TOP 6 BIKING TRAILS IN MARYLAND

What can you do to experience history, natural beauty, and healthy physical activity? You can’t beat exploring nature on a bike trail, especially if you travel along Maryland’s biking trails. Bicyclists of every ability can explore the state’s cultural and environmental resources, from scenic landscapes along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to urban park settings within the heart of Baltimore. Grab your gear, strap on your bike helmet, and set out to discover Maryland’s top six biking trails.

ANACOSTIA TRIBUTARY TRAIL SYSTEM

Make your next bike-riding excursion an adventure along the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. This trail network consists of more than 60 miles of paths that lead to our nation’s capital.

Take the 5.2-mile trail to Bladensburg Waterfront Park from Lake Artemesia in College Park, Maryland. Once you arrive at the park, you can rent a kayak or go boating on the Anacostia River. To access downtown Washington, D.C., bike along the Anacostia River Trail. Currently, 20 miles of this new trail system are complete, giving bicyclists access to the historic Navy Yard and Anacostia Park.

BALTIMORE WATERFRONT PROMENADE AND FORT MCHENRY LOOP

Set your sights for Baltimore’s Inner Harbor as you bike toward this downtown Baltimore waterway. Take the 3.2-mile, one-way trail from the Inner Harbor to Fort McHenry and enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon bike ride. When you need a break from biking, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the many downtown Baltimore dining establishments.

BIKE TRAILS AT HONEYGO RUN REGIONAL PARK

Located in northeastern Baltimore County, the Bird River Watershed comprises the communities of Chase, Perry Hall, and White Marsh. The 149-acre Honeygo Run Regional Park offers an excellent wooded trail system ideal for bicycling within this watershed’s boundaries.

The park, accessible from Honeygo Boulevard near Perry Hall, features two trails:

• The Red, Marsh, and Green Trail Loop is a 2.1-mile loop trail suitable for bicyclists of all skill levels.
• Although used primarily for hiking, the 0.8-mile out-and-back Honeygo Green Trail is ideal for a leisurely trail ride when you’re short on time.

GWYNNS FALLS TRAIL

If you’re up for a long-distance excursion, consider biking the Gwynns Falls Trail. The trail is a continuous recreation corridor linking more than 30 neighborhoods in Baltimore’s western and southwestern areas with historical landmarks, cultural resources, and urban environmental elements. 

The Gwynns Falls Trail traverses an urban greenway park along the Gwynns Falls stream valley. This greenway connects more than 2,000 acres of publicly owned parkland within the Gwynns Falls stream valley. At 15 miles in length, the Gwynns Falls Trail offers plenty of natural scenic wonders within an urban landscape setting.

Head for Trailhead 1 near the Interstate 70 Park & Ride near Security Boulevard at the Baltimore City-Baltimore County line to access the trail. The trail follows the Gwynns Falls stream southeast to Middle Branch and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor from this trailhead.

Learn more about the Gwynns Falls Trail from the book “The Gwynns Falls – Baltimore Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay” by W. Edward Orser.

PATAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK BIKE TRAILS

Bordering the Patapsco River, Patapsco Valley State Park is one of the oldest Maryland state parks. Founded in 1907, Patapsco Valley State Park offers rugged, hilly terrain ideally suited for intrepid mountain bikers and casual bicyclists alike. Encompassing more than 16,000 acres of land with eight developed recreational areas, Patapsco Valley State Park features more than 70 miles of maintained trails that extend through Baltimore and Howard counties.

The Cascade Falls Loop Trail near Catonsville is a moderately challenging 2.3-mile loop trail that takes a little more than an hour to complete. If you’re looking for a more relaxed trail-riding experience, consider the Alberton Road Trail. Located near Windsor Mill, this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail presents bicyclists with splendid scenic views to discover on their journey.

THE CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO (C&O) CANAL TRAIL

It began as a dream of providing access to the wealth of the American West. For close to 100 years, the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal supported the growth of communities along the Potomac River, which prospered with the shipping of coal, lumber, and agricultural products. 

Today, the canal towpath, a dirt and stone trail that runs 184.5 miles along the C&O Canal, is rich in historical, natural, and recreational resources awaiting your discovery during a bike ride. According to the C&O Canal Trust — the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, which oversees the C&O Canal National Historical Park — more than 5 million visitors explore the beauty of the canal’s landscape each year.

You can access the canal bike trails at various points between Cumberland, Maryland, and Georgetown in Washington, D.C. The Paw Paw Tunnel near Oldtown, Maryland, is a sight to behold as you bike along the trail. The tunnel, built in 1850, represents a significant architectural and engineering endeavor of the 1800s. Crews had to cut through 3,118 feet of rock to construct the tunnel. Today, you can bike through the Paw Paw Tunnel.

Plan your journey along the C&O Canal recreational trail by visiting the C&O Canal Trust website. You’ll find a map of the towpath route and highlights and amenities of the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s western, central, and eastern regions. 

Whether you’re a biking novice or a veteran bicyclist, Maryland’s biking trails will beckon you to the great outdoors this season. What did you think about our list? Did we overlook a favorite Maryland biking trail that no one should ignore? Please send us a message and let us know. We’ll be happy to add your suggestions to this article.

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