The map below does show the boundaries of the Muddy Branch Watershed, and the adjacent ones of Watts Branch, and Seneca Creek. Click within the boundaries of these to identify the specific watershed you are interested in.
Muddy Branch Trail Parts (north to south):
Part 1, Malcolm King Park
To hike the Muddy Branch Trail downstream, start at Malcolm King Park in Gaithersburg. This segment of the trail is completely different from all the others: an easy loop on a paved path.
Park on West Side Drive, walk into the park at the bottom of the dead end, and head to the left. Behind the apartment community, you’ll find the headwaters of the stream. (Technically the headwaters are beyond Morris Park, upstream of 270 and 355, near Deer Park Drive and Central Avenue, where two tiny streamlets combine to become the Muddy Branch. Because this stretch of the stream runs under a major road and behind some neighborhoods, we don’t advise trying to hike it.) From the top of Malcolm King Park, you can follow the path through the greenway. The distance depends on which loops and side trails you take.
If you’re not an experienced hiker, Malcolm King Park makes for a great introduction to the Muddy Branch Trail. It’s easy to navigate, and the forested stream valley offers a very pleasant stroll. On the other hand, if you’re confident you can hike several miles without amenities like pavement and map boards, you may prefer to skip this segment and go straight to the wilder sections of the trail.
Parts 2 and 3, Muddy Branch Road to Rt 28
The second segment of the Muddy Branch Trail is at the same time one of the most accessible and one of the hardest to find. The first part is easy: head to the Izaak Walton League National Conservation Center at 707 Conservation Lane (just off Muddy Branch Road southbound) and enjoy the ample parking. The next part is more challenging: Where is the trailhead?
Technically the whole driveway is part of the trail; follow it out the back of the parking lot and all the way to the gate at the end. From there, back up a few paces and look to the left (while still facing the fence). Behind the small trees, you’ll see a tiny sign: the Muddy Branch Trail marker! From there the blue blazes are easy to spot and the trail is easy to follow.
You’ll soon pass under Great Seneca Highway, then cross over the Muddy Branch stream. Be careful here: the rocks are large and flat but may be underwater if the stream is running high. A nice stretch of woods will take you up to a paved path behind the Lakelands; follow it a short distance before plunging back into the woods on the left. Finally you will connect to another paved path which takes you to Route 28 (Darnestown Road).
The total distance depends on which side paths you explore, but figure 3-4 miles to hike from the Izaak Walton League parking lot to Darnestown Road and back. The trail here is well used by friendly folks from the neighborhood. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the meadow – it’s right next to the driveway closer to Muddy Branch Road.
Part 4, Rt 28 to Quince Orchard Road
The third segment of the Muddy Branch Trail picks up on the south side of Darnestown Road (Route 28). At this point you have left Gaithersburg and crossed into North Potomac – and you are in for some additional geographical confusion.
The trailhead is off of the delightfully named American Way… but unfortunately there are two such roads spurring off of Darnestown. As you are travelling southeast on Darnestown Road, ignore the first American Way, which heads into a T-intersection. Instead take the second, a tiny dead end where you simply park and hit the trail.
Facing into the dead end, follow the trail to the left to continue your downstream journey. You’ll pass through an area with many fallen trees before entering the upland forest. The hills here lead to periodic views of the Muddy Branch. Near the end of this trail segment there are two stream crossings on rocks. This brings you behind the Potomac Horse Center to Quince Orchard Road.
The trail can be quite soggy in this area, depending on recent weather. Expect to hike about 6 miles out and back on this segment.
Parts 5 and 6, Quince Orchard Road to Esworthy Road
This segment of the trail begins at the Potomac Horse Center. There’s plenty of parking, which you are welcome to use. From here there are two ways to get onto the trail. You can climb down the access path behind the barn, or you can walk along the road (to the right as you are facing away from the barn). The path can be steep and challenging, while the road is narrow and winding – watch out for cars that aren’t expecting hikers.
Once you have connected back to the trail, it’s an easy and scenic hike downstream. You’ll pass the sheep farm and navigate a few stream crossings. At the 1.4-mile mark you reach Turkey Foot Road, the breakpoint between two segments of the trail. The next stopping point is 2.2 miles further at Query Mill and Esworthy. Head back to the Horse Center for a round-trip hike a little over 7 miles.
If you are feeling intrepid, you can continue another 2 miles from Esworthy to River Road (4 miles round-trip). This brings you to the parking lot at Blockhouse Point, which is the starting point for the final segment of the trail. Because there’s no easy access at Query Mill, skipping this stretch today means you’ll hike it upstream later.
Parts 7 and 8, Esworthy Road to Pennyfield Lock
For this final segment of the trail, park at Blockhouse Point on River Road. Blockhouse Point has two parking lots; look for the larger one with a picnic table and some signboards.
If you didn’t already cover the Esworthy-to-River-Road segment, do that now by crossing River Road and picking up the trail northbound. This will be a 4-mile round trip through pleasant habitat with a couple of easy stream crossings. Your turnaround point is the intersection of Esworthy and Query Mill.
For the other half of this hike, return to Blockhouse Point, look for the post marker at the back of the parking lot, and follow the trail down the forested hill. A mile in, another post will point you to a bridge crossing the Muddy Branch.
From the other side of the bridge, continue a short distance along the trail and turn right onto Pennyfield Lock Road. A second, paved bridge will take you over a small stream that is not the Muddy Branch.
After the second bridge, you will come to a sign for Pennyfield Lock Conservation Area. Go to the right to see the other stream enter the Muddy Branch, just above where the Muddy Branch enters the Potomac. Then go to the left from the sign to hike the very end of the trail.
You will reach the Pennyfield lockhouse 1.8 miles from where you started. At this point you have found the Potomac River but overshot the Muddy Branch. The stream right by the lockhouse, though very pleasant, is not the Muddy Branch; it’s just water draining out of the historic canal. Follow the towpath to the right (as you are facing the river) and walk 0.4 miles. The broad stream here is the Muddy Branch, as close to the mouth as you can get without a kayak.
Congratulations, you have hiked the Muddy Branch Trail! And the whole towpath is open to you. If you pass the mouth of the Muddy Branch and continue another 3 miles, you will reach the mouth of Seneca Creek at Riley’s Lock. That is the endpoint of another excellent streamside trail. Learn more about the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail.
A student from Gaithersburg High School created this wonderful map of the Muddy Branch Watershed, including the location of the Muddy Branch Trail, both within the City of Gaithersburg and to the Potomac through the County Park Land.
Trail extending from Gaithersburg to the Potomac River.