locks section references Locks 8-14, all of which are located within a mile-long stretch of the Canal (mile 8.5-9.5). Engineer-types can spend a day here marveling at the feats of their early 19th century colleagues.

Highlights: Potomac Conservancy River Center at Lock 8; Lock 10 (parking); Lockhouse 11

Carderock

For rock climbers, Carderock (mile 10.4) is your final destination. Some of the best top roping in the DC area is just steps away from the parking lot. Carderock also features large picnic areas and the Billy Goat Trail Section C (not quite as spectacular as Section A but still a hoot).

Highlights: Access to Carderock (parking, restrooms, and water)

Angler's Inn

The Angler's Inn area (mile 12.6) is named for the local cantina / pricey restaurant located directly across MacArthur Boulevard from the main parking lot. This lot is favored by many park users - notably, whitewater kayakers. Our friends at Potomac Paddlesports meet there for lessons 3-4 times a week. Angler's is also a prime base for tackling the Billy Goat Trail Section A. Access to the eastern end of the trail is less than half a mile from the lot.

Highlights: River access / kayak launch; Billy Goat Trail Section A; Old Angler's Inn (restaurant)

Trail Stewardship

The National Park Service provides numerous opportunities to give back to the park that is loved by millions year after year. The stewardship team at C&O Canal National Historical Park even have their own dedicated website: http://www.chohvip.org/

Two programs, in particular, may catch your eye:

Canal Stewards: This relatively new program offers organizations, businesses, or individuals a chance to "adopt" a section of the park. Your job is then to maintain and enhance that particular area - taking your cue from the Park Service. The North Face, the Potomac Conservancy, and several Brookmont neighbors are already signed up - if you'd like to get involved, contact Rebecca Jameson (Rebecca_Jameson[at]nps.gov).

Bike Patrol: The Bike Patrol is just as it sounds - you cycle along the Towpath providing information for users and first aid when necessary. The Bike Patrol is always looking for new volunteers - Norman Liebow (liebow[at]comcast.net) coordinates the team in the Palisades District of the Canal.

Another good resource for volunteer opportunities is our friends at the C&O Canal Trust. Canal Pride Days (May-June) attracts hundreds of dedicated volunteers each and every year.

Whether you hike, bike, run, climb, kayak, or fish, the C&O Canal Towpath serves as your human-powered highway to local outdoor adventure.

Location / Directions: Georgetown (mile 0)Trail Distance: 12.6 miles, Georgetown to Angler's InnSurface / Difficulty: Hard-packed dirt/gravel; EasyTrail Map: C&O Canal National Historical Park - Palisades District MapAdministration: National Park ServiceSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

There's someone I'd like you to meet...join Rails-to-Trails, WABA, Phoenix Bikes, and more for National Trail Day on the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The Little Trail That Could

Over 20 years removed from its original conception, the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) and its ardent supporters have finally cut the ribbon. Since much ink has been spilled over this Washington DC trail (see WashCycle) - let us be brief with this introduction: the Met Branch Trail is a game-changing accomplishment.

View the Metropolitan Branch Trail Slideshow on Flickr

Trail Profile

The trail extends from Union Station (south) to Silver Spring (north) passing through some of Northeast DC's most vibrant and diverse communities. Not familiar with NoMa, Eckington, Brookland, and the like? The MBT is your chance to change that.

Open this map and browse through the trail images on the MBT home page as you follow along with our trail profile.

Union Station to L St.

Trail Description: Wide sidewalk; steps leading up to trail from L StreetMetro Access: Union StationNeighborhood(s): Capitol HillAttractions/Food: Bikestation Washington DC (video); Ebeneezer Coffee House

L St. NE to Franklin St. NE

Trail Description: Continuous off-road trail (no at-grade road crossings) adjacent to Metro/CSX tracks; solar-powered LED lightingMetro Access: New York Ave-Florida Ave-Galludet University; Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood (future bicycle/pedestrian bridge from trail)Neighborhood(s): NoMa > Eckington > EdgewoodAttractions/Food: View of the Capitol Building (Image); Pound Coffee; Pocket park at 4th St. NE / S St. NE; "From Edgewood to the End of the World" mural (Image); DC Prep Academy urban garden (future)

Franklin St. NE to Fort Totten Dr.

