The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Greenbelt
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Hiking around Greenbelt offers access to an urban oasis characterized by recovering mixed pine and deciduous forests, rolling hills, and woodlands. The region features an extensive trail system, providing diverse environments for outdoor enthusiasts. These trails traverse varied terrain, including shaded forest paths and areas with gentle elevation changes. The landscape provides a natural setting for family friendly hiking trails, allowing visitors to connect with nature close to the city.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Greenbelt
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Perimeter Trail Loop, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 18 minutes to complete. This moderate route features rolling hills and woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Greenbelt Lake Trail loop, an easy 1.9 miles (3.0 km) path. This trail offers a short, accessible walk around Greenbelt Lake, suitable for all ages.
- Local hikers also love the Sweetgum Picnic Area – Dogwood Trail junction loop from Greenbelt, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail leading through mixed forests, often completed in about 1 hour 43 minutes.
- Hiking around Greenbelt is defined by recovering mixed pine and deciduous forests, rolling hills, and woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, with 10 easy and 2 moderate routes available.
- The routes in Greenbelt are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from nearly 10 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Greenbelt's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
14
hikers
8.74km
02:18
80m
80m
Hike the 5.4-mile Perimeter Trail Loop in Greenbelt Park, a moderate route with 250 feet of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 18 minu
7
hikers
2.99km
00:46
10m
10m
Hike the easy 1.9-mile Greenbelt Lake Trail loop in Buddy Attick Lake Park, offering scenic lake views and a peaceful nature setting.
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1
hikers
2.11km
00:34
20m
20m
Hike the easy 1.3-mile Azalea Trail in Greenbelt Park, a quick 33-minute loop with 63 feet of elevation gain.
8
hikers
6.41km
01:43
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
7.22km
01:56
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This picturesque lake is the centerpiece of this beautiful park. A dirt and stone path winds its way around the lake and through the woods, with plenty of bird species that inhabit the area. There are nice benches along the shoreline, a perfect place to spend time admiring its tranquil beauty.
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Buddy Attick Lake Park offers a flat trail encircling the Greenbelt Lake, giving visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife such as great blue herons, songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels. The park features a playground, a recycling center, restrooms, and well-maintained facilities. This park is a popular spot for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
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Sweetgum is the largest picnic area at Greenbelt Park and is open to the public without reservations. It includes a baseball field, playground equipment, restrooms, and plenty of open space, making it the perfect starting and ending point for hiking the park's beautiful trails.
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This picturesque trail offers a beautiful loop with various alternate routes and signs, allowing you to extend or shorten your hike. As you wander, look for different woodpecker species, robins, and white-tailed deer, which love to graze in the open areas. This trail is a great option for families, as there are plenty of fallen logs over streams for kids to enjoy.
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The Perimeter Trail is the longest route among the four trails in Greenbelt Park, encircling the entire park perimeter, offering a serene and picturesque hike. As you follow this trail, you'll come across the park's charming picnic areas at the northern end, where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. On the southern end, you can stroll through the park's inviting campground and stop at the ranger station, which offers trail maps, information, a water station and restrooms.
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The Dogwood Trail is a 1.5-mile loop through the forest that ends right back on the Perimeter Trail. The beauty of the trees and the ample shade makes it a perfect side trail to extend your hike, especially on a hot day. There are nice benches along the way, ideal for a place to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the woods.
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Managed by the National Park Service since 1950, Greenbelt Park is a forested park with paved, unpaved, and boardwalk trails running through it. The park boasts many amenities, including a 5.3-mile hiking trail, Park Central Road for bikers, an equestrian trail, shorter nature trails, numerous campsites, and three picnic areas.
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Buddy Attick Lake Park offers a flat trail encircling the Greenbelt Lake, giving visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife such as great blue herons, songbirds, turtles, foxes, and squirrels. The park features a playground, a recycling center, restrooms, and well-maintained facilities. This park is a popular spot for watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Greenbelt?
Our guide features 12 family-friendly hiking trails around Greenbelt, with 10 rated as easy and 2 as moderate. These trails offer a wonderful way to explore the area's natural beauty with your loved ones.
What kind of terrain can we expect on Greenbelt's family-friendly trails?
The trails in Greenbelt Park generally feature rolling hills and woodlands, with a mix of pine and deciduous forest. Many paths, like the Perimeter Trail Loop, are composed of dirt and gravel, with some boardwalks over streams, providing a varied and engaging experience for families.
Are there any easy loop trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Greenbelt offers several easy loop trails perfect for families. The Greenbelt Lake Trail loop is a great option, offering a gentle 3 km path around the lake. Another excellent choice is the Azalea Trail, which is just over 2 km and winds through the recovering forest.
What are some notable natural features or attractions we might see along the trails?
While hiking in Greenbelt, you'll experience a recovering mixed pine and deciduous forest. You might also encounter beautiful lakes like Lake Artemesia or explore the diverse ecosystems of the Patuxent Research Refuge. The trails themselves offer a chance to observe local flora and fauna in a tranquil setting.
Are the family-friendly trails in Greenbelt suitable for strollers?
While many trails are natural surfaces of dirt and gravel, some sections, particularly on the Perimeter Trail Loop, include boardwalks. For the most comfortable experience with strollers, we recommend checking the specific trail conditions before your visit, as some paths might be more rugged than others. Generally, flatter, wider paths are best.
Can we bring our dog on the hiking trails in Greenbelt?
Greenbelt Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations regarding pets. Typically, dogs are welcome on trails if kept on a leash. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
What is the best time of year to hike with family in Greenbelt?
Greenbelt offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn showcases beautiful fall foliage. Summer provides shaded trails, and even mild winter days can be enjoyable. Consider visiting during cooler months to avoid summer heat and crowds.
Is there parking available at the trailheads for family hikes?
Yes, Greenbelt Park provides parking facilities for visitors. Specific parking areas are usually available near trailheads and visitor centers. It's advisable to check the official Greenbelt Park website for detailed parking information and any potential fees before your trip.
How can I get to Greenbelt Park using public transport?
Greenbelt Park is accessible via public transportation, though options may vary. You can often reach the area using local bus services or by connecting from the Greenbelt Metro Station. For the most up-to-date and specific public transport routes, we recommend checking local transit authority websites or using a journey planner.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Greenbelt?
The Greenbelt area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the peaceful escape these trails offer from urban life, making them ideal for family outings.
Are there longer, easy trails for families looking for a more extended hike?
For families seeking a longer, yet still easy, hike, consider combining trails. The Sweetgum Picnic Area – Dogwood Trail junction loop from Greenbelt offers a pleasant 6.4 km route. Another option is the Perimeter Trail – Dogwood Trail junction loop from Greenbelt Park, which extends to about 7.2 km, providing a good distance without excessive difficulty.
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