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United States
Maryland
Prince George'S County

Brentwood

Easy hikes and walks around Brentwood

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 2, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan an outing, you know how overwhelming the options for easy hikes around Brentwood can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and which are just filler. We get it – you want to spend your precious outdoor hours on trails that deliver, not on guesswork. That's why we've tapped into komoot's community, who have mapped, walked, and reviewed these routes, to bring you a curated shortlist of the best easy hikes that are truly worth your legs.

Hiking around Brentwood is all about accessible urban green spaces, beautiful arboretums, and serene aquatic gardens. This isn't a place for rugged mountain climbs; instead, you'll find gentle paths with minimal elevation changes, perfect for leisurely strolls and family-friendly outings. The landscape here is defined by cultivated parklands and waterways, offering a peaceful escape right within the city.

If you only do one route, we'd start with the National Arboretum: East Side. This 3.2-mile (5.2 km) trail is a fantastic introduction, winding through diverse plant collections and scenic pathways, offering a real sense of discovery. For something a little different, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park is a must-see, an easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) path where you can spot water lilies and wetland wildlife. With more than 2,700 hikers having explored these trails and an average rating of 4.6 stars, you know you're in good hands.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    National Arboretum: East Side
  2. 2

    Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park
  3. 3

    Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from Greenbelt Park

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

National Arboretum: East Side

5.22 km

60 m

Easy

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park

3.83 km

10 m

Easy

Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from Greenbelt Park

4.65 km

10 m

Easy

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens loop from Kenilworth

2.05 km

10 m

Easy

McMillan Reservoir loop from National Public Radio

3.44 km

30 m

Easy

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens loop from Kenilworth

5.16 km

10 m

Easy

Perimeter Trail – Dogwood Trail junction loop from Greenbelt Park

7.22 km

80 m

Easy

Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from College Park

5.75 km

10 m

Easy

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1.

National Arboretum: East Side

5.22km

01:24

60m

60m

Step into a green oasis with the National Arboretum: East Side trail, an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike that offers a refreshing escape within Washington, D.C. This route guides you through diverse flora and wooded sections, featuring a mix of paved and gravel paths. You'll wind through areas like the Asian Collections, with their winding gravel paths and stone steps, and experience gentle inclines on Mount Hamilton.

This easy route, with its 212 feet (65 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. The arboretum is generally accessible, and visiting in late April is highly recommended to see the Azalea Path in its full, vibrant bloom. Consider an early start to secure parking, especially on busy days.

The standout feature of this trail is undoubtedly the National Capitol Columns, 22 historic Corinthian columns that once graced the U.S. Capitol building. Now dramatically placed in the Ellipse Meadow, they offer a striking blend of natural beauty and American history. The arboretum's commitment to plant preservation and research is evident throughout your journey, with informative placards enriching the experience.

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2.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park

3.83km

00:58

10m

10m

The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park offers a truly unique hiking experience, immersing you in a vibrant urban oasis. You'll wander past over 40 ponds filled with stunning aquatic plants, most notably the spectacular water lilies and lotus blooms that peak in late June and July. Explore the accessible Lotus Loop Trail and Boardwalk Trail, or venture onto the Marshland Loop for a different perspective on the rich marshlands teeming with diverse wildlife like herons, egrets, and even bald eagles.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) route, with a minimal 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 58 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a leisurely outing. While many paths are flat and well-maintained, be prepared for some natural, uneven surfaces on trails like the Marshland Loop, which can get muddy after rain. The park is particularly beautiful in late summer, but offers birdwatching opportunities year-round.

What makes this trail truly special is its status as the only national park specializing in aquatic plants, preserving a unique ecosystem on the Anacostia River floodplain. It provides a peaceful escape from the city, connecting you with nature and offering access to the broader Anacostia River Trail for extended walks or bike rides. Keep an eye out for beavers and turtles in the marshlands, adding to the rich biodiversity.

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6.

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens loop from Kenilworth

5.16km

01:19

10m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8.

Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from College Park

5.75km

01:27

10m

10m

Circling the serene 38-acre Lake Artemesia, this 3.6-mile (5.8 km) loop offers a delightful nature walk, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. The trail is entirely paved, making it an easy experience for all, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. You'll enjoy continuous views of the lake, often dotted with lily pads and sunbathing turtles, and the surrounding trees provide a pleasant, shaded atmosphere. It's a truly accessible and scenic escape.

Planning your trip to Lake Artemesia is simple; the park is popular, so consider visiting during quieter times if you prefer fewer crowds. The trail is well-maintained and features accessible fishing piers and restrooms. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, and you can easily extend your outing by connecting to the broader Anacostia Tributary Trail System for a longer adventure.