Trail Description: On-road (8th St. NE) with busy crossing at Monroe St.; at Brookland-CUA metro station, wide sidewalk trail adjacent to John McCormack Dr.; hill climb to Fort Totten Dr.Metro Access: Brookland-CUANeighborhood(s): BrooklandAttractions/Food: Dance Place and future ArtSpace complex; Colonel Brooks' Tavern; Catholic University Basilica (Image)

Fort Totten Dr. to Takoma Metro Station

Trail Description: On-road - busy city streets lacking bike lanes (Fort Totten Dr., Gallatin St. NW); dedicated bike lane on 3rd St. NWMetro Access: Fort Totten (via path connecting to 1st Pl. NE); TakomaNeighborhood(s): Fort Totten > TakomaAttractions/Food: Fort Totten Park (part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington); Andrene's Caribbean & Soul Food; Takoma Recreation Center

Takoma Metro Station to Silver Spring

Trail Description: Off-road trail along Takoma Ave.; current trail ends at Fenton St. / Route 410 intersectionMetro Access: Takoma Park; Silver Spring (future trail extension)Neighborhoods: Takoma Park > Silver SpringAttractions/Food: Takoma Park Historic District; The Organic Falafel Stand; Jesup Blair Park (pedestrian bridge links to trail) 

Trail Future

While much has been accomplished, significant work lies ahead. Until several key components can fall into place, the "bicycle beltway" remains a vision rather than a reality.

Here's what lies ahead for the Metropolitan Branch Trail:

Montgomery County extension of the trail to Silver Spring Transit CenterConnection with future Capital Crescent Trail - best chronicled by Silver Spring TrailsPrince George's County Connector Trail to the Northwest Branch Trail (part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System)Fort Totten metro station access

As Rails-to-Trails notes, trail construction is just one part of the equation: "Although construction on this section of trail is nearing completion, the work is just beginning for many who live in the surrounding neighborhoods..."

Trail Stewardship

The brand new MBT resembles a blank slate - the surrounding communities and Washington DC trail users at large have the opportunity to nurture and mold this one-time neglected graffiti corridor into something trans-formative. That process is happening now.

6/5/10 - Meet the Met: While many bike commuters may already be familiar with the trail, this National Trails Day event is designed to give the local community a chance to learn about the trail and celebrate it. Subscribe to the Met Branch email list for updates.Adopt-the-Trail: While not a formal program, Rails-to-Trails is in the process of forging stewardship partnerships with local organizations. Contact Kelly Pack (kellyp[at]railstotrails.org) for more information.Tree Plantings and Urban Gardening: To make the trail corridor more inviting, Casey Trees and the DC Prep Edgewood campus are moving forward with plans to plant trail-side trees and create an urban garden. Both initiatives will need volunteers - again, the RTC Blog is your best source for volunteer announcements.

Allow us now to return to our original thesis - how exactly is the Met Branch Trail a game-changer? In several key aspects, the MBT changes our ingrained concept of a trail:

It's a trail with rail. Convenient metro access was (and still is) a driving principle.It serves a neglected urban community. Well-maintained trails should no longer be for wealthy neighborhoods only.It provides a transportation option. Yes, we realize that this fact is not unique to the MBT. However, in our opinion, this trail makes the region's strongest case yet for Active Community Transportation Act proponents.

Whether you agree or disagree with our conclusions, the MBT is certainly worth a ride.

Location / Directions: Union Station, Washington DCTrail Distance: 8.25 miles, Union Station to Silver SpringSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Metropolitan Branch Trail MapAdministration: District Department of TransportationSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter

Image Credit: Met Branch Trail Cyclist image courtesy East Coast Greenway

"The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone." - Henrik Ibsen

If the same can be said for mountains, Maryland's Sugarloaf Mountain is a gold medal weightlifter. Just ten miles south of Frederick, Sugarloaf rises dramatically from the surrounding farmland of the Maryland piedmont. The 1,282 ft. mountain is a monadnock, which means, to reiterate, it stands alone. As such, Sugarloaf beckons to DC area hikers from miles away - just begging to be climbed.

