Over the last few weeks, we’ve been taking a close look at some exciting developments for trails in DC and the surrounding Washington Area. In September and early October, we invited trail neighbors and curious advocates on three trail tours (each on our
advocacy priority list) to see the trails, build some context, and explore options for moving forward with rehabilitation and extensions. In case you missed the tours, read on a for a recap. While many of these projects are progressing forward, continued public support and pressure are crucial to seeing them through.
Feeling like you missed all the fun?
Join us on November 15 for our Future Trails Celebration to celebrate our region’s trail’s and learn about the next ones. This trail tour series, and our ongoing trail advocacy work, was made possible thanks to the generous support of REI!
Metropolitan Branch Trail
Traveling by foot, we toured the future northern route of the Met Branch Trail between the Fort Totten and Takoma Metro Stations, now in design. This phase will connect directly to the existing trail on John McCormack Road and extend the trail almost to the DC boundary through a combination of wide sidepaths, separated trail, and possible on street improvements.
Click here for more details.
Greg gives our walk some context
Matt Liddle from REI on why REI cares about local advocacy
Some possible routes are woody and spacious
Others have more of a neighborhood feel
Some will greatly benefit from bike friendliness
Plenty of discussion on process
Southeast DC’s Unbuilt Trails
This time by bike, we toured two of the District’s existing trails in Ward 8, experiencing the needs, barriers, and possibilities for better mobility by bike and foot. In particular, we discussed the new South Capitol St. Trail, the Oxon Run Trail Rehabilitation, and improved connection ot the Suitland Parkway Trail coming with the Douglas Bridge replacement project.
SE Trails Advocates assembled
Greg talking rehabilitation of the Oxon Run Trail
Suitland Parkway Trail at the District line
Greg talks Suitland Parkway possible connections
Garrett talking Suitland Parkway Trail state of disrepair
Heading to South Capitol Street
Washington Baltimore & Annapolis Trail
For our third field trip, we took a leisurely ride on the WB&A Trail, a rail trail that runs more than 10 miles in two sections between PG and Anne Arundel Counties in Maryland. With quiet wooded stretches and luxurious bridges and tunnels, this trail is a delight to ride and would be a crucial connection from DC to Baltimore and Annapolis, if the ambitious plan is completed. More on extension possibilities to come.
The group gathers despite the rain
At Patuxent River Park looking into Anne Arundel County, MD
The WB&A features tunnels, bridges and some lovely boardwalks
Rail Trails are straight, flat and delightful!
A friendly ride companion
Mile marker 0 at Md 450
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