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The Hidden Park In Maryland With A Playground, Zip Line, Bicycle Course, And More

Horsepen Branch Park in Bowie, Maryland, offers a variety of fun features including a playground, zip-line, and bicycle course, making it a great spot for a family day trip.

Published Oct 5, 2022

Written by 

Jamie Alvarenga

It's not rare to come across a hidden park in Maryland. The following one is little-known and is full of fun features, including a playground, zip-line, bicycle course, and more. Read on to learn about this secret spot and keep it in mind for a day trip with the family.

Today we're heading to Horsepen Branch Park. You'll find it hiding in Bowie, Maryland.

Map showing the area around Crofton, Maryland, with Horsepen Branch Park highlighted.
Google Maps

This is a newer park to the region and not many people know about it quite yet. Along with a fun playground full of primary colors...

Aerial view of a playground with various equipment, picnic area, and grassy space surrounded by trees.
Yak Cruisin / Google

...it also features bicycle ramps...

Aerial view of a grassy area with winding paths and wooden ramps, near a playground and surrounded by trees.
Yak Cruisin / Google

...and a skate area as well. Although you could certainly cycle here, too.

A child rides a bike on a curved concrete track with graffiti in a green park setting.
Janweb Lagazo / Google

Little ones love cycling around the training tracks...

A young boy rides a bike on a wooden path through a grassy area, surrounded by trees.
Janweb Lagazo / Google

...and if something happens to your bicycle while playing, there's even an onsite bicycle repair station, just in case. How convenient!

Outdoor fitness equipment featuring a vertical machine and a hand pump on a concrete surface, surrounded by greenery.
Sean Finnegan / Google

We also love the fun zip-line at the playground and the covered pavilion.

A child swings on a zip line at a playground, surrounded by green trees and a gravel surface.
Janweb Lagazo / Google

This park is nestled next to wetlands, as well as the WB&A Trail. Extend your adventure taking photos of the wetlands or hiking (or cycling) along the trail. With careful planning, you could spend an entire day outdoors here. Bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy!

A playground with colorful equipment and a picnic area, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
Sean Finnegan / Google

Did you know about this hidden park in Maryland? For more great local parks, check out these 11 state parks in Maryland that will knock your socks off! These wondrous spots feature waterfalls, cliffs, beaches, overlooks, trails, and more.

There are many more outdoor adventures to have in Maryland, and you get get some of those ideas mailed straight to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter to explore more Maryland attractions, accommodations, restaurants, hikes, and much more. Subscribe for FREE here!

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