Countywide Trails Master Plan

Check here for the latest updates on the Countywide Trails Master Plan (CTMP) and opportunities to share your input. This page highlights upcoming public meetings, survey links, and project milestones.

A group of cyclists rides single file along a paved outdoor trail lined with wooden split-rail fences, surrounded by green grass, trees, and utility poles under an overcast sky.

Introduction

As Anne Arundel County grows, attracts new businesses, and updates its communities, the demand for safe and accessible trails is higher than ever. In the past, people usually saw trails as extra amenities meant only for fun and exercise. Today, people recognize trails as a key part of the county's transportation system: trails offer ways to travel without a car, connect neighborhoods to shopping centers, and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

Project Purpose

In support of a comprehensive, countywide trail network, the Office of Planning and Zoning is working on a Countywide Trails Master Plan (CTMP). The CTMP aims to improve connectivity, equity, and quality of life across the county. It will serve as an important part of the local recreation and transportation network, creating a long-term vision for a connected system that treats human-scale, car-free movement as essential infrastructure and connects neighborhoods with jobs, shopping areas, and community hubs. This project builds on the progress of Walk and Roll Anne Arundel! and puts into action Plan2040 Strategy HC8.1.d:

Develop a comprehensive Countywide Trails Plan that analyzes where there are deficiencies in the current existing and planned network with the intent of linking existing and future neighborhoods to community facilities, parks, points of interest, and major activity centers. This Plan shall include a comprehensive network of off-road bicycle, pedestrian, and recreation trails in the southern half of the County.

Stay Involved

Help shape the future of our community trails. There are several ways to connect with us and stay up to date on the Countywide Trails Master Plan:

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Sign up to receive the latest news, project milestones updates, and meeting announcements directly to your inbox.

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Connect with Staff

Connect with Long Range Planning staff in person at our upcoming events listed below, or reach out directly by email or phone:

Upcoming and Past Activities

  • Lifeline100 | October 4, 2026 | 11:30 am - 4:30 pm | Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville

Timeline

Flowchart showing the 5 phases of the Countywide Trails Master Plan: Phase 1 (Spring-Summer 2026) covers data mapping and outreach planning. Phase 2 (Spring-Fall 2026) involves network and socioeconomic analysis. Phase 3 (Fall 2026-Summer 2027) focuses on public outreach and trail identification. Phase 4 (Fall 2026-Summer 2027) covers draft plan development. Phase 5 (Summer 2027-Spring 2028) is the public and government review process.