Quick Facts

• Location: Montgomery County, Maryland
• Primary Function: Recreation
• Key Outcome: This 6-mile trail provides access to hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the rolling terrain of Pepco’s rights-of-way (ROWs) connecting South Germantown Recreational Park with the Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park in North Potomac

This project is the first to demonstrate the co-benefits of transmission ROWs for recreational use in Montgomery County. The idea originated during the approval process for the merger between Pepco and Exelon, suggested by a bike advocate hoping to encourage policy approval for local trails colocated within Pepco’s ROWs. After gaining support for the idea, Bob Turnbull, the national surface trail construction manager for Montgomery Parks, was brought in to collaborate. As a condition of the merger’s approval by Montgomery County, this pilot project was created and Pepco agreed to fund the trail design and make the land available for recreational use. The trail design is intended to support various recreational activities, from walking, running, and hiking to horseback riding, mountain biking, and bird watching. 

What Are the Benefits of Recreation Services?

This pilot project provides connections between Hoyles Mill and Muddy Branch local trails across 6 miles of natural surface trail through areas of Montgomery County not previously accessible for the public to enjoy. Hikers, bikers, runners, and equestrians alike can enjoy this scenic route, which connects Seneca Creek State Park and Seneca Ridge trail, and some day even Bethesda, when the trail expands to meet its 13-mile goal.  

Who Was Involved?

Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks funded the construction of the interim natural surface trail and, with assistance from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, funded the road crossings. It also resolved disputes with local property owners adjacent to the trail path.   

Exelon Corp and Pepco 

Exelon Corp and Pepco funded the conceptual design of the proposed paved trail and the interim natural surface trail. 

Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts

The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for mountain bikers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. MORE has accepted responsibility for trail maintenance activities like frequent mowing. 

Montgomery County Department of Transportation 

The department worked to ensure safety across all road crossings by using signage, road striping and other more involved measures to ensure both trail users and those on the roads remain safe at all crossings. 

Key Project Takeaways

• Safe crossings are priority. The most time-consuming and expensive aspects of this pilot project were ensuring safe crossings and appropriate signage at every trail intersection with roadway. Strong partnerships with the Department of Transportation and state highways were crucial to the project’s success.
• Intentional design helps increase trail connectivity. This 6-mile trail project spanned across Montgomery County, connecting both existing state parks and other local trails to create a larger network of connected communities and recreational shared spaces.