Hiking Trails

Thanks to its switchback roadways, Sugarloaf is an easy mountain to peak. Three different 1/4 mile trails access the summit; they are arranged below in ascending order of steepness:

Red (The Monadnock Trail)Don't be fooled by the super-steep beginning section; the trail mellows out nicely as it approaches the summit. Accessed via the Blue Trail (1/4 mile from the West View parking area).

Green (A.M. Thomas Trail)Stone steps built by Sugarloaf's first superintendent lead the way to the top, passing beneath the summit's protruding cliffs. Accessed from the West View parking area and the White Trail.

Orange (The Sunrise Trail)Hike this east-facing trail on cold, sunny mornings and you'll warm up in no time. The steepest of the three, it is also the most technical. Accessed from the East View parking area and the Blue Trail.

Hikers looking to notch serious mileage have additional trail options:

Yellow (Saddleback Horse Trail) - 7 milesSugarloaf's designated multi-use trail (open to mountain bikers in the summer) will get its own Trail Voice feature next summer (stay tuned!). Accessed near the mountain entrance (Comus Road).

White (Mountain Loop Trail) - 2.5 milesAscending from the base of the mountain, the white-blazed trail loops 200-300 feet below the summit. Accessed near the mountain entrance.

Blue (Northern Peaks Trail) - 5 milesAny Sugarloaf epic will undoubtedly include a trip to White Rocks and the northern peaks. Skirting the mountain ridge, the blue-blazed trail features scenic vistas and varied terrain. Accessed from the West View parking area and the White or Yellow trail.

How to Hike Sugarloaf

With 15 total miles of interconnecting and easily accessible trails, loop options are plentiful. However, one circuit route stands alone (like the mountain itself). Get yourself a map [PDF] (also available at the trailhead) and add this 7-mile loop to your to-do list.

Starting point: Mountain entrance on Comus RoadTrail Sequence: White > Blue > Red > Orange/Green > WhiteDirection: Either

The sequence detailed above saves the summit for the end of the hike. Hoping to catch the morning rays from 1,282 feet? No problem - access the Orange or Green trail directly from the White.

When to Go

Alas, fall foliage season, featuring Sugarloaf’s red and white oaks in all their glory, is behind us. But with unobstructed vistas and diminished crowds (250,000 people visit per year), some would argue that winter is the best time to visit. Add an "après-hike" body-warming glass of Merlot from Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard to the equation and you have a bonafide winter wonderland.

How to Help

Sugarloaf's story is not complete without mentioning one last wrinkle; this mountain is privately-owned. Stronghold, Inc. - a trust set up with the specific intent of preserving Sugarloaf Mountain - administers the 3,300 acre property. If you'd like to help Sugarloaf carry on the tradition of free public access, make a donation or call Stronghold to arrange your project with the Park Manager.

Location / Directions: Dickerson, MDPark Size / Trail Distance: 3,300 acres; 15 milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; ModerateTrail Map: Sugarloaf Mountain [PDF]

This trail's namesake stream flows cold and clear...but for how much longer?

The spawning-season swim upstream may not be as smooth as a paved trail, but Paint Branch watershed's brown trout don't seem to mind because at least they're alive. Their DC metro area cousins have not been as lucky. Paint Branch, due to its cold water temperature and low pollution level, is home to the last self-sustaining brown trout population in the region. Or at least it is for now.

