Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism proposes to construct the Popes Creek Rail Trail, which will traverse the corridor from the Popes Creek waterfront to an existing railroad trestle bridge, approximately 2 miles.

As designed, this project will be approximately 2 miles of 10' wide path with sections of elevated walkway. At the head of the trail with Popes Creek will be a parking area for approximately 15 cars, one of which will be a van accessible handicap space. A portion of the trail traverses through wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (CBCA) and will be constructed of an elevated boardwalk system to minimize disturbance to this fragile eco-system. Stormwater management for the trail portion of the project has been waived for quality treatment due to its linear nature and lack of impervious surface.

The intent of this project is to provide a historic public access to the Popes Creek Rail Trail via an existing railroad trestle bridge just south of the junction with US 301. Charles County’s 2022 Land Preservation Parks and Recreation plan identified the needs of additional pedestrian and bicycle trails throughout Charles County.

Supporting Documents

• Popes Creek Rail Trail Site Plan
• Popes Creek on the Potomac
• Popes Creek Turns on the Lights in Southern Maryland
• The Native Americans and Oyster Middens of Popes Creek
• Booth Escapes to Virginia from Popes Creek
• Baltimore & Potomac Railroad at Popes Creek