Peaceful park, with an educational visitors center , and easy hiking trails, also a fishing pier on…read morethe Cash lake. The lake is more beautiful on sunny days with naturally grown lily pads in the water. The cash lake loop trail is about 2.5 miles in distance for 1 loop, takes a little over an hour to complete with moderate pace. The trail is relatively flat BUT do have many fallen trees and uneven ground on the trail. Some of the trees do require climb over or walk around. Main Parking area is by the visitors center. There are also limited parkings by the fishing area, including handicap parkings, right next to the 2 restrooms stalls that have no signage outside. Had a great morning hike here, enjoyed the lake view very much. Highly recommend @WineDinenVacay

I've been here many times. Such a gem. Such a lovely way to spend time outdoors. Try it.read more

I went to a reggae concert on Sunday evening. It was so relaxing at Allen Pond. The music was…read moregreat, the people were very nice. Family oriented event. Every Sunday they have a new artist or band. Something you can do with family or friends and have a blast.

I went to the park over thr weekend for the Spina Bifida Walk/Roll. The walk around the parks was…read morenice. They have an ice arena, a playground, and several sports fields.

When I lived in Maryland, we came to this park often just to walk. We no longer live in Maryland…read morebut when I come back to visit, I still come to this park to walk and just enjoy the scenic walk and be outdoors. There is a house on the backside of the path that decorates for Halloween so it makes it a lot of fun for the kids on the path.

My daughter (10) and I came to this park for the first time. There was a good amount of parking. It…read morewas a beautifully summer day in the 90s and the great thing about this park is that there is lots of shade. There was a large picnic space as you enter the park area along with an area with play structures to the right for the little ones. The lake is the centerpiece of the park and the trail goes around it. There were a good number of benches and sitting areas where you could sit and enjoy the view. There were a number of people biking on the trail. The trail was a loop and it was enough distance to get some exercise but not too long that you will get worn out. Everything was green and there were lots of beautiful views. I definitely can see myself coming back here with the entire family.

Always a great place to walk or watch the birds in the lake. Nice place to park if you work or live…read morenearby to do some thinking. This is on a military facility. I love quiet time. Unless there's a cookout going on this is a very peaceful place to just unwind. Or bring the kids to play at the playground. You can also walk your dog. Just make sure he is on a leash.

I live on Fort Meade (2nd time). The previous reviews are accurate for their time. When I first…read morelived here, 2000-2003, Burba was really nice, well maintained, the water quality was good and there were enough little bluegill/sunfish to make a kid tired of catching them. This is no longer a "good" fishing spot, and not the overall family recreation area that it could be. This not just an old guy "get off my lawn" observation [okay its a little bit of that]. For many complex reasons the resource is no longer in good shape. There are far too many year round Canada Geese (nutirent load/water quality aspects), the shoreline is not regualrly groomed/maintained. The asphalt path that rings the lake is also in rough shape. It looks nice from a distance, and the playgrounds are still usable. But Burba Lake is a shadow of its former self right now. I understand the realities of the resources to restore it - but I do wish there was a way to do so. If there were a magic wand: -greatly reduce geese -restore water flow into lake (feeder streams in terrible shape) -maintain bank vegetation -restore native water plants -manage algae blooms -drop in structure for fish habitat -stock a variety of native fish species (I've only seen sunfish/turtles)

I first learnt of this place through a coworker, someone who is from the area, went to school at…read moreUniversity of Maryland, and someone that has a little more knowledge of the history of the area as well. Also, I had not clue how extremely close I have been to this area on so many occasion and never discovered this until recently. Well hidden gem. If I hadn't done any type of research on this place, I would have assumed that this had always been here in the state that it is. When you see 'Natural Area' in the title of a place, you usually think that it was always wilderness. But not the case here. How Lake Artemesia is currently is due to the construction of the College Park and Greenbelt Metro stations. Locally sourcing materials from this area aiding in the construction. Once the metro stations were completed the lake as it is now was constructed. Fun fact: there are no naturally occurring lakes in Maryland, they are all manmade. But well before the Metro made its way through the area, the lake was created after stone was quarried in the area in the 1800s. Obviously a bit smaller than what you see today, but it was still there. Another fun fact, the smaller lake was originally used to raise goldfish. The history here also should be know that where the lake is was part of the Lakeland community. An African American community before being absorbed by College Park. This is the one thing I wish they focused on with the park. There are informative signs around the lake, touching on the wildlife you might stumble upon. I wish they would put some in with the history of the land. (I was also a little sad that I didn't get to see an otter) also, if there were some on the history, I just didn't see them or they were some that need some TLC)) This is a great park overall. It can be accessed by so many directions. I came in from the Berwyn Heights area, got a little dizzy on the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Green Line. The paths are ample for walking/bicycling. Sometimes, not everyone observes the fact that there are other people here and may take up the whole path, even though it is set up as a road essentially. Tons of seating throughout if you want to take a break. Great view of the ever changing skyline of College Park. I am sure this is better to visit when it is warmer, not on a cold, blustery winter day.

