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Map of Washington/Baltimore Rail Trails |
Thanks to the efforts of many local organizations, the Washington / Baltimore area now has several really wonderful rail-trail project. These trails provide an excellent commuting alternative and a great recreation outlet for thousands of area residents and visitors. Two more trails are on the way and should be ready in the next few years.
The map on the right shows the locations of major Rail-Trails in the metro area.
Click on each trail description below for detailed information.
| Miles | Surface | Name | Description |
| 6 | Asphalt | Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail (WB&A) | The area's newest trail trail, (not to be confused with the B&A) The first segment is now complete between Lahnam, MD and the Patuxent River. This segment opened in November 2000. The proposed future trail sections will increase the length to 22 miles. |
| 7 ? | Under Development | Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) | This new trail project will run between Union Station and Silver Spring, MD along the MetroRail Red Line. The first mile is now completed (next to Catholic University). |
| 11 | Asphalt/Crushed Stone | Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) | Extremely popular trail between Georgetown and Silver Spring. Includes the new Georgetown Branch Extension. |
| 13 | Asphalt | Baltimore and Annapolis Trail (B&A) | A nice trail between Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Nestled between Route 2 and the Severn River, this trail cuts through mostly suburban and urban terrain. Now connects with some nice commuter trails around the BWI Airport area. |
| 41 | Crushed Stone | Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCR) | An awesome trail through Gunpowder Falls State Park. The trail runs from Ashland, MD to the PA border. It then continues to York, PA as the York County Heritage Rail-Trail. |
| 45 | Asphalt | Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) | The "wad" is probably the most popular rail trail in the area. Beginning in Shirlington, this trail take you along a tour of Northern Virginia, ending in Purcellville at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. |
| 184 | Clay/Crushed Stone | Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O) | Technically not a rail-trail, this former canal towpath is a must see! The towpath follows the Potomac River Valley between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. |