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Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park in Silver Spring | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Wetland · River

4.5 (1473 ratings)

Welcome to Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park in Silver Spring, a sprawling 1717.0-acre oasis offering a diverse range of walking and hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. With an extensive network ...

Welcome to Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park in Silver Spring, a sprawling 1717.0-acre oasis offering a diverse range of walking and hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. With an extensive network of trails, including the 20.8-mile ADT - Maryland - Seg 3 and the 12.3-mile Rachel Carson Greenway Trail, this park is a haven for outdoor activity. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park's picturesque landscapes and well-maintained routes cater to all levels of fitness and interests. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while exploring the numerous trails this park has to offer. As you traverse the trails of Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, you'll encounter an array of scenic vistas, serene woodlands, and meandering streams that create a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere. The park boasts a variety of routes, including the 0.6-mile Clifton Park River Trail and the 0.9-mile Franklin Knolls River Trail, providing options for short, refreshing walks. If you're up for a more challenging trek, the 29.6-mile route in Rolling Acres offers a rewarding adventure. Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, the park's well-marked trails and diverse terrain ensure a fulfilling experience amidst nature's splendor. For walkers and hikers seeking an enriching outdoor experience, Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park in Silver Spring is the ideal destination. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or enjoying a day out with friends and family, the park's expansive grounds and numerous trails offer something for everyone. To discover more about the park and access detailed route information, download the Pacer Pedometer app. Experience the beauty of nature and the joy of walking and hiking at Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, where every step brings you closer to the wonders of the great outdoors.

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Reviews (12)
Photos (24)

Walking and Hiking in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Located in the scenic city of Silver Spring, the Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park offers an exceptional opportunity for walking and hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. With a wide range of essential amenities such as parking lots, leisure playgrounds, and wheelchair-friendly ...

Located in the scenic city of Silver Spring, the Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park offers an exceptional opportunity for walking and hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. With a wide range of essential amenities such as parking lots, leisure playgrounds, and wheelchair-friendly paths, this park is designed to cater to the needs of visitors seeking an active outdoor experience. The well-maintained bike paths and sports facilities, including basketball courts and tennis courts, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for those looking to engage in physical exercise while surrounded by lush greenery. For those in search of a more leisurely experience, the park also features picnic sites and shelters, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing day amidst nature. Moreover, the viewpoint at Big Rock offers a captivating sight, adding an extra element of excitement to any hiking adventure. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park in Silver Spring is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in outdoor activities and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.

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Other Info about Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Websitehttps://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/northwest-branch-stream-valley-park/

Essential Amenities in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Playground
Picnic Site
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park Sport Facilities

Basketball court
Tennis court
Bike path
Sports center
Swimming pool

Accessibility in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Viewpoint

Big Rock

Other Amenities in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Shelter

Restaurant

Bicycle parking

Best Walking Routes in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

#1 - Northwest Branch Trail
1
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 51m

Northwest Branch Trail is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Silver Spring, Maryland. This route has an elevation gain of about 101.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - ADT - Maryland - Seg 3
1
Length: 20.8 milesEst. Time: 5h58m

Greenbelt Park to Georgetown - Washington D.C.

#3 - Rachel Carson Greenway Trail
1
Length: 12.3 milesEst. Time: 3h53m

Lots to see on this hiking exclusive corridor along the Northwest Branch.

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Reviews of Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

4.5/5
1473 ratings
TraciMay 18, 2025
2

S

ArielOct 25, 2025
5
TerpsGirlSep 16, 2025
5
See All Reviews (12)
See All Reviews (12)

Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Ibrahim
326
Chris
276
Anna
99
4Jon
73
5Traci
72
6Rony
34
7Mele
34
8Cliff
31
9Simona
22
10gabilabless
22
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Kemp Mill Estates Local Park
Burnt Mills West Special Park
Burnt Mills East Special Park
Meadowood Local Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park
Kemp Mill Urban Park
Breewood Neighborhood Park
North Four Corners Local Park
Colt Terrace Neighborhood Park

FAQs About Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Where is the best place to walk in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

According to the Pacer community, the best place to walk in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park is the ADT - Maryland - Seg 3 route, which is 20.8 miles long and has a rating of 4.0 with 1 review.

