Cottage City lies at the headwaters of the historic Anacostia River. It is a tidal river so you will find the waters flowing or still. It runs 8.7 miles, from Cottage City into Washington, DC.

The name "Anacostia" comes from the name of a Nacochtank Native Americans settlement along the Anacostia River. Captain John Smith explored the area in 1608, traveling up the "Eastern Branch"—later the Anacostia River—mistaking it for the main body of the Potomac River, and he met the Anacostans.

A historic issue facing the Anacostia River has been the sewage that enters the river and its tributaries. During rainstorms, the river receives discharges due to the city's antiquated combined sewer system. This creates a public health threat and impairs water quality and leads to large fish kills.

NOT ANYMORE – after years of public outcry – work is being done to replace the infrastructure and the goal is to achieve a swimmable and fishable river by 2025!

The Historic Bladensburg Waterfront Park is across the river and houses Port Towns Community Boathouse, home to public boat and bike rentals, a public boat ramp/dock, and home to rowing crews from University of Maryland, Catholic University of America, a community rowing school, and area high schools. 

The recently opened Anacostia River Trail is for cyclists and walkers and runs from the park/Cottage City to downtown Washington DC. It is a beautiful trail that runs along the river,  through the Aquatic Gardens along lush forests and wetlands. It has become a popular trail for commuters and recreation. 

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Learn more about the Anacostia Watershed by clicking here.