Home › Maryland › Bowie › Horsepen Branch Park
Horsepen Branch Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · Running trail in Bowie, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Horsepen Branch Park'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.
What runners say about Horsepen Branch Park
Very fun park and playground with a Zipline, covered tables, bicycle track, and small skating area. Also tools on site for minor bicycle repairs. A bit of a walk from the parking lot which is also the trailhead for the WB&A trail.
The park is literally right off the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail. Very innovative to have a bicycle practice and training course for beginner and intermediate levels. Has a built in bike maintenance and tool area. Two big playgrounds for two different age levels. Plenty of benches with a picnic area.
Really good playground with zip line , spinning thing , climbing , little kid area , Mini bike course , advanced bike course , and plenty of paved paths for biking and walking . Don’t worry about looks from entrance just park and walk back
We love going there for his and then letting our little one run around on the playground. The zip line is her favorite. But she wants to learn to ride her bike so she can use the bike course
Trail conditions & character
“Be aware, there's little shade aside from the picnic area and bike rack, and no bathrooms or water.”
“A bit of a walk from the parking lot which is also the trailhead for the WB&A trail.”
Plan your run at Horsepen Branch Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitepgparks.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Bowie
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 175 reviews
Paved, wide-open hiking and biking trail with overpasses or tunnels at road crossings.
Fran Uhler Natural Area
4 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews
Whitemarsh Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 446 reviews
Landscaped area with a playground, ball fields, & theater, plus forest trails for hiking & biking.
Northridge Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
Lake and pond with a loop trail, plus a playground, picnic tables and a gazebo.
Somerset Neighborhood Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
Shaded area for kids featuring slides and a tennis court, plus trails for bikes and joggers.