| Charles County | |
| Start/End | At Dr. Mudd's house, turn right on Dr. Mudd Road and go 1.5 miles. Bryantown Road on right, turn right. Go 2.9 miles. Road changes name at Route 5 to Oliver's Shop Road. Continue on for 5.8 miles. At Route 6 turn right and continue for 4.3 miles. At Bel Alton-Newtown Road, turn left and continue 4.3 miles. At Route 301 turn left and continue 1.4 miles. At Pope's Creek Road turn right and continue for 3.2 miles. END OF HISTORIC TRAIL Continue on Pope Creek, turning left on Edge Hill Road. Continue for 2.8 miles. At Route 301 turn left and continue for .3 miles. At Budds Creek Road turn right and continue for 1.7 miles. At Penns Hill Road, turn left and continue 5.3 miles. At Route 6, turn right and begin to retrace your steps. |
| Trail Access | Limited to Dr. Mudd House. Recommend you drive this first. |
| Distance | 23.4 miles from Dr. Mudd's house on Pope's Creek 45 miles round trip |
| Time | Varies with number of stops and condition of cyclist. |
| Trail | Country roads with some rolling hills. Most roads have no shoulders. Please reference the Southen Maryland Bicycle Map. All roads are listed and rated, however this specific trail is not marked. |
| Skill Level | Moderate |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes, taking into account the ages and experience of the children |
| Hazards/Restrictions | Traffic along the roads. Shoulder-less roads with some blind hills and curves. |
| Potable Water | There are limited numbers of commercial establishments along this route. |
| Natural Features | Rolling hills Zekiah Swamp Potomac River Allen's Fresh |
| Historic/Cultural Features | Follows the escape route of John Wilkes Booth after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. Various historic markers along route denotes significance of specific locations. Dr. Mudd's home is open only on Wednesdays and weekends. Call for hours. The return trip offers spectacular views of the Potomac River, Allen's Fresh and Zekiah Swamp. |
| Bike Rentals/Services | Available in Waldorf |
| Camping | Smallwood State Park Aqua Land Goose Bay |
| Other Points of Interest | The small towns along the route as well as the forests. Pope's Creek and its variety of eating places. |
| Other Accommodations | There are hotels and motels in the area in Indian Head, La Plata and Waldorf. |
| Fees or Permits | Admission is charged at the Dr. Mudd House. |
| Description | "After being hunted like a dog through swamps, woods and last night being chased by gunboats till I was forced to return wet, cold and starving...I am here in despair." -- dairy of John Wilkes Booth, April 21, 1865 This trail winds its way through farm fields, woods and swampy areas. Many of these farms date back to the Civil War period. By the time you reach Pope's Creek, one can almost empathize with Booth's despair. The 21st of April marked a week since the shooting, during which Booth had been consistently running and hiding with a broken leg. Virginia, the place he believed would offer sanctuary for him, was in his very sight but still unattainable. The frustrution is reflected in his very words. The return trip offers exceptional views of the Potomac River, Allen's Fresh and marsh as well as the Zekiah Swamp. |
ResourcesRecommended Gear and Safety Tips
- Southern Maryland Bicycle Map, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Boards of County Commissioners
- The Washington Post, "Tracking an Assassin," Sarah Mark, April 14, 1995
- ADC street map of Charles County
- The Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House, 301-645-6870
- Since route can be driven, cyclists are encouraged to take a windshield tour before making final selection
- Bug repellent and sunscreen
- Be aware of your skill level and make safety your constant companion
- Tire repair kit or tube
- Helmet
- Bike pump