My thankful Thursday goes to Lake Artemisia. This place is beautiful. When they say some of the…read morebest things in life are free! I agree. The loop is roughly 2.4 miles, it's paved and clean; I've never seen litter or trash lying around. The lake was also home to a historical African American community called Lakeland established in 1890. Walking the park you'll see a few plaques and markers with brief history. Many years ago the citizens of this segregated society, developed their own institutions and cultural traditions, including the area's only high school for African Americans, built in 1928. There is a Lakeland Community Heritage Project that was created to preserve its history and the stories of its people through photographic archives and now the Lakeland College Park Community Center. Thankful that this is a peaceful place to run, walk, ride my bike, or simply sit and reflect. Greenery unique to the area is the mimosa trees that bloom in the summer and the giant reed grass surrounding the lake. Parks & Planning along with other organizations also hosts activities like birdwatching and community walks . In addition to this, there is a small playground and ergonomic gym. Lovely in every season and rich in American history, Lake Artemisia is the beating heart to lots of people in the Greenbelt community. Let's love, honor, and cherish Her for generations to come! #ThankfulThursdays

Mhew! This park has a decent camp ground for a nights sleep before hitting the road. Camps are very…read morenear to each other and it's very open where the six campsites near you can literally see you pick your nose so don't go doing that and eating it. Bathrooms are mediocre because I've definitely seen worse. They do have a caretaker onsite 24/7 who drives around every hour but he can probably just see everyone from his camp setup. I'd only stay here again for a quick nights rest and go. I wouldn't recommend this for a family camping trip and I certainly wouldn't stay a few days. A shady character cooked something in the fire pit near me (unoccupied site) then left. This entire neighborhood seems to have shady humans so if you're scared of the strange occupants that dwell in city life, just steer clear of Greenbelt, MD altogether. It doesn't bother me but I'm also just passing by, not having a family outing here.

Nice park. Located in middle of urban area. Limited infrastructure for NPS site. Rangers are…read morenice. Good junior ranger program. Campsite was clean but bathrooms were pretty old and in a bit of disrepair. Not a destination but not a bad stop in area.

I rarely rate a park/trail/nature below five stars. It is Mother Nature so far be it from me to…read morerate it below five. However, this nature/walking/running/biking trail was man made. It follows the high tension electrical wires that run along, fittingly, Electric Avenue. Along the route are small parks, lakes, and a few nature trails. Most of the trail goes through the back yards are well-maintained homes and farms. The entire paved (bituminous...black because it contains bitumen or asphalt) portion of trail is approximately six miles between Glenn Dale Road and and Bowie. The trail used to be a state-of-the-art electric commuter train railway (the eponymous Washington, Baltimore, & Annapolis Railroad...from 1908-1935). Some tracks were incorporated into the trail past Race Track Road in Bowie. Today the trail is used by pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists to burn some calories. The hills are not too steep but will challenge you. The folks are friendly and the trail is well maintained. Would that there were more restrooms. In Glenn Dale there is a community center we're one may use indoor facilities. Parking is available at three major points: 1) Glenn Dale Road, 2) Glenn Dale Splash Park, and 3) Race Track Road. This is my favorite walking spot in Glenn Dale. Not too crowded but the bicyclist sometimes think they are riding in a Tour de France peloton. Some groups use the trail for group rides and on those days just watch out. There are many thrilling tunnels and wooden bridge crossings all of which are solid and sound structures the exact opposite of death traps. The trail is almost a straight line with much signage and many markers. It would be almost impossible to get lost. Wildlife is plentiful too. Birds of all stripes and feathers, even woodpeckers that you can hear jackhammering away on trees. Hares and turtles. Deer and foxes. Amphibians and small rodents. You know, things found in woodlands, forest, and marshlands. There are many horse farms and other farms along the route that account for the sounds of roosters crowing in the morning and the moo of cows. People with dogs usually are good about following leash laws. Overall just an eclectic mix of all manner of flora and fauna. Four stars due to the high tension lines that scare me because I always think one is going to fall or that the magnetic energy may be harmful to health. Great people, well-maintained trail surface, and Mother Nature in her stunning simplicity.