The Trail

Recession notwithstanding, compared to the brown trout, times aren't nearly as tough for joggers and cyclists zipping along eastern Montgomery County, Maryland's Paint Branch Stream Valley Park Trail. This 3 mile paved trail near Colesville parallels Paint Branch between Fairland Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Featuring stream valley flora and the photogenic ripples of Paint Branch, trail users emerge in droves on sunny weekend days. If you're out for more than just a workout, here's what to see:

Historic Mills - Four different mills, including the Valley Mill, churned the water of Paint Branch between the late 18th century until the 1930's.Pilgrim Hill Nature Trail - If you're traveling south from Randolph Road, this half mile natural surface trail detour starts just beyond the Pilgrim Hill Local Park ball field.Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park

Prior to Paint Branch's intersection with Columbia Pike (Rte. 29), the trail extends westward into Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park. Designed as an "Active" park - which means it's highly developed for recreational uses - MLK Jr. Park offers its own set of paved trails to complement your Paint Branch experience. The system is a series of three separate paved loops varying in distance:

Pond Loop (0.4 miles)Heart Smart Trail (0.8 miles)Perimeter Trail (1.2 miles)

Check out the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational  Park Trail Map to get your bearings.

Paint Branch & the ICC

The ICC footprint does not directly interfere with the trail itself - the east-west route of the future highway is a short distance north of Fairland Road. However, as watershed ecologists can attest, negative impacts upstream tend to be magnified downstream. The scope and expenditure of the ICC Compensatory Mitigation and Environmental Stewardship program is unprecedented for a highway project. With this monetary investment and the engagement of environmental organizations, it is our hope that Paint Branch will continue to flow cold and clear for generations to come.

Location / Directions: Colesville, MarylandTrail Distance: 3 milesSurface / Difficulty: Paved; EasyTrail Map: Paint Branch Trail Map

The Maryland Sierra Club lost the Paint Branch fight, but the Mattawoman Creek tussle is just starting to heat up...and they need your help.

Wildlife reigns supreme at Maryland's other bay

During a recent "Wilderness in Washington" segment of the Kojo Nnamdi Show, outdoor gurus Candy Thompson and Paul Elliott gushed about Jug Bay Natural Area, a Patuxent River Park property in eastern Prince George's County, Maryland.

Candy Thompson: "Fabulous...You can paddle there, you can hike there, you can fish there..."

Paul Elliott:"One of the remarkable things about Jug Bay is that you can stand there looking out over the river, and it's very hard to determine what century you're in. It's a timeless landscape."

Not yet convinced of the merits of Jug Bay Natural Area? Perhaps, these additional accolades will help... Recognized as a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area locationComponent of Maryland's National Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research ReservePart of the Chesapeake story as told by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network"Two thumbs up!" - Siskel & EbertRecreation and Nature on the Land

Jug Bay Natural Area attracts two main types of outdoor enthusiasts: aquatic paddlers and terra firma hikers. This article is geared towards landlubbers, but check back with us in the future - we'll test the Patuxent River waters (literally) during the warmer months.

Featuring 8+ miles of natural surface trails, Jug Bay's hiking network is understandably overshadowed by the park's namesake tidal wetland. With that said, motivated hikers can easily make a day out of it. Trail highlights include:

Brown Trail (Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area): Directly accessible from the Visitor Center, this hiking trail network (not open to bicyclists) includes a half mile boardwalk through marshes and wetlands.Green Trail: Connecting to Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area, the Green Trail follows the ridge offering excellent Jug Bay views once the leaves have fallen.Red Trail: The park's longest trail, the Red Trail accesses historic Croom Airport, now a large, open field, and the starting point of Chesapeake Critical Area Tour.

Featuring colorful underbrush, towering hardwoods, wetland amphibians, and melodic songbirds, this Patuxent River Park location is a naturalistic feast for the senses. Birders in the know should check out the Patuxent River Bird Checklist brochure available in the Jug Bay Natural Area Visitor Center. Naturalists, amateur or otherwise, are invited to join a Park Ranger on guided woodland hikes, which are scheduled for Saturday afternoons several times a month.

Blessed as it is with natural beauty and recreational opportunity, Jug Bay goes one step further in an effort to lure inquisitive history buffs. Tucked into a wooded clearing just a few hundred yards from the Visitor Center, Patuxent Rural Life Museums is a collection of buildings and exhibits designed to represent Prince George's County living during a less complicated time. Visit on weekend afternoons (1-4 PM) for the guided tours and demonstrations.

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour

The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour is a four-mile dirt roadway hugging the Patuxent River shoreline. Open to walkers, bicyclists, and cars (only on Sundays), the main draw of the tour is the 1,000 foot wooden boardwalk bridge connecting Jug Bay Natural Area to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. Overlooking the Mattoponi Creek marshlands, the bridge sports a tower ideal for bird watchers.

