Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Recreational Trail (WB&A)
Route: Bowie to Glenn Dale
Distance: 11.2 miles round trip. Bowie to Glenn Dale
Degree of difficulty: Easy.
Surface type: Paved.
The WB&A Trail is not long, running 5.6 miles. In Bowie, you can park in the parking lot at the entrance of trail off Race Track Road. At the other end, I find it more convenient to park at the Vista Gardens Shopping Center. For me, I am fortunate to live in a development that connects to the trail. The trail offers a wide path, tunnels and bridges over busy roads and relatively quiet. Great to relax the mind and connect with nature, not worrying about busy streets.
The WB&A trail gets its name from the railroad that ran along the site from 1908 to 1935. Besides commuters, the trains were also popular with Bowie Race Track patrons and bootleggers who used it to shuttle alcohol.
The first mile runs through a densely wooded area that borders the walled-off Berwyn Rod & Gun Club and then a horse farm. The woods soon give way to neighborhoods, and the trail winds through quiet suburbs. Small parks, some with playgrounds and water fountains, dot this portion of the trail. Wonderful trail for the family.
The trail is expected to continue across the Patuxent River someday soon.
