Sligo Creek Trail – College Park Airport loop from Wheaton
Sligo Creek Trail – College Park Airport loop from Wheaton
4.6
(2689)
15,386
riders
Sligo Creek Trail – College Park Airport loop from Wheaton
01:53
47.3km
190m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 8, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 26.7 km for 54 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
8.01 km
Park Valley Road Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
8.96 km
Carroll Avenue Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
12.8 km
Sligo Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
16.8 km
Melrose Park Pump Track
Highlight • MTB Park
Tip by
22.0 km
College Park Airport
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
22.6 km
Paint Branch
Highlight • River
Tip by
23.4 km
Indian Creek
Lake
26.0 km
Northeast Branch Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
47.3 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
35.8 km
5.44 km
5.33 km
614 m
104 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
46.6 km
508 m
209 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
34°C
19°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an accessible and varied road cycling experience near Wheaton, the Sligo Creek Trail – College Park Airport loop delivers. This easy 29.4-mile (47.3 km) route, with a gentle 611 feet (186 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 52 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing or a longer spin without significant climbing. It's one of the more popular routes for those seeking a mix of natural scenery and unique urban features on two wheels.
What to expect on Sligo Creek Trail – College Park Airport loop from Wheaton
The journey begins by following the Sligo Creek Trail, a paved asphalt path that winds through lush, shaded woodlands. You'll enjoy picturesque views of the creek and its riparian habitats, often spotting wildlife like deer and herons. While mostly smooth, be aware that some sections, particularly in the northern part, can have bumps from tree roots, requiring a bit of attention. As the loop extends towards College Park, the scenery shifts to more open parklands, culminating in the unique experience of cycling near the College Park Airport, where you might catch planes taking off or landing. The route also often passes by Lake Artemesia, adding another scenic highlight to your ride.
Planning your visit
This loop is generally easy, suitable for various fitness levels, but keep an eye out for those tree root bumps on the Sligo Creek Trail. The trail can get quite crowded on weekends with walkers and other cyclists, so maintain awareness and caution, especially around occasional blind turns and at-grade road crossings. The extensive shade along much of the Sligo Creek Trail makes it a pleasant ride even on sunny days. While specific parking for the Wheaton start isn't detailed, the trail system is well-connected, and historically, sections of the parallel Sligo Creek Parkway have been closed to vehicles on weekends, offering more space for riders.
Trail details
- Distance: 29.4 miles (47.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 611 feet (186 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 52 minutes
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