Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Maryland, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Didn't realize that the C&D and the Castle trail combined to make the 17 mile trail. The sign near Schaefer's Canal House restaurant gave me the impression that all of it was the C&D. Even the map on the trail link site says the C&D is the 12 mile from Delaware City to Cheapeake City. This was my 152 ride (trail) in 47 states.
Wife and I had some great crab bisque and Maryland chowder at Kath's Crab House at the end of the trail in Delaware City.
I would not rate this a hike since it is paved. We choose this because my husband is in a shoulder sling and it had been raining hard the few days previous, so we needed on easy walk. Starting at the Avalon area, near Lost Lake, we completed the 2.2 mike trail each way. Along the trail there are interesting ruins from train bridges, the trail parallels an active train track for a lot of it. There are also the ruins of a flour mill and dam. The most fun for us were the swing bridges. One over the river that you can cross to go to a rest area and another at the end of the trail. They were fun as they move while your crossing. We went on a Sunday and there were a lot of people using the trail and camping, tubing, wading in the water along the trail. Will go again to hike some of the unsaved trails in the beautiful Patapsco Park.
I'm rating this for biking. If you're under the age of 70, and if you ride faster than 5 miles per hour, this trail is not for you. I ride a street (racing) bike, and this trail was a very bad experience for me. The "trail" is extremely bumpy throughout because of tree roots. It winds through the woods, which makes for beautiful scenery, but because of the twisty nature, it also has poor visibility. I turned a curve and almost ran into a woman and her child because they were stopped and completely blocking the trail. There are sections where you can see more than 20 feet, but overall, I would not ride this again. It was rough on my bike and on my rear.
Recently back into riding along with the family and have done 6 different trails over the past month or so. This trail is diverse enough around the loop to push the beginner or intermediate rider. Unlike other reviewers, I have not found the loop to be trashy or congested and the trails along the roadways is not a problem at all. Nice way to knock off 12 miles in a relatively short period.
This is a well maintained trail along the canal from Chesapeake City and connects to the Michael Castle trail which goes to Delaware City . Nice views.
The trail is flat along the canal, but there are hills when it leads you inland through the woods (which is nice and shady) and back down to the canal. There is always a prevailing wind which makes more of a workout in one direction. Seafood restaurants on each end of these two trails. Great trail!
The BWI is a local amenity. It's a super sized fitness trail. Think of it that way and you'll be pleased. If you compare it to a "destination trail," you'll be disappointed.
This was our first long bike adventure ever. I've been retired several years and my wife retired last summer '16 from teaching. She had been a complete academic and never was interested in sports except when our kids were involved. Now, she loves exercising and gym workouts. We've done single day bike excursions, but nothing like this. We started in Homewood (Pittsburgh area) and rode far (52 miles) for rookies on the first day, to Connellsville. Unbelievably beautiful natural environment surrounded us every stroke of the pedal. First night we stayed at the Connellsville B&B and were very impressed with immaculate cleanliness, delicious breakfast, and pleasant owner, Lucille. After our 52-mile day, I was worried about my wife's physical well being, but by the next morning she felt much better and we were glad we had planned a much shorter ride (28 miles) Day 2 to Confluence. There, we stayed overnight at Parker House, also a pleasant stay, though no breakfast is included. We purchased simple breakfast food items at the local grocery store. The third day was our longest ride (62 miles), planned knowing the last 24 miles into Cumberland are downhill. Our daughter, husband, and granddaughters were waiting at Mile Zero with flowers and cheers. Just a beautiful, enjoyable, and educational trip. And you meet the kind, helpful, friendly people on the trail that help make this world a better place. Outstanding scenery, cool shade on hot days thanks to beautiful vegetation, historical passageway with awesome bridges and tunnels, well-maintained trails. We can't wait to do it again!
This is my primary non-road trail. It's great to get away from cars on a 17 mile asphalt trail. Be on the lookout for loose gravel on the trail that can cause flats.
As others have said, there is limited shade. So, bring water. There are places to eat at both ends of the trial. The marina you bike past, +/- 20 min. from Chesapeake City (western end), now has a newly renovated restaurant with a great beer selection! It's almost like canal biking in Belgium. When the trial ends on the eastern side, keep going until you reach the cute little downtown of Delaware City.
Great job getting these trails connected.
This is my primary non-road trail. It's great to get away from cars on a 17 mile asphalt trail. Be on the lookout for loose gravel on the trail that can cause flats.
As others have said, there is limited shade. So, bring water. There are places to eat at both ends of the trial. The marina you bike past, +/- 20 min. from Chesapeake City (western end), now has a newly renovated restaurant with a great beer selection! It's almost like canal biking in Belgium. When the trial ends on the eastern side, keep going until you reach the cute little downtown of Delaware City.
Great job getting these trails connected.
At 65yrs old, I am rekindling my riding skills. Went in at Glenn Dale Splash Park and rode 5.5 miles up towards Bowie State. Great ride. Maintenance was trimming and mowing and blocked some parts but mostly easy to navigate around. Path is relatively flat with some long inclines and declines. I rode from 10-11 and had good shade in many parts of trail. Enjoyable ride. I'll go back.
Can't say more been riding the YRT trail for years!!
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