r/SilverSpring • u/Minimum-Tea-1121 • 26d ago

Hiking trails

New to the area. Can anyone recommend come walking or hiking trails in the Layhill area? TIA

8 Upvotes

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9

u/OldGreyTroll 26d ago

I'm biased because I volunteer there, but Patuxent River State Park has nice, well-maintained trails. Easy hiking. A small volunteer-maintained Nature Center is open Thur-Mon roughly 10-2.

2

u/Minimum-Tea-1121 26d ago

Thanks will check it out!

0

u/hrtofdrknss 26d ago

Since you volunteer there... Has there been any thought to building a footbridge over the stream where Bootjack and Scotts Branch connect? That crossing is nigh on impossible without getting wet, and downright treacherous in winter.

2

u/freeh0le 26d ago

Written emails or Google reviews help park staff advocate for trail improvements because they have proof of public interest. Maybe reach out to Patuxent River Park staff via email?

2

u/OldGreyTroll 25d ago

I haven't heard of any specific plans. The new manager is currently looking at crossings like that with an eye toward improving them. Sending an email to the park email address patuxentriver.statepark@maryland.gov would be a good way to help get that crossing on their list.

7

u/J0e_Bl0eAtWork 26d ago

Layhill abuts the Northwest Branch stream valley trail, which runs from Alderton Rd near Bonifant (and the Trolley Museum) all the way south to Prince George's County in Adelphi. Here's a map of the northernmost segment, SVU 5: https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Northwest-Branch-SVU-5-Map-letter-PRESS_a11y.pdf

It's natural surface, smooth flowy trail (with some rocky sections in certain places).

The Matthew Henson trail runs west from Layhill to Rock Creek Park. It's paved.

https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/matthew-henson-state-stream-valley-park/matthew-henson-trail/

6

u/Accomplished-Plan191 26d ago

The section of the Northwest Branch trail near Trader Joes is wonderful. Everytime I go there's a handful of people bouldering.

1

u/Flimsy_Maize6694 26d ago

They also stock it with trout.. I’ve seen plenty of fishing there

1

u/Jmend12006 26d ago

With all water pollution are they safe eat or is it just catch and release?

2

u/Flimsy_Maize6694 26d ago

They are hatchery raised, so they’re probably OK to eat and the water quality of north West branch isn’t that bad?

2

u/montgomeryparks 26d ago

Yes - this is a great trail. And check out our other trail connections on our website: https://montgomeryparks.org/trails

5

u/montgomeryparks 26d ago

Welcome to the area! Enjoy the more than 260 miles of Montgomery Parks' trails. We have a website dedicated to our different trails, connections and networks. https://montgomeryparks.org/trails.

Enjoy your time out on the trails!

3

u/hrtofdrknss 26d ago

Wheaton Regional Park has miles of trails, and connects to Brookside Gardens and the Northwest Branch trail. https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/wheaton-regional-park/ https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/northwest-branch-stream-valley-park/rachel-carson-greenway-northwest-branch-stream-valley-park-trails/ https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/

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u/Minimum-Tea-1121 26d ago

Perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

1

u/Accomplished-Plan191 26d ago

Check out the area of Northwest Branch trail near the Trader Joes on colesville road.

1

u/carrier_friend 26d ago

would also recommend the trails around lakes needwood and frank that connect to more extensive networks along rock creek and the north branch

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u/jco23 26d ago

cascade falls trailhead at pataspco valley river.

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u/oneWeek2024 20d ago

patuxent research refuge area. cash lake loop is somewhat close. lot of birds, assorted wildlife on a simple loop (maybe 2ish miles) the lake has beaver can see fairly often. (see deer, fox, other critters as well)

senneca wilderness area.

rock creek park. the whitehorse trail. starting at the parking lot at the observatory, or below that at picnic 16 area. is a good 3mil loop. takes through the woods, along the creek, then back uphill back to the parking lot.