Jug Bay 10K/5K Run for Wildlife and 3K Fun Walk

A paddling and wildlife-viewing haven like Jug Bay Natural Area forces visitors to slow down their busy lives and appreciate nature. But on Jug Bay 10K/5K Run for Wildlife race day,  scheduled for 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2009, the slow down concept need not apply. Expected to attract about 300 participants, event organizers welcome runners and walkers (either pre-registered or walk-ins), spectators, and volunteers. As Kyle Lowe, Park Ranger and Run for Wildlife creator, states, "The race location sells itself."

Spotting Blue-winged Teals (a migratory type of duck) may not be on the minds of oxygen-starved runners, but race day funds have been a boon to the Jug Bay wildlife. All event proceeds go towards conservation/environmental projects like osprey nesting tower construction, Sora Rail tracking research, and the expansion of outdoors education. 

With ecosystem preservation a top priority, it's clear that Prince George's County Parks and its partners recognize the real stars of Jug Bay.

Location / Directions: Upper Marlboro, MarylandPark Size / Trail Distance: 2,000 acres; 8+ milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural; EasyTrail Map: Jug Bay Natural AreaMore Information: For events and programs, visit Jug Bay Natural Area online

Jug Bay is just one of the many Prince George's County Parks offering frequent volunteer opportunities. Learn more about how to get involved.

- Osprey image courtesy Flickr user Renee Belisle

Popularized by the President, prized by the People.

Tucked into the secluded shadow of Catoctin Mountain sits the country's most famous vacation home. Technically-speaking, Camp David is a military base and not a vacation home. However, in a natural setting as alluring as Catoctin Mountain Park, it's easy to mistake this high-security military base for a Frederick County, Maryland mountain house.

Understandably, the Camp David compound is cut off and separated from the main Catoctin Mountain Park hiking area. No worries though, the Executive Branch left plenty of park for the rest of us.

Trails and Vistas

Six featured attractions grace the park's hiking trails:

Chimney Rock: Expansive view from a visually-stunning rock outcroppingWolf Rock: No vista to speak of, but a large rock formation with interpretative signs and rock climbing opportunitiesThurmont Vista: Self-explanatory - the town of Thurmont is visible to the southeastBlue Ridge Summit Overlook: Tree-lined view of the park's expansive northern section Hog Rock: The highest overlook on the trail at 1610 ft.Cunningham Falls: A cascading 78-foot waterfall along Big Hunting Creek

The last attraction on the list, Cunningham Falls, is actually in Cunningham Falls State Park, which borders Catoctin Mountain Park directly to the south.

The National Park Service website has a page dedicated to the many different hiking circuit and loop options available for Catoctin hikers. However, two loop options stand out from the rest.

Full Loop (8.5 miles): If you have the time and energy, there is no better way to experience Catoctin Mountain Park than hiking the full length of the outer loop in Catoctin's main hiking area. This loop features stops at all six of the main attractions.Cunningham Falls / Hog Rock / Blue Ridge Summit Loop (5 miles): This loop cuts out three of the features, but adds the the experience of the pleasant, moderately-pitched central connector trail.When to Go

The trees of Catoctin Mountain Park offer generous shade in the summer and enhanced vistas in the winter. However, the deciduous hardwood forest that makes up the park truly shines in the fall. By mid to late October, the maples, oaks, and tulip poplars paint the landscape in a dizzying array of autumn colors. If you visit during the weekends of October 17-18 or October 24-25, join a Fall Color Walk with a Catoctin Park Ranger.

Day Hiking Paradise

With multiple loop options, easy access trail heads, and eye-popping vistas, Catoctin Mountain Park is a day hiker's paradise. Chris Elbich, a Catoctin Park Ranger, notes:

We see a lot of people with heavy backpacks using our park as a training ground for longer trips. It's a great place to stay fit.

Chris is being modest - Trail Voice proclaims Catoctin as a must-hike destination for any Washington DC area outdoors enthusiast.

