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Northwest Branch Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Silver Spring, Maryland · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface: Mixed
Distance: Not reported
Shape: Not reported
Shade: Not reported
Access: Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Northwest Branch Trail'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.

Northwest Branch Trail — running trail in Silver Spring, MD, photo 1

Northwest Branch Trail — running trail in Silver Spring, MD, photo 2

Northwest Branch Trail — running trail in Silver Spring, MD, photo 3

Northwest Branch Trail — running trail in Silver Spring, MD, photo 4

Northwest Branch Trail — running trail in Silver Spring, MD, photo 5

MixedStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

What runners say about Northwest Branch Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (15 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This is a very pretty trail…but I felt the presence of a spirit. I was walking north on the trail and I just felt the spirit from a male from long ago. I walked for about 35 mins and had such an Erie feeling I turned back. The feeling left the further I got. I think he was indigenous

★★★★★ — Holly , Feb 2023

I enjoy the trails. I wish there were better maps of the available trails.

★★★★★ — Tom , May 2023

Beautiful trail next to a bristling creek. Was perfect to take my 6 year old and not crowded at all.

★★★★★ — Veronica , Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 15 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

 🛣️ Paved surface  
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 🌲 Natural surface / singletrack  
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 🚻 Restrooms  
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 🅿️ Trailhead parking  
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 ♿ Stroller / ADA accessible  
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Plan your run at Northwest Branch Trail

The practical stuff

AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
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
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	6 am–7 pm
Tuesday	6 am–7 pm
Wednesday	6 am–7 pm
Thursday	6 am–7 pm
Friday	6 am–7 pm
Saturday	6 am–7 pm
Sunday	6 am–7 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Northwest Branch Trail

200 Lamberton Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902

Get directions

Running trails near Silver Spring

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Burnt Mills East Special Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 261 reviews

Silver Spring, MD

12.9 miNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Humble, 2-plus acre local park featuring an extensive trail, a creek, parking & more.

1.2 miles away

Poplar Run Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Silver Spring, MD

2.4 miles away

Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 503 reviews

Silver Spring, MD

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

A paved biking trail with bridges over a creek runs through this wooded park with many playgrounds.

2.5 miles away

Sligo Cabin Neighborhood Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 56 reviews

Silver Spring, MD

Park with a playground, slides, and jogging trails.

3.2 miles away

Matthew Henson State Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 262 reviews

Aspen Hill, MD

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded greenway along a stream offering a 4.5-mile paved trail for hiking, biking & rollerblading.

3.8 miles away

Houston-Sligo Creek Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 74 reviews

Silver Spring, MD

Park with a splashy creek and a jungle gym, plus shaded picnic areas.

4.0 miles away

All running trails in Silver Spring, MD →

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Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.