Looking for a nearby immersive escape into nature this spring? Springsong Museum is excited to invite you on two hikes this Spring - each exploring the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River on either side of Colesville Road.

Join us on Sunday, April 27, 1:00pm-3:00pm, for a Wildflower Wander along the Northwest Branch Trail (on the dam side of Colesville Road) in Silver Spring, Maryland. As the weather warms up, this beautiful trail comes alive with vibrant native wildflowers. Forest Ecologist and Field Botanist Carole Bergmann will lead us on a wonder-filled walk along the trail, stopping often to observe spring's finest offerings. Sturdy shoes for inclines on the trail are recommended.

On Saturday May 17, 10:00am-12:00pm, join us on the Copperhead Run Trail, led by Senior Nature Educator Gina Ghertner to see how Spring has finally settled in the forest. We'll walk at a naturalist pace, and use our senses to pay attention to nature. Together, we will look for signs of wildlife, as well as observe how the vegetation is changing as it gets ready for summer. Wear sturdy shoes, as this section of the trail has some incline as well as true rock scrambles towards the end of the loop hike.

We hope you can join us on one of the two dates below. Space is limited to 20 people on each hike, so please register as soon as possible.

• Sunday April 27, 2025, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• Saturday May 17, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Important details:

For the April 27 hike: Meet at Burnt Mills West (Dam Side): 10700 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901. There is plenty of free parking.
For the May 17 hike: Meet at the future Springsong Museum site: 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901. There is plenty of free parking.
There are no water fountains available, so you may want to bring a water bottle.
The ground can be uneven, parts are on an incline, and there are a few rock scrambles, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy shoes. Some may want to bring hiking poles.
The hike will be approximately 1 mile, but the trail goes much farther, so if you want to extend your hike, you can do that independently.
Bring your sense of wonder! We will hike at a naturalist's pace, stopping often and taking notice of the world around us.

Springing into Spring Hikes

Explore the changing seasons in Rachel Carson's backyard