Lake Artemesia and College Park Airport



Paint Branch Creek



Exit the College Park - U of MD metro station and turn left on River Road, then right on Paint Branch Parkway/Calvert Road. 

At 51st Avenue, you can turn left for a side trip to the College Park Airport.   Built in 1909 as a training site for Wilbur Wright to instruct military pilots, it is the world's oldest continually running airport.  You can watch small planes take off and land (both at the airport or on the trail), or visit the College Park Aviation Museum, an affiliation of the Smithsonian Institute.



To reach Lake Artemesia, continue on Paint Branch Parkway to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.  Turn left onto the paved trail, and follow it for about half a mile to the intersection of Paint Branch Trail (just after crossing over Paint Branch Creek).  Follow the trail through the gate to Lake Artemesia.



Lake Artemesia



Lake Artemesia is a man made lake and park that offers fishing (with a license only) and bird watching opportunities.  Keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons, loons, ducks, and many woodland birds while you walk around the lake.  Kids can look for turtles in the water.  There are restrooms and water fountains in the center peninsula.

When you have finished enjoying the scenery at Lake Artemesia, you can exit through the gates at the southern end of the park, and reverse your route back to the metro station.

Distance:  3.75 miles

Accessibility:  Sidewalks and paved paths make this route wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Kids:  The museum and lake are both fun for kids.

Trail Route:   http://www.mapmywalk.com/routes