The B&A trail is a wonderful walking/running/biking trail that stretches, obviously, from Annapolis…read moreto Baltimore. I accessed the trail in Annapolis. It was a bit confusing as the Annapolis parking lot was probably a half mile away from the trail. It was easy for me to just ride my bike there but I would be hesitant to bring kids and have them ride on the shoulder of the road where cars were speeding by at 60 mph. Once on the trail, i seriously enjoyed every second of my ride. The trail was wide enough that it was not a problem to pass other exercisers. Everyone seemed to know to stay to the right and pass to the left. It was not overly hilly and the trail was well maintained with no cracks/ potholes. Every few miles there were cute little picnic tables near coffee shops and cafes where riders were meeting up for meals. I didn't stop as I was well fueled during my ride but I will plan to do that next time I ride.

An okay park. Pros:…read more -There is a playground as a part of the park. Close to Chido's along with a nice large field great for playing frisbee or kicking a soccer ball around. -1.25 mile of trails surrounding the lake. -Fairly clean besides all the duck poop. I was here on a Sunday morning and saw a crew of volunteers going around cleaning up trash. -Community events held year-round here. Cons: -No real parking anywhere. It seems many people either park in the housing complexes parking or in the Chido's parking lot. -Half of the walk around the pond is not very peaceful since you are right next to such a busy intersection.

Yes, this park isn't called "Laurel Park." Am I only one who thought that it was? I've been to this…read morepark many times and just never paid attention to the official name. I chose this park for my walk/jog last Saturday and I liked that it wasn't too packed at the time. There were groups of people exercising and there were others solo like me! It's not a big park, but still plenty of room for everyone! I couldn't quite remember the entrance for parking so I ended up parking by the Chidos restaurant. I saw others parked there and heading toward the park so I figured it was fine. Also it wasn't during business hours either so I wasn't worried.

Updated review. I…read moreabsolutely love Piney Orchard Nature Trail! It's my go-to jogging destination because of how peaceful and serene it is. On any given day, you can spot a wide variety of bird species, which adds to the tranquility of the surroundings. The trails through the woods are well-maintained and offer a wonderful escape into nature. I especially enjoy the paths that lead to the fresh water ponds, where you can admire the beauty of the area while getting some exercise. If you're looking for a relaxing and scenic place to jog or simply unwind, Piney Orchard Nature Trail is the perfect spot!

This is such a sweet little enclave of trees and flowers and birds and people walking dogs and…read morecrackling leaves. I've been here to walk 4-5 times, in different seasons, and each has its charm. In the spring, you will see myriad flowers in bloom, hear the lovely song of little streams and birds trilling. Winter is very different, with frosty pine cones and leaves to photograph, and everything so still. Fall is lovely! I saw two does with their mostly grown fawns, and encountered a baby rattlesnake! That surprised me greatly as I've never seen or heard of them around here. I confess that fall is my favorite season; I love the bluest skies and the aroma of leaves. I prefer not walking on asphalt too much, so as soon as I can (where the duck loop cuts off and so does the vernal trail) I cut down to the sand/dirt path along the water. Both trails, asphalt and dirt, eventually end up at a sort of trail end. The other day when I was here, since there was no water in the stream, I crossed over to see if I could go any farther - ermmm not really. There are numerous access points from the neighborhood that borders the preserve, so lots of folks seem to walk their dogs close to home. The water was extremely low since we've had very little rain; I was surprised at how far the mud banks extended into the lake. There are NO services whatsoever! Go potty before you get out to walk!

Has a small walking trail (10mins) around a lake and pathway up to some tennis court, basketball…read morecourt, volleyball, baseball , football field and play park.