This route is a significant birdwatching haven, part of the Luther Goldman Birding Trail, attracting both expert and novice birders. The lake itself was created during the construction of the Washington Metro's Green Line, a fascinating piece of local history. It's a vibrant community spot, popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers, making it a lively and welcoming place to explore.

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Tips from the Community

Alex
June 11, 2025, Indian Creek Trail

The Indian Creek Trail, spanning 1.5 miles through Prince George's County, is an asphalt trail open to biking, skating, horseback riding, walking, and wheelchair access. It serves as a link between Berwyn Heights and Lake Artemesia, offering a shaded route through the woods. Starting at the Indian Creek Trail, follow the Indian Creek, a river that is visible from the trail, providing relaxing scenery.

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Artemesia Lake, a 38-acre man-made lake, is named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who donated the area in 1972. The lake features a fishing dock, and it's common to see people enjoying various water activities.

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Alex
September 24, 2024, Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

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.

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The National Capitol Columns at Washington, D.C.'s National Arboretum are a striking monument set amid the expansive 20-acre Ellipse Meadow. The 22 Corinthian columns were originally part of the U.S. Capitol's east portico from 1828 to 1958. They were relocated to the Arboretum in the 1980s after being removed from the Capitol due to an architectural mismatch with the new, larger dome completed in 1866. Today, they stand prominently against the open sky in the meadow with and a reflecting pool, making this a scenic, unique spot to visit.

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Alex
June 10, 2024, Lake Artemesia

Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake, spanning 38 acres and surrounded by Lake Artemesia Park. The lake and the park are named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who in 1972 donated ten lots to the county for preservation as a public green space.

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Alex
February 21, 2024, Lake Artemesia

Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake, spanning 38 acres and surrounded by Lake Artemesia Park. The lake and the park are named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who in 1972 donated ten lots to the county for preservation as a public green space.

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Tyler Sanders
January 27, 2024, Lake Artemesia

This park boasts an aquatic garden, miles of hiking, running, and biking trails, and numerous fishing areas. The standout feature of the park is the scenic 38-acre lake, visible from various points along the trails.

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Tyler Sanders
December 1, 2023, Lake Artemesia

This park boasts an aquatic garden, miles of hiking, running, and biking trails, and numerous fishing areas. The standout feature of the park is the scenic 38-acre lake, visible from various points along the trails.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are there in Brentwood?

Brentwood offers a significant number of easy hiking trails, with 86 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are over 140 hiking routes available in the area, providing diverse options for outdoor exploration.

What kind of landscapes can I expect on easy hikes around Brentwood?

Easy hikes around Brentwood primarily feature urban green spaces, arboretums, and aquatic gardens. You'll find trails following waterways, winding through cultivated parklands, and exploring diverse plant collections, such as those at the National Arboretum: East Side, and wetland environments like Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park.

Are there any family-friendly easy hikes in Brentwood?

Yes, the easy hiking trails in Brentwood are generally very family-friendly due to their minimal elevation changes and accessible parkland settings. Routes like the Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from Greenbelt Park are ideal for leisurely walks with children, offering scenic views and open spaces.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Brentwood?

The easy trails in Brentwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beauty of the aquatic gardens, and the peaceful atmosphere of the arboretum and parkland settings.

Can I find circular easy hikes in Brentwood?

Yes, many of the easy trails in Brentwood are designed as circular routes, making them convenient for a straightforward outing. Examples include the Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from Greenbelt Park and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens loop from Kenilworth, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

What kind of wildlife can I spot on easy hikes in Brentwood?

On easy hikes in Brentwood, particularly in areas like Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park, you can expect to see various wetland wildlife, including different bird species, and potentially small mammals. The arboretum and park settings also provide habitats for local flora and fauna.

How long do easy hikes in Brentwood typically take?

The duration of easy hikes in Brentwood varies, but many can be completed in a relatively short time. For instance, the National Arboretum: East Side route takes about 1 hour 24 minutes, while the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park path can be completed in approximately 1 hour.

Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the easy hiking trails?

Yes, the easy hiking trails in Brentwood often pass by or are near interesting landmarks and natural features. You can explore the diverse plant collections at the National Arboretum, or enjoy the water lilies and lotus flowers at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Nearby, you can also find significant bodies of water like Lake Artemesia and the Capitol Reflecting Pool.

What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Brentwood?

Brentwood's easy hiking trails are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Spring brings blooming flowers to the aquatic gardens and arboretum, while fall showcases beautiful foliage in the parklands.

Are dogs allowed on the easy hiking trails in Brentwood?

Many parks and green spaces in Brentwood are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations for each trail, but generally, you'll find options for walking your dog on the easy routes.

Are there easy hikes near water in Brentwood?

Absolutely. Many easy hikes in Brentwood feature water elements. The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Park is renowned for its water lilies and lotus flowers, and the Lake Artemesia – Lake Artemesia loop from Greenbelt Park offers scenic paths alongside the lake.

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