Location / Directions: Thurmont, MDPark Size: 5,770 acresSurface / Difficulty: Natural; ModerateTrail Map: Maps page for Catoctin Mountain ParkAdditional Info: See the park's website for upcoming events and more

You are escaping to freedom and have made it to Woodlawn. Now you must travel through woods and skirt the edges of farm fields to safely reach the Sandy Spring itself. Can you do it?This excerpt from the interpretive guide [PDF] of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, sets the stage for a journey that is one part hike, and two parts fascinating history lesson. The trail  is a natural surface path cut through a stretch of Montgomery County woods steeped in Civil War era history. The trail head at Woodlawn Manor is near the Quaker town of Sandy Spring - a town that historians believe was an active stop on the legendary underground railroad. The trail itself is open throughout the week, but we highly recommend joining a 10 AM Saturday morning guided hike. Your "Conductor" (volunteer trail guide) is a wealth of knowledge and an ideal hiking companion. The Trail Experience

From Woodlawn Manor - former home of Dr. Palmer, a Quaker slave owner - the Conductor leads you to the relative safety (from a runaway slaves' perspective) of the forest cover. At this juncture, your challenged to use the mind, a runaway slave's best weapon, to imagine the sacrifices required to survive. Proceeding north on the trail, it's necessary to start thinking about shelter - do you opt for the prickly bramble patch or the hollowed tree? With that said, shelter is temporary and danger lies ahead in the form of a stream crossing (now a bridge). Your hiking experience ends at the Sandy Spring, but for runaway slaves, Sandy Spring was just one stop on the long road to freedom.

The Underground Railroad

Men and women, white and black, working together to right a wrong. Morality does not have a color.- Mike Robinson, Volunteer Conductor

In today's world, it is difficult to understand the underground railroad from either the perspective of a runaway slave or that of the selfless citizen willing to risk his or her life for the cause. The Underground Railroad Experience Trail is an educational path that helps us to understand this important piece of our history.

Maryland Emancipation Day

The last day of the scheduled guided tour, November 7th, doubles as Maryland Emancipation Day. Dedicated to showcasing Maryland's, and specifically Montgomery County's place in history, this event offers a number of family-friendly activities including a special evening edition of the guided tour entitled, "The Night Sky and the Underground Railroad." For more information as the event approaches, visit the Montgomery Parks website.

Location: Woodlawn Manor in Sandy Spring, Maryland Distance: 2 miles one way; 3 mile circuit for guided option Surface / Difficulty: Natural; Easy Trail Map: Trail Map and Guide of the Underground Railroad Experience [PDF] Additional Info: Guided tour every Saturday at 10 AM (until November 7th)

The Underground Railroad Experience Trail has been invaded by non-native plants! Help the Weed Warriors fight back!

The Washington DC fort building industry just ain't what it used to be. No matter, both history buffs and outdoor recreation enthusiasts can still appreciate a visit to Fort Washington Park (map), located in Prince George's County, Maryland. Flanked by Swan Creek to the north and Piscataway Creek to the south, Fort Washington Park is strikingly set on the steep banks of the lower Potomac River. The fort itself was originally completed in 1809, rebuilt in the 1820's, and opened as a National Park in 1946. Much of the concrete structure from the early to mid 1800's remains standing today, offering a glimpse into 19th century history for 21st century adventurers.

Although most park visitors cluster near the main fort structure, Fort Washington Park has not ignored the needs of hikers. The River Trail and the Swan Creek Trail (designated sections of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail), circle the perimeter of the park, totaling a three-plus mile loop when combined. Extending south from the main fort, the River Trail tiptoes (sometimes steeply) along the picturesque banks of the Potomac and the Piscataway, eventually turning inland to connect to the park entrance road. The hike continues with the Swan Creek Trail, the entrance to which is a few hundred feet outside of the park gate. With heavy tree cover, steep gorges, and marshy habitats, the Swan Creek Trail traverses a much different landscape than its counterpart. However, the trails do share one similarity - fascinating relics and ruins from the fort's early days dot the trail-side.

Hiking and history at Fort Washington Park - not a bad way to get into the 4th of July mood.

