Maryland Cross Country Skiing Trails and Maps

1132 Reviews

Looking for the best Cross Country Skiing trails around Maryland?

Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Maryland, 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.

City Trails and Maps in Maryland

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Activities
Length
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16 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

B&A Trail

13.3 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

184.5 mi
State: DC, MD
Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Great Allegheny Passage

150 mi
State: MD, PA
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi
State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

H & F Trolley Trail

1.1 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Indian Head Rail Trail

13.4 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Lake Artemesia Trail

1.35 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail

2.5 mi
State: MD
Crushed Stone

Patuxent Branch Trail

4.5 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Savage Mill Trail

1.2 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

Stony Run Trail

2.9 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

19.7 mi
State: MD
Crushed Stone, Dirt

WB&A Trail

13.1 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Western Maryland Rail Trail

27.5 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail

3.3 mi
State: MD, VA
Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
You can augment your physical exercise with a mental workout on the paved B&A Trail, a 13-mile rail-trail that connects the Chesapeake Bay cities of Baltimore and Annapolis. Along with extensive...
MD 13.3 mi Asphalt
Following the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Towpath traverses the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for 184.5 miles between Georgetown in Washington, D.C., and Cumberland, Maryland. For...
DC, MD 184.5 mi Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt
Ever since the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) was completed in 2013, overnight bicycle riders and backpackers have flocked to the 150-mile rail-trail that travels through Western Pennsylvania and...
MD, PA 150 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY 3743.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Closure Notice: Starting October 2022, the trail will be closed will be closed for approximately 12 months in order to permanently repair the footbridges. The trail section from the Patterson Viaduct...
MD 2.5 mi Asphalt
Sitting on the corner of East Main Street and Alley 5 in Thurmont is a green and white one-story building. Murals decorate its walls, depicting the history of the famous Hagerstown and Frederick...
MD 1.1 mi Asphalt
Although located within easy reach of the Washington, D.C., metro area, the Indian Head Rail Trail in southern Maryland seems far removed from the hectic pace of urban life. The 13-mile paved...
MD 13.4 mi Asphalt
The Lake Artemesia Trail—one component of the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail System—completely encircles its scenic eponymous lake in Prince George's County, Maryland. The trail is also a great...
MD 1.35 mi Asphalt
Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is recognized for challenging hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, rock outcroppings, boating, a museum and restored historical sites. But none of these...
MD 2.5 mi Crushed Stone
Whether by wheel or foot, many off-road trips in southern Howard County involve the Patuxent Branch Trail. Opened in 1997, the 4.5-mile regional trail connects to an extensive network of local trails...
MD 4.5 mi Asphalt
Only a mile long, the Savage Mill Trail rolls through a significant piece of Howard County’s industrial heritage as it crosses the grounds of an old textile mill complex on the Little Patuxent River....
MD 1.2 mi Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel
Baltimore’s Stony Run Trail follows an old Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad line through nearly 3 miles of wooded stream valleys and small parks, providing a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle...
MD 2.9 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to populous Baltimore and its relatively flat course, which winds along river valleys through...
MD 19.7 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
Central Maryland's WB&A Trail occupies the former Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railway corridor—hence its name—for its entire route. The railroad operated electric commuter trains...
MD 13.1 mi Asphalt
Hugging the picturesque Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal Towpath), the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) rolls for nearly 28 miles through Maryland’s narrow panhandle wedged...
MD 27.5 mi Asphalt
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail provides a superb link between Alexandria, VA, and Maryland's National Harbor over the Potomac River. This well-used trail crosses on the up-river side of the bridge...
MD, VA 3.3 mi Concrete

