Top 7 Lakes around New Carrollton

The most popular lake is Lake Artemesia, known for its scenic 38-acre artificial lake, aquatic gardens, fishing piers, and extensive paved hiker-biker trails. Another highly regarded spot is the Patuxent Research Refuge, which encompasses over 12,000 acres and includes Cash Lake and Redington Lake, offering diverse wildlife viewing.

You'll find a variety of trails. Lake Artemesia features extensive paved hiker-biker trails. Greenbelt Lake has a 1.3-mile packed-earth trail, and Northampton Lake offers a 2-mile paved loop. For more options, explore the hiking routes around New Carrollton, including the easy Greenbelt Lake Trail loop.

Yes, many lakes offer easy walks. The 1.3-mile trail around Greenbelt Lake and the 2-mile paved loop at Northampton Lake are great for easy strolls. Lake Artemesia also has flat, paved trails suitable for all. You can find more easy options in the easy hikes guide for New Carrollton, such as the Lake Artemesia loop.

Yes, several parks around the lakes provide facilities. Patuxent Research Refuge has a visitor center with restrooms. Buddy Attick Lake Park offers restrooms and a playground. Cosca Regional Park, which features Cosca Lake, also has playgrounds, campsites, and a nature center. Clopper Lake in Seneca Creek State Park provides picnic areas and a tire playground.

Lake Artemesia is excellent for walking, running, bicycling on its paved trails, and birdwatching due to its diverse wildlife. Fishing is permitted from designated piers, and seasonal kayak rentals are available. Swimming and private boating are generally not allowed.

Yes, Greenbelt Lake is popular for fishing and boating. However, private boat permits are typically reserved for Greenbelt residents. Swimming is not permitted in the lake.

Many lakes are family-friendly. Lake Artemesia offers easy paved trails and wildlife viewing. Patuxent Research Refuge has a visitor center and trails suitable for families. Buddy Attick Lake Park features a playground. Cosca Regional Park (Cosca Lake) has playgrounds and a nature center, while Clopper Lake (Seneca Creek State Park) also includes a tire playground and picnic areas.

Yes, the Patuxent Research Refuge is noted for being wheelchair accessible, particularly around its visitor center and some trails. Lake Artemesia also features extensive paved trails that are generally accessible.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Lake Artemesia is a prime spot for birdwatching, attracting waterfowl, migratory birds, and songbirds. Patuxent Research Refuge is home to over 1,100 plant species and diverse wildlife, including huge flocks of migratory birds in fall and spring. At Buddy Attick Lake Park, you might spot great blue herons, songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels.

Absolutely. Many of the paved trails around lakes like Lake Artemesia and Northampton Lake are suitable for cycling. For dedicated road cycling routes, you can explore the road cycling guide around New Carrollton, which includes routes like the WB&A trail.

Cash Lake and Redington Lake are located within the Patuxent Research Refuge. They are popular for fishing and offer trails for wildlife viewing in a protected natural habitat. The Cash Lake Trail specifically runs along Cash Lake, providing excellent opportunities for observing nature.

Yes, Clopper Lake, located within Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, offers a wide array of recreational activities, making it ideal for a day trip. You can enjoy boating (rentals available seasonally), fishing, and exploring over 50 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds.