Boyd Park - Cabin Branch

The largest of Cheverly’s natural areas, the Boyd Park-Cabin Branch Hub, includes the flood-plains of Lower Beaverdam Creek and Cabin Branch, and Boyd Park. Cabin Branch runs northward and westward through the Old Fourth Ward to join the main branch of Lower Beaverdam Creek.

The floodplains preserve the largest patches of wildflowers in Cheverly, perhaps only because they are mostly inaccessible for much of the year. The creeks support species found only around water, such as ducks, herons and kingfishers, beavers, and even the occasional otter. Boyd Park contains a small patch of hardwoods, a hard surface ADA accessible fitness path, a playing field and picnic area, and the Cheverly Community Gardens. The floodplain is already under federal protection, but its vegetation is severely threatened by invasive species.

Boyd Park was created in 1970 from land part of a 1904 subdivision known as the "Tuxedo Colony,"  which became part of Cheverly with the town's incorporation in 1931. The park was expanded with the addition of wooded areas in 1984, 1989, and 2001. The 6-acre developed portion of the park includes tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, picnic pavilion, the Cheverly Community Gardens, and rain gardens.

Walking Boyd Park - Cabin Branch

A combination of paved and natural-surface trails and roads allows you to explore Cabin Branch. Boyd Park is owned by the Town of Cheverly; most of the remainder of the route is M-NCPPC land.

Access:

Parking lot at Boyd Park.

Walk toward a wooden fence, then turn right on a U-shaped paved walking/fitness trail. Beyond the fence you will be able to spot Cabin Branch downhill on your left.

Continue along the trail as it leaves the stream, passing pawpaws and mature hickory trees, as well as May Apples and Jack-in-the-Pulpit in spring. The trail will bring you back to the parking lot.

Walk north along 64th Avenue to the bridge crossing Cabin Branch.

Turn west onto a desire path just south of the stream and follow it to Trent Street.

Follow the disused Trent Street and continue nearly straight, entering a woods road.

The road ends at a Pepco right-of-way; you will see the row of power line poles.

Turn right and continue to Cabin Branch. You will see where Cabin Branch enters Lower Beaverdam Creek.

Who Lives Here?

See the inventories of plants, birds, and other creatures.