CBRC

I ran today on this recently opened rail-to-trail and was pleasantly surprised. It offers a traffic-free flat trail that heads mostly through woodlands and marshes. It is 13.1 miles and runs from White Plains to Indian Head (or vice versa, depending where you start). It’s fully open, but for now is only paved for a few miles on each end with crushed gravel in between. Mile markers appear every mile, so it’s easy to track your distance. I started in White Plains, where it was paved for the first 2 m. before switching to gravel. A few other people were out on this cold Sunday afternoon, so I imagine when it’s done and the temps climb it will lure more.

More info at: http://www.charlescounty.org/pf/pg/parks/ihrail/

I heard about this when I was doing research on the Three Notch Trail. When my foot allows, I'll have to venture up and check it out.

And it's 13.1 miles one way, correct?

Sounds nice -- and gravel sounds tempting. Some weekend after Sierra is recovered we should do a weekend drive up for a long run on it.

Sounds good - let me know and I'll join you.

Yes, Siera, 13.1 m one way - a marathon roundtrip! I just did 8.5 m today.

I wish my stupid foot would hurry up and get better! I can't wait to try this run out.

Actually, the IHRT is not yet totally open for public use - only the paved portions are officially open: 2.7 miles in Indian Head (Mattingly Ave. to Rt 225) and 2 miles on the White Plains end (Theodore Green Blvd. to Middletown Road). Park staff are hoping to complete an additional 4 miles by mid Spring (Middletown to Rt. 227). The entire 13.1 miles is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009.

This is a really cool trail that runs practically 1/2 way across Charles County, from Rt. 301 to the NSWC Navy base. It's a rails-to-trails project which means a very level (less than 2%) grade for most of the distance. Once out of the Indian Head area, the trail will pass mainly through undeveloped forests and State Park properties - very scenic and lots of wildlife. The trail is 10' wide and should easily accomodate multi-use without conflict.

Current best parking opportunities: In White Plains, use the Theo. Green Blvd. Trailhead. In Indian Head, parking is available across Rt. 210 at either the Village Green Park or Charlie Wright Park (about a quarter mile from the Mattingly Ave end of trail.

This is going to be a great trail!

Update on the Indian Head Rail Trail -

More trail now available for public use. The trail is being opened in segments as they are completed. There are now 6 miles open beginning from White Plains: Theodore Green BLVD to Rt. 227. County Park staff have been seen working below this area, so maybe more to come soon?
Can't wait! So far the trail is pretty cool.

traildude wrote:Update on the Indian Head Rail Trail -

More trail now available for public use. The trail is being opened in segments as they are completed. There are now 6 miles open beginning from White Plains: Theodore Green BLVD to Rt. 227. County Park staff have been seen working below this area, so maybe more to come soon?
Can't wait! So far the trail is pretty cool.

Keep us updated! I'd love to organize a run up there soon.

traildude wrote:Update on the Indian Head Rail Trail -

More trail now available for public use. The trail is being opened in segments as they are completed. There are now 6 miles open beginning from White Plains: Theodore Green BLVD to Rt. 227. County Park staff have been seen working below this area, so maybe more to come soon?
Can't wait! So far the trail is pretty cool.

Keep us updated! I'd love to organize a run up there soon.

There is parking off of Middletown Road also. I am just a beginner and it is easy for me to walk/run and know exactly how far I have gone!

Another section of the IHRT opened several weeks ago. The trail now extends from White Plains down to Bumpy Oak Road (~7.5 miles). Last Sunday (in the pouring rain!) I passed numerous runners/cyclists in that area.

Rumor has it that the entire 13 miles may be open by late September!

Ran 26.2 at IHRT Sunday. Approx. one mile left to be paved and that would be around the four mile marker. Great trail to do a LSR.

is the whole thing paved with the exception of this one mile stretch?

if so, when will the remainder get paved?

Hope this helps in answering your questions.

Called Charles County Government Department of Public Facilities
PARKS & RECREATION to get your questions answered and the following was their reply: “The IHRT should be completely paved today,(9/9/09). Please use caution when crossing the roads. Not all HWY Xing signs are in place.”
Currently, there is an unofficial ceremony (ribbon cutting) scheduled for 11/3/09@1330 hrs.