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Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 175 Google reviews · Running trail in Bowie, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis 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.
Paved, wide-open hiking and biking trail with overpasses or tunnels at road crossings.
What runners say about Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
“A well maintained paved trail of about 6 miles on the main trail and a spur that goes almost two more miles.”
Awesome trail for walking, running, and biking. Take the kids and family and get some fresh air. If you want to continue biking take a right when the trail ends at Annapolis road. Head straight until you reach Forbes blvd. and take a right. there’s another bike route/trail behind a neighborhood.
A well maintained paved trail of about 6 miles on the main trail and a spur that goes almost two more miles. Great playground nearby at horsepen park.
Pleasant rail trail heads into DC but you will need to work your way on the streets. Can get a little crowded on weekends. Be sure to check out the turtles.
Great trail now that the bridge is finished. The trail is doubl the length now. We rode to Bowie. Trail is smooth and paved. The trail is beautiful with lots of green trees and water on the side of the trail after you cross the bridge. Before the bridge, it is more forest like. Great trail to walk, run, or ride.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s easy to get to, easy to park, and within a few hundred meters, you are immersed in nature on a paved path.”
“Relatively flat with minimal inclines, great for beginners or those looking for a more leisurely ride.”
Plan your run at Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Websitepgparks.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 12 AM–6 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.
Horsepen Branch Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
Fran Uhler Natural Area
4 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews
Northridge Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
Lake and pond with a loop trail, plus a playground, picnic tables and a gazebo.
Whitemarsh Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 446 reviews
Landscaped area with a playground, ball fields, & theater, plus forest trails for hiking & biking.
Somerset Neighborhood Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
Shaded area for kids featuring slides and a tennis court, plus trails for bikes and joggers.
