Easy hikes and walks around Landover

The Indian Creek Trail, spanning 1.5 miles through Prince George's County, is an asphalt trail open to biking, skating, horseback riding, walking, and wheelchair access. It serves as a link between Berwyn Heights and Lake Artemesia, offering a shaded route through the woods. Starting at the Indian Creek Trail, follow the Indian Creek, a river that is visible from the trail, providing relaxing scenery.

Artemesia Lake, a 38-acre man-made lake, is named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who donated the area in 1972. The lake features a fishing dock, and it's common to see people enjoying various water activities.

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail follows along the Anacostia River from Bladensburg to the Navy Yard, covering 21.5 miles through forests, fields, marshes, and river ecosystems. Ideal for walking, jogging, biking, or dog walking, the paved trail offers scenic views of the Anacostia River and its wildlife. It passes through Anacostia Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and connects to five bridges and several city bike routes. The trail features asphalt, boardwalk, brick, and concrete surfaces, with access points at Hyattsville, MD, and The Wharf in D.C.

The National Capitol Columns at Washington, D.C.'s National Arboretum are a striking monument set amid the expansive 20-acre Ellipse Meadow. The 22 Corinthian columns were originally part of the U.S. Capitol's east portico from 1828 to 1958. They were relocated to the Arboretum in the 1980s after being removed from the Capitol due to an architectural mismatch with the new, larger dome completed in 1866. Today, they stand prominently against the open sky in the meadow with and a reflecting pool, making this a scenic, unique spot to visit.

Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake, spanning 38 acres and surrounded by Lake Artemesia Park. The lake and the park are named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who in 1972 donated ten lots to the county for preservation as a public green space.

Sweetgum is the largest picnic area at Greenbelt Park and is open to the public without reservations. It includes a baseball field, playground equipment, restrooms, and plenty of open space, making it the perfect starting and ending point for hiking the park's beautiful trails.

This picturesque trail offers a beautiful loop with various alternate routes and signs, allowing you to extend or shorten your hike. As you wander, look for different woodpecker species, robins, and white-tailed deer, which love to graze in the open areas. This trail is a great option for families, as there are plenty of fallen logs over streams for kids to enjoy.

The Dogwood Trail is a 1.5-mile loop through the forest that ends right back on the Perimeter Trail. The beauty of the trees and the ample shade makes it a perfect side trail to extend your hike, especially on a hot day. There are nice benches along the way, ideal for a place to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the woods.