PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — ​In keeping with my recent trend of profiling Washington, D.C. area bike trails, I explored the Henson Creek Trail recently. The HCT is a short, two-section trail south of the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, Md. 

Western section

Beginning at Oxon Hill Road, the trail descends into woods towards the waterway it’s named after – Henson Creek. Approaching Indian Head Highway (MD 210), HCT makes a hairpin turn to go under the roadway adjacent to the creek. Caution is advised.

While going upstream, the path is mostly flat and has about 100 feet of elevation gain from start to finish. While some subdivisions are visible at times, it’s mostly through woods.

​The trail makes a sharp turn approaching Tucker Road Community Center. One of the few wayfinding signs, a mushroom like object, is there and provides a hint of how to go to the next section, but little more. Heading to the next section requires crossing Tucker Road and turning left onto the narrow bike lane or sidewalk. Having a map or app is advised.

Eastern Section

At Tucker Road Ice Rink (the home of District Broomball – you should join!) cyclists need to turn right and go through the complex. Just after the rink building, a trail begins but going through the parking lot works too. I didn’t notice the trail when I initially parked in the rink lot.

HCT can be a bit narrow and is prone to puddles due to its proximity to the creek. Some sections have been moved further from the water as portions washed out.

There are underpasses at Bock and Brinkley roads, respectively. In fact, there are no at-grade crossings until the HCT ends at Temple Hills Road. There, Henson Creek Park includes a car lot.

Map

Other notes

The HCT is not directly connected to other major trails. Oxon Hill Road has a narrow bike lanes that connect to the the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and Oxon Hill Bike Trail. Some serious climbing is required to connect to those trails.

​Other than the vending machines at Tucker Road Ice Rink, there isn’t much in the way of amenities. HCT is best thought of as a local trail the serves the Oxon Hill and Camp Springs communities. It has limited accessiblity to PG County’s The Bus service as well.