Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit 3

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Heurich Park Parklawn Community Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit 3 is a park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.

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Summary

It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The park offers several trails that wind through the picturesque landscape of the valley and provide stunning views of the surrounding hills. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the main attractions of Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit 3 is its diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animal species, including deer, foxes, and birds, which can be spotted along the trails. There are also several picnic areas scattered around the park where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Another point of interest in the park is the historic Diversion Dam, which was built in the early 1900s to divert water from the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's treatment plant. The structure is an impressive feat of engineering and provides a glimpse into the history of the area.

The best time of year to visit Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit 3 is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy, making outdoor activities more challenging.

Overall, Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit 3 is a beautiful park that offers a variety of outdoor activities and is worth a visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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