The best walks and hikes around Melwood
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Hikes around Melwood explore the woodlands and parks of rural Charles County, Maryland. The area is characterized by a network of trails winding through forested areas and alongside wetlands, such as those in Piscataway Creek Park. Most routes feature gentle gradients, making the region accessible for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Melwood
- The most popular hiking route is Henson Creek Trail — Henson Creek Park, an 11.7 mile (18.8 km) trail that takes about 4 hours 45…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
1.67km
00:26
10m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.98km
01:18
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
hikers
4.70km
01:14
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.90km
00:29
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18.8km
04:47
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Melwood
Tips from the Community
This sports complex is a popular spot for families, boasting a variety of recreational activities. It's a great place to catch a local baseball game or extend your hike on one of the surrounding scenic walking trails to get a better view of the creek and watch for wildlife. In addition to the baseball fields, there are basketball courts, a community center, and a nearby ice rink.
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This paved greenway trail follows its namesake Henson Creek and is a local favorite for hikers, joggers, and cyclists, where you can immerse yourself in nature, away from the city's hustle and bustle. It is a fantastic pathway, surrounded by wooded scenery spanning 5.7 miles (9.17 km), from Oxon Hill, connecting Fort Washington to Temple Hill Road in Camp Springs. The route is complete with a nice grassy shoulder, making it popular for equestrians, so keep an eye out for horses and their riders along the way.
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Piscataway Creek Park is a picturesque nature preserve, home to bald eagles, ospreys, deer, foxes, beavers, and many other wildlife species. If you want to extend your hike here, this service road continues as a loop, ending back onto Commo Road, where you can return to the Cheltenham Wetlands parking area.
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This beautiful hidden gem is surrounded by rolling grass and young forest, with a long boardwalk running through the wetlands. It is home to a variety of songbirds and mourning doves and is a lovely, tranquil spot, perfect for a short, peaceful hike where you can enjoy some solitude with nature.
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This trail is an excellent single track popular with hikers and mountain bikers through an old-growth forest, making it perfect for hot days or light rainy days. It is well-maintained, with rock in some sections laid down to prevent it from getting muddy. There are bathrooms at the start of the trail and a lovely stream nearby, with a variety of terrain, including small hills. The trail connects to the Orange and Purple Trails, which are well-marked, for several options to extend your hike through this beautiful natural scenery.
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This footbridge is a scenic spot before entering the park's wooded area. It's ideal for spotting some waterfowl, perfect for a memorable photo before continuing on the trail.
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This portion of Cosca Park is well-equipped with fantastic sports facilities, including illuminated basketball courts, two baseball and two softball diamonds, and a tennis bubble. There is plenty of parking available for easy access to the park's Yellow, Orange, and Purple multiuse trails to explore the expansive and beautiful natural areas of the grounds.
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This is a fantastic trail, especially in autumn, when you can enjoy the beautiful trees changing color. It is one of the five main trails in the park, each ranging from 1 to 2 miles. All the trails are interconnected, with several options to extend your hike. The path is well-marked, making it easy to navigate your way through this beautiful, peaceful, hilly terrain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Melwood?
Most parks in the Melwood area, such as LP Cosca Regional Park and Piscataway Creek Park, are dog-friendly, but they generally require dogs to be on a leash. It's always a good practice to check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit before you go.
What are some good, easy hikes for families with children?
The area offers several short and flat trails perfect for a family outing. The School House Pond loop — Upper Marlboro is a great choice, at just about a mile long. Another excellent option is the Cheltenham Wetlands loop — Piscataway Creek Park, which is also short and provides a chance to see local birdlife.
Are there any challenging day hikes in the Melwood area?
While most trails in the region are gentle, the Henson Creek Trail — Henson Creek Park offers a more substantial challenge. At nearly 12 miles, it's the longest hike in this collection and provides a more strenuous workout for experienced hikers.
Can I find any circular or loop trails near Melwood?
Yes, there are several loop trails that bring you back to your starting point. For a pleasant walk through the woods, consider the Green & Blue Trail loop — LP Cosca Regional Park. It's a straightforward 3-mile circuit that's easy to follow.
What is the best time of year to hike around Melwood?
Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler air. Summer can be hot and humid, so plan for early morning hikes and bring plenty of water.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in the Melwood area?
The trails around Melwood are primarily known for their serene woodlands and wetlands rather than waterfalls. While you'll find beautiful scenery along creeks and ponds, significant waterfalls are not a common feature of the local landscape.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the trails?
The hikes around Melwood primarily feature picturesque woodlands with well-maintained paths. You'll walk through lush forests and along the edges of peaceful wetlands, especially in areas like Piscataway Creek Park. The terrain is generally flat, making for relaxing and immersive nature walks.
How extensive is the trail network at the Melwood Recreation Center?
The Melwood Recreation Center itself contains nearly 10 miles of trails that wind through its 108-acre property. These paths connect to a wider network of trails in the surrounding parks of Charles County.
What are the trail conditions like in LP Cosca Regional Park?
LP Cosca Regional Park features well-defined, easy-to-follow woodland paths. The trails, such as the Cosca Yellow Trail loop, have gentle gradients and are suitable for most fitness levels, offering a peaceful hike through the forest.
Are there other activities available besides hiking?
Yes, the Melwood Recreation Center is a hub for various outdoor activities. Beyond its hiking trails, the center offers challenge rope courses, aquatic facilities, and equestrian programs. It's a versatile destination for a full day of outdoor fun.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Most of the regional parks mentioned, such as LP Cosca Regional Park and Piscataway Creek Park, have designated parking areas near the trailheads. It's a good idea to arrive earlier on weekends, as these spots can fill up.
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