Newsletter: in praise of the Trolley Trail

Happy Friday (and happy Hanukkah!),

Have you scoped out the newly completed section of the Hyattsville Trolley Trail yet? I took my daughter on it to grab a birthday present for her friend at the Artist & Craftsman Supply the other day and I found myself getting a little emotional about how much of an improvement it is. Here’s a photo: 

If you’re near the Anacostia Trail system, this short new connection opens up a whole bunch of new places  you can get to without having to deal with drivers much. Just off the top of my head, here are are few spots I’m a lot more likely to visit now that I don’t have to ride on Route 1: Maryland Meadworks, Pizzeria Paradiso, Streetcar 82 Brewing, Arrow Bicycle, Vigilante Coffee, Pyramid Arts, Franklin’s, Busboys & Poets, Yes Organic Market, The Riverdale Farmers Market, Riviera Tapas, Town Center Market, and that whole newish complex with Whole Foods and Denizens Brewing. 

The Trolley Trail is not the leafy, serene riverside trail experience of the Northeast Branch trail that runs parallel to it about half a mile to the east. But that’s what’s great about it—it puts you right in the middle of the neighborhoods you’re passing through. It’s not a way to escape civilization for a few miles, it’s a civilized way to move through a series of vibrant human spaces. Go check it out if you haven’t yet!

Things to do this week:

A Fun Route Idea For the Weekend

Pack a dry pair of socks (there are a couple of creek crossings) and head south from the Frederick Douglass bridge to Oxon Cove, then cross the river and ride back into the city on the Mount Vernon Trail. Great views of Anacostia, Alexandria, and the DC monuments. Here’s the RidewithGPS route.

Page last updated by Colin Browne on January 5, 2024.