College life can get busy. Between classes, studying, internships and spending time with friends, it’s important to have places where you can clear your mind, get some fresh air or fit in a workout.
Fortunately, the University of Maryland and the surrounding College Park area are home to plenty of outdoor spaces perfect for walking, running, biking or simply taking a break between classes.
If you’re living at Rambler College Park North or Rambler College Park South, many of these destinations are just a short walk, bike ride or drive away.
In this article, we’ll list some of the best outdoor spots near UMD to help you stay active and recharge throughout the semester.
Read Next: Best Places to Work Out Near UMD
1. McKeldin Mall
Distance from Rambler College Park North: 10-minute walk
Distance from Rambler College Park South: 10-minute walk
Located in the center of the University of Maryland campus, McKeldin Mall is one of the most popular gathering places for students.
On warm afternoons, you’ll often find students studying on blankets, tossing a football, reading between classes or enjoying the sunshine.
McKeldin Mall is also a great place to take a short walk between lectures, eat lunch outdoors, meet classmates for a study break and enjoy campus events throughout the year.
Because it’s so centrally located, McKeldin Mall is an easy stop during almost any school day.
2. Lake Artemesia
Distance from Rambler College Park North: 12-minute drive
Distance from Rambler College Park South: 10-minute drive
If you’re looking to escape the busier parts of campus, Lake Artemesia is one of the area’s best outdoor destinations.
The park features a 38-acre lake surrounded by walking and biking trails, fishing areas, wildlife views and peaceful places to sit. Lake Artemesia also connects to several regional trail systems, making it popular with runners and cyclists.
Whether you’re training for a race or just need a quiet place to unwind after exams, it’s worth the short trip.
Read Next: Top 10 Study Spots Near UMD
3. Paint Branch Stream Valley Park
Distance from Rambler College Park North: 5-minute drive
Distance from Rambler College Park South: 4-minute drive
For students who enjoy running or long walks, Pain Branch Stream Valley Park offers miles of paved trails through wooded scenery.
The trail is popular for walking, running, biking and rollerblading.
Tree-lined paths provide a change of scenery from campus buildings, making Paint Branch Stream Valley Park an excellent place to exercise while spending time outdoors.
4. College Park Trolley Trail
Distance from Rambler College Park North: 6-minute drive
Distance from Rambler College Park South: 9-minute drive
The College Park Trolley Trail is another favorite for students looking to stay active.
Following portions of a historic trolley route, the paved trail passes through neighborhoods and green spaces while connecting to other nearby trail systems.
It’s ideal for morning runs, bike rides, evening walks or weekend exercises. The trail also links with Lake Artemesia, allowing you to extend your route if you’re looking for a longer workout.
5. Calvert Park
Distance from Rambler College Park North: 4-minute drive
Distance from Rambler College Park South: 5-minute drive
If you’re looking for a quieter place to spend time outdoors, Calvert Park offers open green space that’s perfect for a slower pace.
Bring a book, enjoy lunch outside or meet friends for a casual afternoon. Because it’s less crowded than many campus spaces, it can be a nice option during busy weeks when you want a peaceful break.
Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors During the Semester
Making time for outdoor activities doesn’t have to take hours out of your day.
Here are a few easy ways to incorporate the outdoors into your weekly routine:
- Walk to class instead of driving
- Take a short walk after long study sessions
- Meet friends outside instead of only studying indoors
- Go for a run before classes
- Visit a local trail on the weekends to reset before the new week begins
Even spending a little time outside can help break up longer periods of studying and screen time.
Outdoor Living Starts at Rambler College Park
Living at Rambler College Park puts you close to many of the University’s most popular outdoor destinations. Whether you’re heading to McKeldin Mall between classes, jogging along Paint Branch Trail or spending a weekend afternoon at Lake Artemesia, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Finding a balance between academics and personal wellness is an important part of the college experience, and having parks, trails and green spaces nearby make that balance a little easier to achieve.
If you’d like to learn more about living at Rambler College Park, contact our leasing team at Rambler College Park North or Rambler College Park South. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you explore your housing options near the University of Maryland.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: July 23, 2026
Last Updated On: August 6, 2026
