Maryland Biking Hot Spots

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.

Starting off in Maryland, we recommend the Northern Central Railroad Trail, outside of Baltimore. It's a bit of a drive, but there's 39 and a half miles of railroad graded cuts through the forest and woods with some of the most isolated terrain on the Eastern Seaboard. It's got a lot of leisurely inclines, and spots off the side that are good for a picnic, and it's suitable for beginners or for a family fun ride. It can get crowded during the height of the summer riding season, but the views are worth it. Bring your camera!

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.

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.

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.

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 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 small land area conceals a huge variety of terrain. It's got a lot of diverse challenges for you to ride over, and is really a microcosm of the kinds of terrain experienced throughout the country. It's a mountain biker's dream, and the trails above are a great place to get started.