What is the Indian Head Rail Trail?
It is a paved trail of about 13 miles in Charles County. The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area describes it as “a 13.1 mile paved rail trail that connects the Town of Indian Head with White Plains areas of Charles County.” It follows a former railroad corridor.
Other web pages round the length a little differently. This post says “about 13 miles” and names the source. If you plan to print a number in a listing, check the current figure first.
| Fact | What the heritage area says |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.1 miles |
| Surface | Paved |
| Ends | Town of Indian Head and the White Plains area of Charles County |
| Setting | Mattawoman Creek stream valley |
| Past use | Former railroad corridor |
| Listed address | 10390 Theodore Green Blvd, Indian Head, MD 20640 |
| Listed phone | 301-932-3470 |
Who can I ask about trail conditions?
The heritage area links to the Charles County facility directory for the trail and lists the phone number 301-932-3470. Use those, not a listing site, for current notices. Trail rules and closures can change.
Why would a rental owner mention a nearby trail?
A trail is a plain fact about a place. Renters search by location and by what is close to a home. A correct, specific line helps a reader judge the address.
The risk is wording. Fair housing rules look at how an ad talks about people. A line like “perfect for” a certain kind of person is a problem. Read the Fair Housing Act entry before you write copy. State what is near the home. Do not say who should live there.
How should I describe the trail in a listing?
Follow these steps.
- Use the official name: Indian Head Rail Trail.
- Write “about 13 miles” and keep the source on file.
- Measure the distance from the home on a map. Do not guess a walk time.
- Describe the trail, such as “paved” and “former railroad corridor”. Skip words about people.
- Leave out claims about crime, quiet, or schools. A listing cannot back them up.
- Review the line each year. Counties change trail rules and names.
What else should an Indian Head owner check before listing?
Check the rental license rules. The Maryland People’s Law Library table, last updated September 22, 2026, shows that the Town of Indian Head requires a long-term rental license under Indian Head Code 334-3. Charles County has no countywide license today.
The county has a proposal on its website. It says the program is anticipated to begin July 1, 2027 and is subject to final adoption. Read our post on the Charles County proposal for the dates. The rental license glossary page explains the term, and the Southern Maryland rental license guide lists the county rules in one place.
A trail does not set rent. The market rent entry explains what does. Our Charles County page lists the towns we serve there.
What does a good listing line look like?
The table shows a fact-based line next to wording to avoid.
| Use this | Avoid this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “Near the Indian Head Rail Trail, a paved trail of about 13 miles.” | “Perfect for runners and families.” | The first describes a place. The second describes who should live there. |
| “10390 Theodore Green Blvd is the address the heritage area lists for the trail.” | “A quiet, safe trail.” | Quiet and safe are claims you cannot back with a source. |
| “Measured on a map: [your distance] from the home.” (use your own measured number) | “Just minutes away.” | A measured distance can be checked. A guess about time cannot. |
Keep a note of where each fact came from. If a county changes the trail name or length, you can find the line and fix it. Review every listing at least once a year.
What should I confirm before I publish the line?
Open the heritage area page and the Charles County facility directory it links to. Check that the length and the name still match. Then check that your own distance is right. A wrong number in a listing erodes trust with every reader who finds the error.
If you work with a property manager, ask who is responsible for listing copy. Make sure one person owns the facts and one person reviews the words.
Next step
Owning a home near Indian Head and unsure how to price or list it? Request a free assessment at /contact-us or call (301) 392-2172.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Indian Head Rail Trail?
The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area lists the trail at 13.1 miles. Other pages round the length a little differently, so this post says about 13 miles. Check the Charles County facility page for the current figure before you put a number in a listing.
Where does the Indian Head Rail Trail go?
It connects the Town of Indian Head with the White Plains area of Charles County. The heritage area says it passes through the Mattawoman Creek stream valley and follows a former railroad corridor. The listed address is 10390 Theodore Green Blvd, Indian Head, MD 20640.
Can I mention a nearby trail in a rental listing?
Yes, if you state it as a fact. Use the official name, a length from a trusted source, and a distance you measured on a map. Leave out lines about who would enjoy it. Describe the place, not the person.
Does Indian Head require a rental license?
The People's Law Library table, updated September 22, 2026, lists a long-term rental license as required in the Town of Indian Head under Indian Head Code 334-3. Charles County has no countywide license today. Confirm with the town before you list a home.
Terms on this page
Sources
- Southern Maryland National Heritage Area: Indian Head Rail Trail
- Maryland People's Law Library: Rental license requirements by county and municipality
- Charles County Government: Rental Licensing Program
Checked against the sources above on October 28, 2026. Laws, fees and programs change, so check the linked page before you act.
