Photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Matthew Henson State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–74 °F | 64–87 °F | 38–78 °F | 27–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Rockville 1 NE, 5 mi away, elevation 440 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Maryland’s Urban Greenway Trail — 4.2 Miles Named for Explorer Matthew Henson
Matthew Henson State Park is a 100-acre Maryland state park along Turkey Branch in Montgomery County, run by Montgomery Parks under an agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The paved, 4.2-mile Matthew Henson Trail runs through the park and on through the neighboring Matthew Henson Stream Valley Park. The park is named for Maryland-born explorer Matthew Henson, a member of Robert Peary’s 1908–1909 expedition that claimed the North Pole.
The Matthew Henson Trail connects Rock Creek Trail near Aspen Hill to Alderton Road near Layhill, providing a smooth, 8-foot-wide path for hikers, joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. Wooden boardwalks cross sensitive wetlands, bridges span the creek, and the forest canopy arches overhead — creating a green corridor through one of the most densely populated counties in Maryland.
What Makes the Matthew Henson Trail Special
4.2 Miles Paved
Smooth, 8-foot-wide hard-surface trail through a forested greenway. Perfect for exercise.
Forest Greenway
Turkey Branch stream corridor with mature trees, boardwalks over wetlands, and bridge crossings.
Named for an Explorer
Honors Matthew Henson (1866-1955), born in Nanjemoy, Maryland, and a member of Robert Peary’s 1908–1909 North Pole expedition.
Trail Connections
Links to Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail — extending your ride into the greater DC trail network.
Who Was Matthew Henson?
Matthew Alexander Henson (1866-1955) was an African American explorer who spent 18 years alongside Robert Peary on Arctic expeditions. The expedition claimed to have reached the Geographic North Pole on April 6, 1909, and Henson later said he was the first of their party to get there, though Peary received most of the credit. In 2000 the National Geographic Society awarded Henson its Hubbard Medal posthumously; he has rested at Arlington National Cemetery since 1988. This trail honors his legacy of exploration, endurance, and courage.
Trail Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Operated by | Montgomery Parks (M-NCPPC) |
| 📏 Length | 4.2 miles (6.8 km) one-way |
| 🛤️ Surface | Paved / hard surface, 8 feet wide |
| 🌉 Boardwalks | 0.6 miles of wooden boardwalks over wetlands |
| 📍 Start | Rock Creek Trail junction near Aspen Hill |
| 📍 End | Alderton Road near Layhill |
| 🚴 Uses | Hiking, biking, jogging, rollerblading, horseback riding |
| 🕐 Hours | Sunrise to sunset, year-round |
Access & Parking
- 🅿️ Winding Creek Local Park — Dewey Road, where the trail meets the Rock Creek Trail; restrooms are here
- 🅿️ Layhill Village parking lot — no wheelchair access to the trail from this lot
These are the access points Montgomery Parks lists for the trail (as of October 2026).
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Fall | Sep–Nov | 50-70°F | 🏆 Fall foliage over the creek. Perfect running weather |
| 🌸 Spring | Mar–May | 50-70°F | 🏆 Wildflowers, bird migration, green canopy. Beautiful |
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 80-90°F | Shaded trail makes summer bearable. Early morning best |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec–Feb | 30-45°F | Bare trees reveal creek views. Quiet running |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Access | No fee listed | Montgomery Parks lists no fee for the trail (as of October 2026) |
| Parking | No fee listed | No parking fee is listed for the trail lots |
| Total | No fee listed | Check Montgomery Parks before your visit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trail flat?
Mostly — it follows Turkey Branch stream, so elevation changes are minimal. A few gentle hills. Easy for all fitness levels.
Can I bike it?
Yes — the 8-foot-wide paved surface is excellent for cycling, jogging, and rollerblading. Horseback riding also permitted.
Does it connect to other trails?
Yes — it links to the Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail, which extends into DC. You can build a very long ride.
🧭 Walk in the Footsteps of an Explorer
Matthew Henson made seven Arctic voyages with Robert Peary. You can walk this trail named for him through the forests of Montgomery County. It’s not the Arctic, but the boardwalks over the wetlands, the bridges over Turkey Branch, and the canopy of trees arching overhead create a journey that feels like an expedition of its own — a 4.2-mile escape from the suburban grid into a green corridor that honors one of America’s bravest and most overlooked explorers.
📍 Location: Montgomery County, MD (Aspen Hill to Layhill)
Explore More Maryland State Parks
Matthew Henson State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maryland. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maryland guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks in Maryland: Seneca Creek State Park and Patuxent River State Park. See the full Maryland state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Matthew Henson State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Park-specific rules
- Montgomery Parks runs the park, so its park rules apply too: keep dogs on a physical leash attached to a collar or harness at all times, and pick up waste right away (Montgomery Parks Rules and Regulations, 2025, Section 18).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Matthew Henson State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Matthew Henson State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