Park Stats: 341 acres; approximately three miles of natural surface trailsPark Map: http://www.nps.gov/fowa/planyourvisit/upload/FOWAmap1.pdfAdministration: National Park Service, National Capital Parks - East

After a rough winter, MORE's Thursdays @ Schaeffer rides are back with a vengeance. Riding groups encompass all skill levels so don't be bashful if you're a newbie.Soybean sprouts and mountain bikers mix it up

When you think of legendary singletrack mountain bike trails, a few locales may come to mind: Moab, Utah; Crested Butte, Colorado; Lake Tahoe, California; Germantown, Maryland...wait, did you say Germantown, Maryland? The Schaeffer Farm Trail System in suburban Montgomery County may not feature gravity-defying sandstone obstacles (Moab), 9,000 ft. mountain climbs (Crested Butte), or bucolic High Sierra lake views (Lake Tahoe). However, in an east-coast, rolling-hills, singletrack kind-of-way, Schaeffer Farm has few peers.

As you enter the parking lot gate of the Schaeffer Farm Trail System, one thing is clear: this trail is popular. Novices and experts alike flock to Schaeffer Farm and very few leave disappointed. The parking lot connects directly to the white blazed trail loop (3.5 miles). Ride it counter-clockwise (or clockwise - both directions are allowed) to the yellow blazed trail (5.9 miles) which cuts through the woods - loosely following the Great Seneca Creek stream valley as it winds its way to the western portion of the park. Ride the outer loop of the yellow blazed trail, dodging in and out of forest and farmland, and return to the lot via the blue blazed trail (0.9 miles) or by retracing your revolutions on the yellow blazed trail.

Schaeffer Farm devotees will tell you that it's the "flow" of the trail that puts the smile on their faces. "Flow" does not come naturally - trail builders from Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) are to thank for bringing their unique brand of it to the Washington DC area. Does this "flow" we speak of qualify the Schaeffer Farm Trail System as legendary? Depends on who you ask, but one thing is certain...you'll enjoy the ride!

Location / Directions: Boyds, MD (near Germantown, MD)Trail Distance: Approximately fifteen milesSurface / Difficulty: Natural - Singletrack; ModerateTrail Map: Trail Map of Schaeffer FarmAdministration: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Cars sit in trafficI pedal, cadence steady Carbon-free commute- Haiku by Trail Voice

When it comes to how you get to work, most people have a choice. There's the car - a game-changing 20th century transportation innovation. Or the bicycle - a human-powered throwback to a time without highways. In today's society of pollution-spewing traffic jams, skyrocketing obesity rates, and global warming concerns, that choice - car or bike - is becoming increasingly clear to many Washingtonians.

As evidenced by the seven thousand plus Bike to Work Day 2009 registrants, the bicycle commuter community in Washington DC is stronger now more than ever. There are many reasons why DC area residents are embracing the two-wheeled commute - its cheaper, its better for the environment, and it helps one stay in shape. Also, Washington DC is making strides to cater to this community with new and improved trails like the Four Mile Run Trail; the aggressive expansion of bike sharing programs; the bicycle-friendly enhancements to metro stations; and the most striking example (architecturally), the construction of the Union Station Bicycle Transit Center. Much work still needs to be done, but bicycle advocacy organizations like WABA keep their goals within reach. One less car. One more bicycle commuter.

- Image courtesy of WABA

Matthew Henson blazed a trail to the North Pole. Montgomery County's new trail bearing his name is not quite as extreme, but worthy, nonetheless.

Give a hearty Trail Voice welcome to the newest thoroughbred in the Montgomery County Parks stable - the Matthew Henson Trail. Eight years in the making, the trail is not without its detractors (best chronicled in the WashCycle blog) and it has flaws (several sketchy road crossings and a limited tree canopy). However, when all is said and done, the completion of this trail represents a crowning achievement for the Montgomery County Department of Parks, its citizens, and trail advocates across the DC area.

