The best walks and hikes around Landover Hills

There are over 40 hiking routes around Landover Hills, offering a variety of experiences. The majority, about 30, are classified as easy, while 12 are moderate, providing options for different fitness levels.

The landscape around Landover Hills generally features gentle gradients, with rolling hills and extensive tree cover. You'll find wooded areas, marshlands, and riverine environments, particularly along the Anacostia River and its tributaries. Some routes do offer moderate elevation changes for a slightly more challenging experience.

Yes, many trails are suitable for families. The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park route is an easy 2.4-mile trail that explores unique aquatic gardens, perfect for a leisurely family outing. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail also offers paved sections suitable for strollers or younger children.

Many trails in the Landover Hills area are dog-friendly, especially those that are part of the Anacostia River Trail system and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and check specific park regulations before you go. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is a popular choice for dog walkers.

The region is rich in natural beauty, primarily influenced by the Anacostia River Watershed. You can explore the unique aquatic plant life at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, or observe local wildlife like deer, groundhogs, and foxes along the Landover Hills Nature Trail. The extensive Anacostia Tributary Trail System also offers views of riverine landscapes, wooded sections, and marshlands. You might also encounter lakes such as Lake Artemesia.

Yes, there are several circular routes. The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park route is a popular easy loop. Further afield, Greenbelt Park offers a 5.4-mile Perimeter Trail loop, which is a moderate option.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, from quiet woodlands to scenic riverine paths, and the accessibility of trails for various skill levels. The well-maintained paths and opportunities for wildlife spotting are also frequently highlighted.

While the terrain generally features gentle gradients, you can find longer, moderate routes. The Rachel Carson Greenway Trail is an 8.3-mile path that leads through varied parkland and natural areas, offering a good moderate challenge. The extensive Anacostia Tributary Trail System also provides opportunities to combine sections for longer excursions.

Landover Hills is well-connected to the broader Washington D.C. metropolitan area's public transport network. Many sections of the Anacostia River Trail system are accessible via Metrobus and Metrorail, making it possible to reach various trailheads without a car. We recommend checking local transit schedules for specific route access.

Parking is generally available at various trailheads and parks throughout the Landover Hills area and the wider Anacostia Tributary Trail System. For example, local parks like Landover Hills Neighborhood Park and Henry Rink Park offer parking. For specific trails like the Anacostia Riverwalk, designated parking lots are often available near access points. It's advisable to check the specific trailhead information for the route you plan to hike.

The Landover Hills area offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage, making them ideal. Summer can be warm and humid, but shaded trails along the river offer respite. Winter hiking is also possible, though some paths may be less maintained after snowfall.