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Recent Trail Reviews

Western Maryland Rail Trail

A Nice Alternative paralleling the C&O

March, 2023 by vdeal

I just returned from my third ride on the Western MD. I've ridden the entire trail and it's great to get in a half century ride. Starting from Little Orleans one can ride west a short distance to a gate at a high bridge over the Potomac River. West Virginia has not completed any of the proposed section to the west. Riding back east after a short distance you reach the blocked off Indigo Tunnel. The tunnel is blocked due to endangered bats. A zig-zag ramp leads down to the C&O Towpath. You ride the towpath about 2.5 miles and take a similar zig-zag ramp back up to the Western MD. Except for this detour the entire route is paved asphalt. There are areas of either frost or root heaves but not too bad. When the leaves are off there are nice views of the C&O Towpath, the canal and the Potomac. Most of the path is in the woods with a few fields here and there. At times the trail runs along a high, narrow path pretty high above the river. There are historical markers, some benches and a small shelter or two. The first, and only town on the trail is Hancock, MD. It is about half way between the endpoints. There are the regular amenities not far off trail such as a few fast food joints and a Sheetz. The top attraction for trail eats is Buddy Lou's right on the trail and at a cross-over to the C&O. Needless to say it gets busy in the summer. Buddy Lou's isn't open every day however so plan accordingly. There is also a bike shop in town right by the trail. After Hancock its a fairly straight run to the end at Big Pool. Some this section is close to I70 and some very close (less than 20 ft) so there can be a bit of traffic noise. This is my least favorite part and would probably rate the trail at 4.5 stars if I could. At Big Pool there is a parking area plus some benches, a restroom and a bike repair station. It's a nice place for a lunch break if you're doing a round trip. All together I can wholeheartedly recommend the Western MD. We have even used it as the half of a loop with the other half on the C&O.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

wonderful ride, just awesome

February, 2023 by ray72

I have done the C&O/GAP trip 4 or 5 times now and loved it every time. everyone is friendly and on the C&O you can go as little or as far as you want per day. Camping areas every 10 miles so you cant get yourself stuck.

I love the GAP but prefer the C&O because its more of a trail vs just spinning away road ridding like always. Much of the C&O feels like you are in the woods away from things but without ever really being far should you need help. its the perfect amount of "adventure" for normal people.

Don't over pack, towns and stops all along the trial. Its flat so its easy to over do it.... but once you hit the PawPaw detour you will question if you really needed the laptop, espresso machine, and mini fridge :)

Test ride your bikes loaded, make sure its still fun to ride and remove the silly stuff you really don't need.

Bring/try and keep 3 water bottles full in case a pump or two is out, and drink more than you think you need to

bring snacks and eat more than you think you need to

ride a bike with around 38c-50c (1.5"-2") tires and do not pump them up to the max pressure listed on the sidewalls. that number on the side of the tire is the maximum and not even close to ideal pressure (google tire pressures for dirt roads on bikes), not a rule, you can totally go with thinner tires, I had no problem with my 32c tires last time but it is far more comfortable with a bit more rubber between you and the trail especially if you don't ride all the time.

Makes me sad when I see people complain about the C&O trail surface, thats why I go.... We have millions of miles of road to ride starting at our doorsteps why make more. Just use the proper tire and pressure for a TRAIL and your golden.



B&A Trail

Half Marathon distance

January, 2023 by mackbrazelle

Awesome trial to run or bike. At 13 miles it is almost exactly a half marathon. Down and back should be a full Marathon. Mostly flat and smooth. Passes thru different neighborhoods with lots of options for stopping to eat or let the kids take a break and play.

Accordion

Western Maryland Rail Trail

western Maryland

January, 2023 by aldo_desalvo

This is a very good trail. It would be better if it went through the old tunnel and was extended over the Potomac with the existing bridge. Very remote from the little orleans side.

B&A Trail

B&A

December, 2022 by dequanfrance

This is a great trail to ride. I frequent it often. Mostly flat with a few crossing from Arnold to Glen burnie. This also connects to the BWI trail which makes it a nice 41 mile loop.

Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park

The GMT is closed

December, 2022 by j_magers

The Grist Mill Trail is closed for about a year for bridge repairs. Sept 2022-Sept 2023.

