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Muddy Branch Greenway Trail trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in North Potomac, Maryland · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Muddy Branch Greenway Trail trailhead'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.
Natural-surface trail that's 9 miles long, allows dogs, and has sightings of wildlife.
What runners say about Muddy Branch Greenway Trail trailhead
“It gets crowded is my only complaint but it's beautiful and you can get a nice long run in.”
This has become one of my favorite hiking trails. It splits off in several directions and you never really know where you're going to come out. Some of it goes right behind the Dufief neighborhood. There's always wildlife and the muddy branch there to lower your blood pressure and give you some exercise.
This is a nice location to park to take a walk along the Muddy Branch stream. The greenway is really an oasis in the Middle of Montgomery Co. From this location, you can walk south "ish" for about 10 miles to the Potomac River.
Great place to hike, walk your dog, or go biking. Truly a hidden gem. I’ve lived in the area for more than 10 years and only found out about it now. Will be coming back, especially on such nice days like today.
I hike with my dog 2-3x/week here because it’s close to us. Very convenient although parking can he tight. It’s a balanced trail: It’s narrow in the beginning but once it opens up it’s very nice. By the creek it’s flat and then you can make the climb up to the wider, slightly more challenging trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is good for dog walking, hiking, trail biking, and horse trail riding.”
“It is most lovely in the early Spring, when wildflowers can look like snow, and late fall when you have nice views through the forest.”
“This natural surface trail runs 9 miles from the Route 28 Darnestown Road entrance/public parking lot to the C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock/parking lot adjacent to the Potomac River.”
“This natural surface trail runs 9 miles from the Route 28 Darnestown Road entrance/public parking lot to the C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock/parking lot adjacent to the Potomac River.”
“By the creek it’s flat and then you can make the climb up to the wider, slightly more challenging trail.”
“You can take this all the way to Potomac and only hit asphalt maybe 2 or 3 times which is pretty neat.”
“Although easily accessible, the entire trail feels very secluded.”
Plan your run at Muddy Branch Greenway Trail trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemontgomeryparks.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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