Riding the Trails in Maryland
While one of the smallest states in geographical land area, Maryland is a beautiful one with a wide range of forests, hills and state parks suitable for riding. It’s also got a lot of interesting terrain, from marshy swampland to the foothills of the Appalachians, dunes on the beaches, pine groves and more. Here’s a small sampler of great places 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.
One of the hidden gems of Maryland is the Fair Hill Equestrian Center. It’s close to Wilmington and runs against the Delaware border. As a horseback course, the trails are well maintained, and there’s a $2 map of the entire network. Watch out for the occasional road apple and remember that horses have the right of way. For challenges, there are creek crossings, hills, logs, and lots of twists and turns.
Cedarville State Park near Washington D.C. is an 8-mile loop that is mostly flat so you can build up quite a bit of speed. There are several trails that shoot off, but each is well-marked and color-coded. There is a $3 fee for riding but it’s worth it to enjoy some great riding!
The Haystack Railroad Trail near LaVale has tremendous possibilities for experienced bikers. The railroad was in use back in the 1800s. There are now several track beds on the mountain. Some of the descents are quite an adrenaline rush! Motorcycles also use these trails, so keep an eye out for others.
Lexington Park is our last destination, and it holds Saint Mary’s River Park, which has attractions for riders of high skill. Roughly 8 miles of single track course work is pretty technical, with short, hard climbs, lots of mud, roots, tight turns and creek crossings. It’s a huge workout and is only open from March through November. If you come in the earlier part of the year, when it’s rainy, expect to be coated in mud by the time you’re done.
Maryland has occasionally been referred to as “America in Miniature.” This is because the incredible diversity with topography. This can be a biker’s dream. The trails listed above are a great place for you to get started. Happy trails!
