Maryland is a beautiful state with lots of state parks and forests, perfect for miles of fantastic riding. There is a variety of terrain--marshy swampland, rugged mountains, sandy dunes, thick pine groves and forests. The ground is more sandy and muddy than the other rockier New England states. Here are some of the best places in the state to ride.
If you're near Baltimore, and are looking for a nice ride that's long, but not too challenging, check out the Northern Central Railroad Trail. It starts with a mild climb, and it's a great family ride or beginner's ride, with lots of scenery but no hills that will make people think you're nuts. It's got a lot of interesting stopping places for breaks, and don't forget your camera. It can get a bit crowded in certain spots, but it's navigable.
Another place to look is the Green Ridge State Forest. This 20 mile trail network is near Hagerstown with a range from beginners to technical challenges. They're all well maintained single and double track trails and there's a lot of terrain to enjoy.
Fair Hill Equestrian Center near Wilmington features approximately 25 miles of trails. For $2 you can buy a map of the trails that will make your ride much easier. The trails have various degrees of difficulty. Since they are shared with horseback riders, watch out for the occasional "mess." Creek crossings, hills, logs, roots, lots of twists and turns, and some of the most beautiful vegetation you've ever seen will be just a few of things you will experience here. It's definitely worth your time!
Another Maryland hot spot for off road cycling is near Washington DC, with Cedarville State Park. This 8-mile loop is mostly flat, but it's not boring. It's got a few minor hills, but it's more of a tour ride course than a hard core challenge to your bike handling skills. Most of the trails are color coded for difficulty, but this comes with a minor cost - there's a $3 entry fee to get into the park.
If you still like riding on railroad cuts, we can recommend the Haystack Railroad Trail near LaVale. Fair warning - this is for experienced riders only, as it's got some steep cuts and a lot of hard trails. Motorcycles use these trails as well, so keep an eye peeled and your ears ready; this area is getting slowly built up as an outdoor recreation area, so check back regularly for new trails.
Saint Mary's River Park near Lexington Park has something for everyone. Much of the 8 miles of singletrack is quite technical. There are short, steep and rough climbs; lots of mud; roots; tight turns; creek crossings; logs; and twisty sections. You'll get quite a workout. The trail is only open March through November, but be prepared for a mess if you go during rainy season (spring). Wear a helmet and be safe!
Maryland's variety of terrain makes it a rich environment for off road cycling. It's been called America in Miniature, and it's a biker's dream. The trails listed are just the beginning of what you can explore, so happy trails!
If you're near Baltimore, and are looking for a nice ride that's long, but not too challenging, check out the Northern Central Railroad Trail. It starts with a mild climb, and it's a great family ride or beginner's ride, with lots of scenery but no hills that will make people think you're nuts. It's got a lot of interesting stopping places for breaks, and don't forget your camera. It can get a bit crowded in certain spots, but it's navigable.
Another place to look is the Green Ridge State Forest. This 20 mile trail network is near Hagerstown with a range from beginners to technical challenges. They're all well maintained single and double track trails and there's a lot of terrain to enjoy.
Fair Hill Equestrian Center near Wilmington features approximately 25 miles of trails. For $2 you can buy a map of the trails that will make your ride much easier. The trails have various degrees of difficulty. Since they are shared with horseback riders, watch out for the occasional "mess." Creek crossings, hills, logs, roots, lots of twists and turns, and some of the most beautiful vegetation you've ever seen will be just a few of things you will experience here. It's definitely worth your time!
Another Maryland hot spot for off road cycling is near Washington DC, with Cedarville State Park. This 8-mile loop is mostly flat, but it's not boring. It's got a few minor hills, but it's more of a tour ride course than a hard core challenge to your bike handling skills. Most of the trails are color coded for difficulty, but this comes with a minor cost - there's a $3 entry fee to get into the park.
If you still like riding on railroad cuts, we can recommend the Haystack Railroad Trail near LaVale. Fair warning - this is for experienced riders only, as it's got some steep cuts and a lot of hard trails. Motorcycles use these trails as well, so keep an eye peeled and your ears ready; this area is getting slowly built up as an outdoor recreation area, so check back regularly for new trails.
Saint Mary's River Park near Lexington Park has something for everyone. Much of the 8 miles of singletrack is quite technical. There are short, steep and rough climbs; lots of mud; roots; tight turns; creek crossings; logs; and twisty sections. You'll get quite a workout. The trail is only open March through November, but be prepared for a mess if you go during rainy season (spring). Wear a helmet and be safe!
Maryland's variety of terrain makes it a rich environment for off road cycling. It's been called America in Miniature, and it's a biker's dream. The trails listed are just the beginning of what you can explore, so happy trails!
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