Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 6.4 km / 4.0 mi
- Elevation gain
- 58 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 32 min
- Waymarked route
Seneca Creek Greenway
ExpertMaryland · United States
- Distance
- 44.3 km (27.5 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 347 m (1,138 ft)
- Typical time
- 11 hr
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 187 m (614 ft)
About Seneca Creek Greenway
Seneca Creek Greenway is a 44.3 km hiking route in Maryland, United States. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.
The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.
Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.
In short, Seneca Creek Greenway suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Expert44.3 km347 m
Numbered marks every 10 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +347 m
- Descent
- −348 m
- High
- 187 m (614 ft)
- Low
- 54 m (177 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- 44.3 km of quiet walking
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 43/100
- Adventure
- 59/100
- Difficulty
- 100/100
- Accessibility
- 13/100
- Family
- 7/100
- Dogs
- 55/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Real food, not just snacks
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
No one has reviewed Seneca Creek Greenway yet. Be the first.
Trails near Seneca Creek Greenway
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 67 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 24 min
Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 12 m
- Typical duration
- 10 min
Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 2.4 km / 1.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 50 m
- Typical duration
- 35 min
- Waymarked route
Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 53 m
- Typical duration
- 42 min
- Waymarked route
Easy
Maryland · United States
- Distance
- 2.9 km / 1.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 66 m
- Typical duration
- 42 min
- Waymarked route