The Potomac River Basin is a massive network of more than one hundred rivers draining over nearly 15,000 square miles of land and provides about one-fifth of Chesapeake Bay’s water. This trail tours some of the creeks of the Potomac River Basin, mostly along paved bike paths through residential areas and forested parks with some short sections on connecting roads. You will parallel the Northeast and Northwest Branches of the river as well as Sligo Creek. The paths are all paved and the terrain is mainly flat with a gentle and gradual descent to the end at Forest Glen Station.

The Henson Creek Trail runs downstream from Oxon Hill through wooded parkland. The creek flows into Broad Creek and then into the Potomac River, but the trail stops short. The tour follows suburban streets to the remains of Fort Foote, a battlement built to defend the city of Washington during the Civil War. Next stop is the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church at Brad Creek, where Washington worshiped. The tour ends at Fort Washington. Along the trail, enjoy the beautiful scenery and great views of the river. One section of the trail at Fort Foote is on a dirt path, which may be walked to explore the park. The terrain is moderately hilly.

This trail is part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and follows a paved section from the Riverdale Recreation Center to Greenbelt Road. You will ride in a beautiful stream valley park and circle Lake Artemesia, all of which is in a forested area within an urban setting. You will pass many neighborhood playgrounds as well as curving around the runways of College Park Airport, the oldest airport in the country. The ride can be shortened or extended, but sections of the path outside of this route may not all be paved.