Little Paint Branch Park

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Cherryvale Neighborhood Park Cherry Hill Road Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Paint Branch Park is a beautiful park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.

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Summary

The park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone who loves nature and scenic beauty.

Some of the best reasons to visit Little Paint Branch Park include its scenic trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds. There are several points of interest to see in the park, including the historic B&O Railroad bridge and the Paint Branch stream.

Interesting facts about the area include that Little Paint Branch Park is part of the Anacostia River watershed and that it was once a part of the original land grant given to George Washington in 1754. The park is also home to the Paint Branch Trail, a 3.5-mile long trail that is great for hiking, biking, and nature walks.

The best time of year to visit Little Paint Branch Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers different activities and events throughout the year.

Overall, Little Paint Branch Park is a hidden gem in the state of Maryland that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and enjoy some much-needed relaxation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or just enjoy the scenery, Little Paint Branch Park is definitely worth a visit.

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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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