Acredale Community Park

The Lake Artemesia – Northeast Branch Trail loop from Greenbelt offers a delightful and easy touring cycling experience, winding through diverse scenery. You'll pedal past the serene 38-acre Lake Artemesia, a highlight with its aquatic gardens and gazebos, before following the Northeast Branch through riverine landscapes and natural areas. This 19.1-mile (30.8 km) route, with a minimal 273 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly paved and takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a leisurely ride. It's a great choice if you enjoy a mix of natural beauty and accessible paths.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with restrooms and water fountains available near the midpoint of the Lake Artemesia Trail. However, be prepared for crowds, especially around Lake Artemesia during peak times like evenings and spring weekends, as it's a popular spot for families and joggers. While the trail is generally easy, recent paving work on sections of the Northeast Branch Trail has sometimes caused temporary closures, so it's wise to check for updates before you head out.

This loop is a key part of the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail System, offering seamless connections to other routes like the Paint Branch Trail and Indian Creek Trail if you're looking to extend your adventure. You'll also pass by the historic College Park Airport, adding a touch of local history to your ride. The Greenbelt area is known for preserving its natural landscapes, providing a pleasant escape through forests and open agricultural lands right outside the city.

The Northeast Branch Trail – College Park Airport loop from Greenbelt offers a delightful touring cycling adventure, primarily on smooth, paved surfaces that hug the Northeast Branch of the Anacostia River. You'll pedal through pleasant green spaces, past community parks, and experience the unique thrill of cycling alongside the historic College Park Airport, where you might spot aircraft. While mostly flat, the route includes a few mildly bumpy sections and underpasses, providing a varied but comfortable ride.

This moderate 29.7-mile (47.8 km) loop, with 574 feet (175 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 49 minutes to complete, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a longer outing without steep climbs. It's a great option for families and beginner cyclists looking to challenge themselves with distance, as the Northeast Branch Trail College Park Airport loop cycling difficulty stems more from its length than technical demands. Parking for Northeast Branch Trail Greenbelt access is readily available, making it easy to start your journey.

As a key part of the Capital Trails Coalition and the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, this route offers excellent connectivity, linking to other trails like the Paint Branch Trail towards the University of Maryland and providing access to Lake Artemesia. The presence of the College Park Airport, the world's oldest continuously operating airport, adds a fascinating historical and visual element to your ride, distinguishing it among the best touring cycling trails in the Greenbelt area.