Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Maryland
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.
The Northern Central Railroad Trail is a 39.5-mile railroad grade near Baltimore. It starts out with a mild climb, but there is nothing too technical here. This is the perfect place for families and beginners to just enjoy a leisurely ride. There are plenty of places of interest along the way and get a little crowded in certain spots. You'll get to experience lots of beautiful scenery so don't forget your camera!
The Green Ridge State Forest near Hagerstown has over 20 miles of trails to choose from. Some of the trails are a little more challenging, but most of them are suitable for even beginners. They are well-maintained single- and double-tracks with a variety of terrain to keep things interesting. Even intermediate and advanced riders will find something to enjoy here.
Another premier destination is the Fair Hill Equestrian Center, which is just outside of Wilmington, near the Delaware border. With 25 miles of trails, it's a landmark worth running through, and a map of the entire trail network can be had for $2. The trails have a lot of variety, with different degrees of difficulty. There are creek crossings, hills, logs, roots and more. It can be beautiful - it can also be a mess. When you're done with the trail you'll be glad of the experience, and need to do some laundry.
If you're looking to get some riding out around the DC area, check out Cedarville State Park. This 8-mile loop has some gentle rises, but is mostly flat. It's a bit more manicured, but there's still enough trees and greenery to give you a good woodland feel. All the trails are color coded and well marked - bring some cash. There's a $3 entry fee to get in, but it's worth it, and is the closest place to the capital to get in some good riding.
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.
Lexington Park is the host to Saint Mary's River Park, with a bit of riding and course work for everyone. It's got 8 miles of technical challenges to ride over, with short hard climbs, lots of mud, roots and tight turns. It's a serious workout - there's also a slightly easier side course for people who want something that's a bit less of a thighburner. This trail is closed from December through the beginning of March, and it's a mudpit earlier in the season.
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!
The Northern Central Railroad Trail is a 39.5-mile railroad grade near Baltimore. It starts out with a mild climb, but there is nothing too technical here. This is the perfect place for families and beginners to just enjoy a leisurely ride. There are plenty of places of interest along the way and get a little crowded in certain spots. You'll get to experience lots of beautiful scenery so don't forget your camera!
The Green Ridge State Forest near Hagerstown has over 20 miles of trails to choose from. Some of the trails are a little more challenging, but most of them are suitable for even beginners. They are well-maintained single- and double-tracks with a variety of terrain to keep things interesting. Even intermediate and advanced riders will find something to enjoy here.
Another premier destination is the Fair Hill Equestrian Center, which is just outside of Wilmington, near the Delaware border. With 25 miles of trails, it's a landmark worth running through, and a map of the entire trail network can be had for $2. The trails have a lot of variety, with different degrees of difficulty. There are creek crossings, hills, logs, roots and more. It can be beautiful - it can also be a mess. When you're done with the trail you'll be glad of the experience, and need to do some laundry.
If you're looking to get some riding out around the DC area, check out Cedarville State Park. This 8-mile loop has some gentle rises, but is mostly flat. It's a bit more manicured, but there's still enough trees and greenery to give you a good woodland feel. All the trails are color coded and well marked - bring some cash. There's a $3 entry fee to get in, but it's worth it, and is the closest place to the capital to get in some good riding.
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.
Lexington Park is the host to Saint Mary's River Park, with a bit of riding and course work for everyone. It's got 8 miles of technical challenges to ride over, with short hard climbs, lots of mud, roots and tight turns. It's a serious workout - there's also a slightly easier side course for people who want something that's a bit less of a thighburner. This trail is closed from December through the beginning of March, and it's a mudpit earlier in the season.
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!
About the Author:
PJ enjoys introducing new bikers to the sport of bike riding. If you need a cruiser bike to ride on the trails or cruise the neighborhood then check out her store. She has a great selection of cruiser bikes, all with a warranty and low price promise.
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