Bethesda Trolley Trail

fun

November, 2022 by jx5hvnmfmy

It’s a fun trail, but the only issue is it’s busy & gets very slippery by the entrance with all the debri from the plants.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Awesome Trail, & this was only the beggining!

November, 2022 by cwiokster

In the last week of October 2022, while heading to N. VA. to attend a hobby show,
I decided to bring along the bike to sample some bike trails along the way.
First stop was the Cardinal Greenway. Next I transited to N.VA via Ohio, Pennsylvania,
W. Va & Maryland. Oct 27 2022, I took My first ride on the "Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
National Historical Park" towpath (here after 'C&O'). By comparison to other trails I've
done, this trail is packed gravel, so a change of wheels/tires was in order. The surface
reminded Me of the Forest Service roads at De Soto NF, so I felt right at home. My start
point was Carderock Recreation Area. The access road actually goes through a tunnel
'under' the canal & towpath! This is milepost 10.5. From there I went west toward mp 16.6,
Swain Lock (lock 21). On the way you will encounter 'the Great Falls' of the Potomac. Stop
and check out the walkway to the Olmsted Island & Falls Overlook. Spectacular, and this is
just 10 miles west of Wasington DC! I then visited the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center, then
returned to Carderock for lunch. After a break, I headed east getting as far as mp 7 (lock 7),
before returning to Carderock. I was running out of time, & decided to save the rest of the
east leg for another day. [21 miles total, and lots of sightseeing!]
After visiting the 24th "International Paper Modelers' Convention" 2022 (the point of the road trip)
on Sunday, Oct. 30th, I decided to Return to the 'C&O', and complete the eastern leg. Starting at
the Lock 8 parking area, walking the bike down a flight of 'stairs', I started the ride at mp 8.3 in the
Seven Locks area, heading east. Soon encountered the Capital Cresent trail, which crosses the C&O
on an old railway bridge, then runs parallel into the city. Just for comparison, I rode the Cresent, which
is asphalt, into town, and the C&O out. With a brief hour of sightseeing by bike around the National Mall
(because I was there) then back to the start. 3 hrs/22 miles. Will return again, as this was just a recon
ride [the whole C&O is 184.5 miles] I only scratched the surface!

Jones Falls Trail

Beautiful Trail in the Heart of Baltimore

November, 2022 by tonybonta

Love this trail. Druid Hill Park is very scenic (and will only get better as the Druid Hill Reservoir project completes hopefully next year). It's great to be able to ride all the way down to the Baltimore Visitor Center and get something to eat in the inner harbor without having to deal with major traffic.

Two things to make note of. Be prepared for some fairly decent climbs heading south to north. And it's good to have the TrailLink app installed on your phone if you haven't done the trail before and don't know the turns. There are markings on the path and sidewalks, but they're starting to fade and in the fall, leaves cover a lot of them.

Three Notch Trail

My new favorite trail

November, 2022 by bessetted43

Today husband and I started the 3 Notch Trail at the library in Charlotte Hall MD, on a perfect autumn day. The trail was everything we could want. Interesting scenery, well maintained asphalt trail, friendly fellow travelers. As "super seniors" (ages 75 & 81) we limited our trip to a 16 mile there and back again. Can't wait to finish that last segment, but winter approacheth, so next time, next year...

BWI Trail

It’s okay, that’s all.

November, 2022 by tedolmsted

Rode the trail in early November. The paved trail is generally in good shape, though there are a few root bumps here and there. The road noise and airplane noise were a big detraction. There was a nice view of the airport and seeing the planes taking off and landing was fun. There are a few inclines and declines, but nothing overly significant. All in all, it was just okay for me.

Brentwood Levee Trail

This is a good city trail to get off the main road and cut through to enjoy some nature.

November, 2022 by gold_y10

This is a good city trail to get off the main road and cut through to enjoy some nature.

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