The TrailSo what should you expect from the "new guy" in the Montgomery County trail system? How's 4.5 miles of smooth-rolling, stream-flowing, neighborhood-connecting greenway sound? Starting in Winding Creek Park, the Matthew Henson Trail branches east from DC/Maryland's popular Rock Creek Trail. The trail follows Turkey Branch Stream as it winds its way east across Viers Mill Rd. (a detour is in place to cross at Parkland Dr.) and under Connecticut Ave. Tall oaks line the path which is, in most places, no more than thirty yards from the suburban backyards of Wheaton and Silver Spring. After crossing busy Georgia Ave, the trail returns to the greenway where two unique aspects may catch your eye: Tree plantings (and lots of them) line the path. Montgomery Parks planted close to thirty tree species to replace the loss of tree coverage from trail construction.A series of boardwalk paths (0.6 total miles), designed to minimize the environmental impact of the trail, hover above the forest carpet.Meanwhile, the trail continues across Layhill Rd and about a mile beyond it, ending in a "T" at Alderton Rd in Silver Spring.But is that really the end of the Matthew Henson Trail? Proponents envision it to eventually be the elusive Rock Creek/Sligo Creek trail connection, but that's a discussion for another day. For now, let's lay out the welcome mat for Mr. Matthew Henson - Arctic explorer and trailblazer.Trail Stats: 4.5 miles - Winding Creek Park in Wheaton (map) to Alderton Rd, Silver Spring (map)Trail Type: Paved, 8 ft. wide Trail Map: Matthew Henson Trail MapAdministration: Montgomery County Department of Parks

George Washington and his Pawtomack Company buddies came up with the idea for a canal along the Potomac River. However, hikers and bikers actually have the ill-fated Chesapeake and Ohio Company to thank for the canal towpath trail. GW built his version of the canal on the Virginia side of the river - you can visit Great Falls Park in Virginia to see the remains. As for the Chesapeake and Ohio Company, their early 19th century business venture on the Maryland side of the Potomac failed, but the company's unintended contribution to society was the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP).

The Trail

The canal and its accompanying towpath trail extend 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. Perhaps the most popular section of the park, and rightfully so, is the four miles between Angler's Inn (mile marker 12.6) and Swain's Lock (16.6). The highlights are numerous: Great Falls Overlook (14.0), Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (14.3), Billy Goat Trail Section A access points (12.9 and 13.8), and last but not least, seven canal locks (locks 15 through 21). The towpath trail itself is hard-packed dirt and generally wide enough for users to walk side-by-side (cyclists however should ride single-file when passing). If you visit this Saturday (April 18th), say hello to the 250+ volunteers participating in the Great Falls kick-off to C&O Canal Pride Days hosted by the C&O Canal Trust. Or better yet, join them!

Trail Stats: 184.5 miles - Georgetown to Cumberland, MDTrail Type: Hard-pack natural surface, bicyclists permitted Administration: National Park Service - C&O Canal NHP Palisades District

About eight meandering miles upriver of Hains Point - the geographic convergence of the Anacostia River and the Potomac River - sits a small recreational oasis known as Bladensburg Waterfront Park. On Saturday, April 18th, the park will see a flurry of activity as a cleanup and celebration site for the Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration sponsored by the Anacostia Watershed Society. On an average day, this Prince George's County park serves as host to children enjoying the playground, fishermen casting their lines, and families out for a Sunday stroll. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts, however, flock to the park for a different reason - its strategic location as the gateway to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System (ATTS). From the park, cross the pedestrian bridge to the west side of the river and point your legs (or tires) north for some serious trail mileage. The paved multi-use orange-blazed Anacostia River Trail follows the flow of its namesake river for a little more than a half mile, at which point you reach a fork in the road: To the left - the Northwest Branch Trail: Stroll through Hyattsville (metro-accessible!) and venture into Montgomery County on the connecting Sligo Creek Trail. To the right - the (equally creatively named) Northeast Branch Trail: College Park and Lake Artemesia are just a short three miles away.

Wait, did you think this article was over? The tale of Bladensburg Waterfront Park (and in turn, the ATTS), is about to get a bit more interesting. Bladensburg Waterfront Park is destined to be the northern terminus of the planned Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which is a major component of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. This story will continue to unfold so be sure to check back!