These crisp fall mornings are the perfect time to get out and get some exercise. If walking or running along your neighborhood streets is getting old, it’s time for a change of scenery.
In Charles County, we’re lucky to have the 13-mile Indian Head Rail Trail – with scenery around every bend that will amaze you. This paved trail connects the town of Indian Head with Route 301 in White Plains. It is developed on an abandoned railroad line that used to serve the Navy’s Indian Head Power Factory, now known as the Naval Support Facility Indian Head.
The trailhead in White Plains.
The trail was given to the county through the Department of Interior’s Federal Land to Parks Program and officially opened in December 2008.
Ideal for hikers, bikers, walkers, and runners, the trail is wide and mostly flat. Along the route, you’ll find mature forests, natural wetlands, and farmland. Wildlife watchers should look out for wild turkeys, deer, bald eagles, herons, egrets, waterfowl, and more along the trail.
The trail overlooks marsh areas.
Because the trail goes through the Mattawoman Creek stream valley, several bridges take you over water and wetlands, offering stunning views of your surroundings. Interpretive signs along the trail share information and stories about the region’s history.
Access the Indian Head Rail Trail from one of four parking areas:
- Indian Head trailhead: Park across Route 210 from the trail at the Village Green Town Park or Charlie Wright Park
- White Plains trailhead: Park in the lot at the end of Theodore Green Boulevard
- Bensville: Park in the lot off Bensville Road
- White Plains: Park in the lot off Middletown Road, just north of Marshall Corner Road
Interpretive signs give visitors more information about the landscape and history of the area.
The rail trail is open daily from dawn to dusk, and leashed pets are welcome. No motorized vehicles are allowed, but an exception is made for motorized wheelchairs.
For more information, visit the rail trail’s webpage or Facebook page.
A section of the trail near the parking lot off Middletown Road.
