1. Olney Manor Recreational Park (16601 Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD 20832)
This 61‐acre park managed by Montgomery Parks features a variety of athletic facilities—lighted baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, a skate park, and more. Montgomery Parks+1
Why it’s great for workouts:
- The multi‐use courts and fields offer space for dynamic warm-ups, circuits (e.g., sprints between markers on a field, lateral shuffle on the court), or partner drills.
- The paved pathways and open layout allow for moderate runs or intervals.
- Because it’s well‐lit and monitored (fields are lighted up to 11 pm) it’s often accessible in early morning or evening. Montgomery Parks
Tips: Use the fields to do sprint repeats, then transition to lateral agility drills on the court surfaces. Bring water and plan for some rest between sets, since the park has many flat open areas but few long continuous trails.
2. Intercounty Connector Trail (ICC Trail)
This paved trail runs through the Olney area, paralleling MD 200 and linking up to parks like Olney Manor Recreational Park and the Georgia Avenue Trail. TrailLink+1
Why it’s great for workouts:
- The surface is smooth and suitable for running, faster walking, or bike commutes between workout zones.
- Because it’s linear and goes through relatively flat terrain, it’s good for steady‐state cardio sessions, tempo runs, or longer distance efforts.
- It allows you to vary workload: you can pick up the pace for intervals, then slow down for recovery segments.
Tips: Start at Olney Manor and run south or north along the trail. Use segments to do interval work (for example: sprint 200 m, jog 200 m), or steady 30-45 minute runs. Because the trail is fairly exposed in places, bring hydration and sun protection.
3. Rachel Carson Conservation Park (22201 Zion Rd., Olney, MD 20833)
This is a more natural, wooded conservation area—about 650 acres with over six miles of natural surface trails featuring meadow loops, forest paths, and stream views. Chesapeake Family+1
Why it’s great for workouts:
- The trails are more rugged and varied (uneven surface, hills, rock outcroppings) which makes for a more challenging workout: good for strength in legs, core stabilisation, and balance.
- The varied terrain keeps things interesting—walk to warm up, then push pace on downhills, climb deliberately up inclines.
- It’s also quieter and more immersive in nature, making it a nice change of pace from paved park trails.
Tips: Choose a 2–3 mile loop like the “Rachel Carson Greenway to Fox Meadow” and set it as your workout circuit. Consider doing “hard effort” segments on uphill sections and “easy” on the flats. Bring water and shoes that handle natural terrain. There are no formal amenities for workouts, so plan accordingly.
Choosing What Fits Today
- For a structured cardio or interval session: Choose the ICC Trail for pavement and distance with fewer obstructions.
- For full‐body workout, mixing strength and cardio: Start at Olney Manor and use field/court space plus trail pathways.
- For a trail run, nature walk or strength through movement: Go to Rachel Carson Conservation Park and lean into hills and uneven terrain.
Summary
Olney offers a good mix: a sport‐oriented park (Olney Manor), a paved linear trail for cardio (ICC Trail), and a natural‐terrain conservation park for a more rugged workout (Rachel Carson). Depending on your goal—speed, endurance, functional strength, or just a refreshing outdoor session—you’ve got options within minutes. If you like, I can find 5–7 more trail parks in the broader Montgomery/Sandy Spring region with workout focus.