Metropolitan Branch Trail, Urban rail trail in northeast Washington D.C., United States
The Metropolitan Branch Trail is a 4.4-mile (7-kilometer) paved path running through residential neighborhoods and connecting Union Station to Fort Totten for cyclists and pedestrians to use. The trail provides access to five Metro stations, Catholic University of America, and several parks between downtown Washington D.C. and Maryland.
The trail follows the 1873 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Metropolitan Branch corridor, which changed transportation between Washington D.C. and Silver Spring. The old railroad land was later converted into a public recreation path.
Art installations and rotating murals decorate sections near Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station, showing how the local community expresses itself through public art. The artworks change regularly and reflect the interests of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The path is well-paved and mostly flat, making it accessible for people of different abilities. Multiple entry points allow visitors to start at different locations and break the route into segments.
A dedicated pedestrian bridge crosses Rhode Island Avenue and creates an elevated pathway with views of the rail infrastructure below. This bridge separates walkers and cyclists safely from street traffic.
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