Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Olney, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We Loved this trail. We got on at the Brillhart Road Parking lot went down the trail through the Howard tunnel, all the way down to the Hanover Junction. It was pretty much all in the shade. There were sections with very low grade ups and downs but the grade was so low you couldn’t see the hills visually, you just felt the difference in your legs. There was also minimal street crossings and they were all super small back roads with minimal traffic, which was great for my kids.
there are some really old bridges that go over the C&O. the highlight is the paw paw tunnel. better to walk through it. once you hit little orleans, i suggest going on the western maryland trail. it is fully paved and nice.
hancock is a great town
Even though the trail is in an urban setting it is surprisingly lush and beautiful. There is actually a marsh land half way that is a gorgeous place to rest and take some photos. The trail is smooth and pretty flat. Nice enjoyable easy ride.
Multiple spots to stop. Most of the trail is shaded. There are some beautiful spots to stop on either end of the trail. Never over packed. I always see a ton of wildlife, which my kids love. It's not hard to bike, mostly flat.
I started riding this trail in 2018 and rode it 3-5 times a summer. It was a great trail that allowed you to get 12 miles in before riding the Cross Island Trail just 3 miles away. The tree roots have been bulging the asphalt for the past 7 years and now it is so bad I don't know if I will ride it again. For the first 1-2 miles from the start of either end the roots have the asphalt bulged up over two inches. Even riding with a suspension seat post the trail jars your spine unless you are standing on the foot pegs. Since the roots are so numerous this means you would be on the pegs 50 percent of the time. With the financial state that Maryland is in I doubt this trail will be repaired any time in the foreseeable future.
The western end is paved and is a nice as any rail trail anywhere. Just short. The eastern end has a boardwalk section and then drops you on a gravel section. The gravel is a little big for my liking. I was on a road bike riding 30s but did fine. This section goes through a cut in the mountain made to get the railroad a level grade.
I kept hearing how beautiful this "trail" was. Most of the "trail" was city streets even before you get in to Baltimore. It was also poorly marked. Keep a GPS handy, or just give up on the trail and ride through whatever Baltimore streets you feel like riding.
It does take you past the Baltimore Zoo which was nice. It also takes you right in to Inner Harbor which is also a good place to hang out for a bit.
Rode most of the trail yesterday starting in Railroad, PA on the Heritage Trail and turned around at the old train station in Monkton, MD. Temperature was in the mid-80s, and humidity was high. Because most of the trail was shaded, it was still a great ride. Definitely not a trail for narrow road tires, but still an excellent surface of crushed stone and hard packed dirt. Plenty of restrooms and stops available. Slightly downhill starting in New Freedom, PA into MD for about 6-7 miles and then a typical rail trail of mostly flat and straight sections. Great scenery of wooded areas. Highly recommend for a relaxing ride in the woods.
Great trail close to my home so I get to ride it as often as I want. I’m looking forward to another leg being completed and hoping it doesn’t take 10 years. I took my 9 year old twin grand sons on it and they love it too.
The trail is 100% paved and takes you along the Anacostia River. I like that this trail has a good mix of city elements and natural beauty. The Kenilworth aquatic gardens are a wonderful stop early in the trail, you get to see a lot of swamp flowers. Later, closer to Dc you are taken up to the Fredrick Douglas memorial bridge. The large white arches of the bridge are breathtaking. There are many places to eat diner once you make it to Dc. I stopped at Gordon Ramseys fish and chips. Great trail!
Starts at a dam and has some hills. It is not bike/stroller friendly. Hiking boots are better. Sneaker can be a challenge especially after rain. Dumps off into a neighborhood and you pick it back up. About a 4 mile loop.
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