Take a Hike: Discover the Best Trails in Silver Spring,
You don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy a good hike. Silver Spring, MD, has trails appropriate for every experience level.
Are you ready to leave the beaten path and spend time in nature? There’s no better way to do it than hiking on one of the many beautiful trails in Silver Spring, MD. This article will cover a few top trails for every skill level.
1. Northwest Branch Trail
If you’re looking for a trail that’s long enough to get some exercise but easy enough to be accessible to novice hikers, the Northwest Branch Trail is a perfect option. At 7.4 miles in length, it takes around two hours to complete, depending on the season.
The Northwest Branch Trail is a loop trail popular not just among hikers but also with birders. It’s open year-round and offers many peaceful views of creeks and other scenery. Some hikers report seeing deer, owls, and other wildlife in addition to birds.
2. Rachel Carson Greenway
The Rachel Carson Greenway meets up with the Northwest Branch Trail to form a 6.8-mile loop. It’s a moderately difficult trail popular with experienced hikers and trail runners.
Before meeting up with the Northwest Branch Trail, the Rachel Carson Greenway provides a decent challenge with a slight elevation change. You’ll be less likely to see other hikers on this portion of the trail.
3. Rock Creek Valley Trail
Another moderately challenging hike, the Rock Creek Valley Trail is 11.6 miles out and back. Rock Creek Valley is more popular than the Rachel Carson Greenway, so you can expect company during the busy seasons.
The Rock Creek Valley Trail runs parallel to the stream from which it derives its name. You can follow the single-track path from the north to the south of the park and plan for a ride back to the start point or hike the entire 11.6 miles for more of a challenge.
4. MLK Park Loop
The MLK Park Loop is a good option if you’re a beginner or plan to take kids on early hiking adventures. You’ll find road bikers, runners, and walkers on this paved loop trail, which offers ample parking at various points.
The MLK Park Loop takes an average of 20 minutes to complete and has only 75 ft of elevation gain, making it a good candidate for people of all ability levels. Just be sure to bring sunscreen since most of the trail is uncovered.
5. Metropolitan Branch Trail
The Metropolitan Branch Trail is among the longest in Silver Spring, MD. It also has more elevation gain than most at 738 ft. However, it’s still considered an easy trail by experienced hikers, walkers, runners, and road bikers.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail is 17.3 miles long if you hike out and back. The relatively new trail is not as well-marked as some, so pay attention to signs along the way.
Other Trails in Silver Spring, MD
The five trails on this list are just several of Silver Spring, MD’s most popular hiking trails. Residents and visitors will also find additional places to explore along the Greenway and the Northwest Branch Trail.