The best walks and hikes around Woodlawn

It’s really a skateboard track, but I was really tempted to test it with my bike

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail follows along the Anacostia River from Bladensburg to the Navy Yard, covering 21.5 miles through forests, fields, marshes, and river ecosystems. Ideal for walking, jogging, biking, or dog walking, the paved trail offers scenic views of the Anacostia River and its wildlife. It passes through Anacostia Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and connects to five bridges and several city bike routes. The trail features asphalt, boardwalk, brick, and concrete surfaces, with access points at Hyattsville, MD, and The Wharf in D.C.

College Park Airport, founded in 1909 as the military demonstration area for the Wright Brothers, is the world's oldest continually operating airport. From here, there is only a fence and a few lights between you and the beginning of the runway to this small airport. If you are lucky, you will catch a plane flying over your head as you walk by.

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.

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.

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.

College Park Airport was founded in 1909 as the military demonstration area for the Wright Brothers. Notably, it is the world's oldest continually operating airport. As you ride by College Park Airport, you are separated by a fence and a few lights, but not by much else, from the beginning of the runway to this small airport. If you are lucky, you will catch a plane coming right over your head as you ride by.

The paths in this area are well paved and good for cycling. You will be surprised how quickly you are surrounded by nature, once you leave the busy streets behind. The trails are shared use, so be respectful of other path users.