How many routes are in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

There are a total of 8 routes in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, including ADT - Maryland - Seg 3, Rachel Carson Greenway Trail, Clifton Park River Trail, Franklin Knolls River Trail, Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit 3, Home Walk 1, Silver Spring to Hyattsville, and 29.6 Mi Route in Rolling Acres.

Which is the longest route in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

The longest route in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park is the 29.6 Mi Route in Rolling Acres, which spans 29.6 miles and has an estimated time of 26h56m.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

Yes, there are several essential amenities such as parking lots, leisure playgrounds, picnic sites, and restrooms available for walkers and hikers in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park.

How accessible is Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park is wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

What kind of sports can I do in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

In Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, you can enjoy activities such as walking or biking on the bike paths, swimming in the swimming pool, and playing basketball or tennis in the respective courts.

What is the best season to walk in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

The best season to walk in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park is typically spring or fall when the weather is milder, and the foliage is at its most vibrant.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

Visitors to Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park should prepare for hot and humid summers, with occasional thunderstorms, and cold winters with some snow. It's important to dress accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park?

Visitors to Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park may encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, squirrels, and a wide range of bird species. It's important to be respectful of the natural habitat and observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Last updated: Dec 3, 2025

Parks Near Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

Kemp Mill Estates Local Park
Burnt Mills West Special Park
Burnt Mills East Special Park
Meadowood Local Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park
Kemp Mill Urban Park
Breewood Neighborhood Park
North Four Corners Local Park
Colt Terrace Neighborhood Park

Latest Check-ins at Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

SadDec 3, 2025
Dec 3, 2025Running
PacerPalOct 15, 2025
Oct 15, 2025Walking
AshantiNov 25, 2025
Nov 25, 2025Walking
audelinaruiz79Nov 24, 2025
Nov 24, 2025Walking
cmusiNov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025Walking
audelinaruiz79Nov 21, 2025
Nov 21, 2025Walking
MikeNov 21, 2025
Nov 21, 2025Walking
MikeNov 18, 2025
Nov 18, 2025Walking
audelinaruiz79Nov 17, 2025
Nov 17, 2025Walking
MikeNov 17, 2025
Nov 17, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

RankingCheck-ins
Ibrahim
326
Chris
276
Anna
99
4Jon
73
5Traci
72
6Rony
34
7Mele
34
8Cliff
31
9Simona
22
10gabilabless
22
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park
#1- Northwest Branch Trail
1
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 51m

Northwest Branch Trail is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Silver Spring, Maryland. This route has an elevation gain of about 101.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- ADT - Maryland - Seg 3
1
Length: 20.8 milesEst. Time: 5h58m

Greenbelt Park to Georgetown - Washington D.C.

#3- Rachel Carson Greenway Trail
1
Length: 12.3 milesEst. Time: 3h53m

Lots to see on this hiking exclusive corridor along the Northwest Branch.

#4- Clifton Park River Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Clifton Park River Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Silver Spring, Maryland. This route has an elevation gain of about 6.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Franklin Knolls River Trail
1
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 15m

Franklin Knolls River Trail is a 0.9 mile (2,000-step) route located near Silver Spring, Maryland. This route has an elevation gain of about 82 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Northwest Branch Trail
1
Length: 3.6 milesEst. Time: 1h11m

Northwest Branch Trail is a 3.6 mile (8,500-step) route located near Silver Spring, Maryland. This route has an elevation gain of about 144.3 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

TraciMay 18, 2025
2

S

ArielOct 25, 2025
5
TerpsGirlSep 16, 2025
5
ManuelSep 2, 2025
5
UsmanMay 5, 2025
5
DenniseMar 18, 2025
5
TinaSep 5, 2024
5
RonyAug 9, 2024
5
allbiz.arthurAug 6, 2024
5
Jim SJul 19, 2024
5
Pragnaloka Jul 15, 2024
5
audelinaruiz79Nov 21, 2025
1
4.5/5
1473 ratings

Photos of Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park

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