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Clopper Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in Gaithersburg, Maryland · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Clopper Lake's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic state park with trails, picnic areas, and disc golf, plus kayak rentals.
What runners say about Clopper Lake
“A beautiful local park where you can get away without driving far.”
“Plenty of peaceful hiking trails around the lake or take your family to one of the picnic spots and enjoy the afternoon.”
When we got to the park, there was already a queue at the entry, so we decided to park there and walk to the lake. From the gate, you can take the Old Pond Trail, and then continue on the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail until it meets the Kingfisher Overlook. From there you can get onto the Clopper Lake Trail.
One of the nicest, lakes I've been to! If you love the water, and woods it has a nice beginner to intermediate level trail! Roughly 4 miles or so completely around the lake! Close to the highway to jump off for an hour or so to enjoy the lake and trail! Usually pretty quiet this time of year!
Came on an early weekday and I was one of the few on the lake. Very peaceful and quiet. I didn’t notice much of any pollution around and the wildlife was very active. Even saw a beaver! Didn’t catch any fish this trip but this is one of the prettiest lakes I’ve been to so far, as a nature-lover.
Beautiful State Park with well maintained trails. Blazes are well marked and the trail map online is accurate. 3.7 Mile Walk around the lake is beautiful, with mild gains in elevation and really nice scenery. Very few people were out while we were on the trail, passes two joggers and a dog walker.
Trail conditions & character
“From the gate, you can take the Old Pond Trail, and then continue on the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail until it meets the Kingfisher Overlook.”
“Plenty of peaceful hiking trails around the lake or take your family to one of the picnic spots and enjoy the afternoon.”
Plan your run at Clopper Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitednr.maryland.gov
- Phone+1 301-924-2127
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Gaithersburg
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Seneca Creek State Park
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This 6,300 acre park of forest & farmlands offers hunting, fresh water fishing & hiking trails.
Seneca Ridge Trail at Riffle Ford Road
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Hiking area featuring forest, creek crossings, and mountain biking opportunities.
Inspiration Lake Hiking Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Quiet area offering trails around lakes and a pond, plus birding.
Great Seneca Park 355
4.7 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
Park featuring a hiking trail along Seneca Creek Greenway, with fishing spots.