Northwest Branch Anacostia River, Natural stream in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, United States
The Northwest Branch Anacostia River is a waterway in Maryland that flows southward through Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. It travels from the Sandy Spring area down to where it meets the Northeast Branch near Bladensburg.
The river has long provided water for communities developing across the region. A section of the middle course was later named after Rachel Carson, an environmental author who lived nearby.
The river serves as a gathering place where residents walk along the banks and observe local wildlife throughout the seasons. Communities near the water have built their identity around access to this natural area.
A trail system provides several entry points where you can walk alongside the water and observe local wildlife. The paths are accessible year-round and make for straightforward visits without special preparation.
The waterway crosses a geological boundary between the Piedmont plateau and the Atlantic coastal plain. This transition zone creates a natural drop in the water south of the Burnt Mills Dam.
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