{"id":32402,"date":"2026-03-15T14:48:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yurasko.net\/wfy\/?p=32402"},"modified":"2026-03-15T14:48:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:48:36","slug":"bicycling-henson-creek-trail-observations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yurasko.net\/wfy\/2026\/03\/bicycling-henson-creek-trail-observations\/","title":{"rendered":"Bicycling: Henson Creek Trail observations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. \u2014 <\/strong>\u200bIn keeping with my recent trend of profiling Washington, D.C. area bike trails, I explored the\u00a0Henson Creek Trail recently. The HCT is a short, two-section trail south of the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, Md.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Western section<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Henson
Henson Creek Trail southwestern trailhead at Oxon Hill Road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Henson
Henson Creek Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u200bThe 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eastern Section<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Flood
Flood damage ahead sign on Henson Creek Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Big
Big puddle on Henson Creek Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Map<\/h2>\n\n\n\n