November 28, 2025

10700 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901

New Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m

(The Day After Thanksgiving)

Please join us for a scenic 2-3 mile hike on the beautiful Northwest Branch Trail, part of the extensive system of trails and the Conservation Farm honoring the great environmentalist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, who lived in the Burnt Mills Hills for many years.

Heading north on Colesville Road (which becomes Columbia Pike) from the Capital Beltway, after passing through Four Corners you will soon see on your left the Burnt Mills Dam and the nearby pumphouse from the dam’s water filtration days.  Make a left immediately after the pumphouse and park in the adjacent lot where our group will meet. The GPS address for navigation purposes is 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901. This is part of Burnt Mills Special Park West/Northwest Branch Trailhead. We will cross the footbridge to hike on the far side of the Northwest Branch and dam, which is an improved trail and a smoother hike than the near side.

We are planning a post-hike lunch (Dutch treat) at the 4 Corners Pub in nearby Four Corners (10111 Sutherland Road). For more info or to RSVP, contact katmagurn@aol.com (Nancy Magurn).

The Burnt Mills Dam Special Park West pumphouse across Columbia Pike from the Burnt Mills Dam Special Park East

This pumping station is to become part of the Springsong Museum in honor of Rachel Carson.Photo of the Northwest Branch trail, part of the larger Rachel Carson Greenway

Photo of the Northwest Branch trail, part of the larger Rachel Carson Greenway