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.
Finally found a trail in these parts... and it reminds me of those in DC and Cambridge, which I very much enjoyed. Yes, you can hear the Rt235 traffic for about 3/4 mile from John V Baggett park, but its better than running alongside them. Nature (sometimes homes and nature) are still between you and the highway. Keep going and all you will hear are the birds and your own breath. Its shady and smooth, and very nice to run, walk, or ride on. Come on MD... give us more of the Rail Trail!
I hiked this last weekend to Savage Mill and back. The other reviews give a great description. The only thing I have to say is that I went with a group and our fitness monitors said it was longer than 4.6 there and back.
A friend and I just recently finished this trail. It was an amazing ride with plenty to see along the route. The trail was very well maintained with the grass having been recently mowed and some sections of the trail having been repaved.
We completed this trail in 4 days going from Cumberland to DC; I was quite surprised at how empty the trail was, so if you want a nice peaceful ride and learn some historic facts about the area this is a great trail for you. There are plenty of free camping spots along the route as well as port-a-potties (not the best well kept many had wasp nests inside). Also their are water pumps along the route to stop and refill so you do not need to carry too much water.
Named in honor of the US Senator who secured funding for its construction, the nearly 2-mile Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreation Trail may be short, but it's scenery is spectacular.
The paved, mostly flat trail stretches along the north shore of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal from Chesapeake City east to the Delaware border. It continues into Delaware as the longer Michael Castle Trail, which extends to Delaware City. Notable features include the various maritime traffic that uses the canal, which ranges from small craft like recreational sailboats and speedboats to freighters sailing between Philadelphia and Baltimore, large birds and other wildlife that call the canal and adjacent lands home and the bridge that carries Route 213 high above the waterway at Chesapeake City. After finishing their ride or hike, trail users can treat themselves to a hearty seafood dinner at nearby Shaeffers'. The only drawbacks to this trail a lack of shade, which make carrying bottled water and sunscreen a must in the summer months, though efforts are under way to lessen this problem by planting shrubbery around several benches, and the aforementioned lack of parking. The trail is nonetheless one of the more unique and scenic greenways in this part of the country and is highly recommended for anyone visiting Chesapeake City.
We ride this one often. It's a great trail running from Lake Artemesia (really where you start) to Cherry Hill Road. We turn around there as trying to get across the road with all the traffic is simply unsafe and it only goes for a couple of more tenths or so. Someday I hope it is extended farther north.
It connects into the Anacostia River Trail system as well as the Rhode Island Trolley Trail, currently being redeveloped through College Park.
This one is a keeper.
How many YEARS is it going to take to mark the trail properly through Pittsburgh? Are you kidding me? How many more stories about getting lost trying to find your way? If you want to ruin the start of your bike ride, begin in Pittsburgh. If you want to ruin the end of your GAP adventure, finish in Pittsburgh. If you don't waste your time in Pittsburgh and start or finish in say, Homestead, it's a great trail. Clearly marked, great scenery and wildlife. Many great places to stay or camp along the way. Many wonderful places to eat too. We stayed at some fantastic B&B's along the GAP and enjoyed every meal during our four day ride into Cumberland.
This was a fun trail. It has good hills, easy grades, lots to see (look for the traffic light, in the trees), and plenty of rest spots. If you are a fan of trains, like me, there are old train depot foundations, tracks, signs with the history of the railroad, and old rail boxes. At about the half way point, there is a Ranger station, that had air, water, and restrooms. I look forward to doing it again.
The trail has long easy grades traversing woods, meadows and streams. Lots of wild life (and cows in the woods). It does have the advantage of being new and in great shape. Hopefully the trail will be maintained to retain its quality.
We stopped at Harpers Ferry and were told by at least 3 park rangers that all you have to do is put your bikes on the bus at the Visitors Center ...cross the bridge and get on the trail. None of those people told us that when you cross the bridge there is a spiral staircase and about 40 metal stairs you have to carry your bike down to get on the trail. It was not fun and very dangerous. Luckily a few nice strong young men carried our bikes. The trail at the bottom of the stairs was nice, but very muddy. All I could think of was how are we gonna get our bikes back up the stairs. When I mentioned this to the business owners in Harpers Ferry, they all said yes, you need to complain to the park service. No where on any of the trail information is this problem listed.
The south half of this trail does not follow the alignment or grade of abandoned trolley line and therefor has some hills. So don't expect typical easy grades of rail trails.
This is an absolutely beautiful trail with lots of nature and serene sideways along its path.
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