Let's Go Biking

Introduction

Looking to explore Maryland by bicycle? This is the guide for you!

Biking is great for our health, our communities, and our environment. Biking helps support cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and lower feelings of stress. Biking also helps foster a sense of connection and belonging with fellow cyclists and travelers, strengthening our community ties with each other. Finally, biking helps you connect with the natural environment around you, whether that’s tree-lined streets, sweeping paths along the river, or sweet forested singletrack. Plus, choosing to commute by bicycle helps us reduce the environmental impact of cars and other congested traffic.

Just as a carpenter chooses different tools for different jobs, cyclists choose different bikes for different kinds of riding. This guide will help you understand the options so you can find the bike that’s right for you. We will focus on two distinct styles of biking. The first kind includes riding on paved or pavement-like surfaces, like commuting through an urban environment or riding recreational park paths. The second, mountain biking, involves riding on dirt or natural surface trails. Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport and a great opportunity to explore thousands of miles of trail in the state of Maryland.

The State of Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” for its vast range of landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. From mountains to shores to urban city centers, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation works to expand public access to nature and strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation economy.

We define outdoor recreation as “activities done in nature or outdoor settings (including both active and passive experiences) that support health, enjoyment, and connection with the natural world.” Spending time outdoors also benefits our communities and our economy. That’s why it’s important to recreate responsibly! This series is designed to share beginner tips, insider knowledge, and useful resources as you journey outdoors with the goal of transforming all Marylanders into stewards, or caretakers, of our shared lands and waters.

Biking Basics

In order to go biking, you need a bike! Every bike looks a little bit different. There are dozens of different sizes, designs, styles, and makes of bikes. Qualified professionals can help you make the best decision about what kind of bike is right for you. Here are some basic parts and common features of a bicycle:

Wheels: The wheels are the foundation of your ride. They have several components, including the hub, spokes, rim, tire, and tube. The hub connects the center of the wheel to the bike’s frame or fork. The spokes connect the hub to the rim of the wheel.
Important information like the tire’s size and recommended air pressure is printed on the side of most tires. This is useful for when you need to change a flat tire or replace the tire’s air-filled inner tube. Smooth, slick tires have low resistance for road bikers, whereas thick, knobbly tires with deep treads help provide traction in off-road environments.
Valves: There are two common types of valves used to inflate or pump air into your tires: the Schrader valve, like the valve on a car, and the specialized Presta valve. Many modern pumps can be adjusted to fit either type of valve.
Brakes: Brakes are critical for control and safety. They help you slow down and stop quickly when needed. There are two main brake types: rim brakes, where the brake pads apply pressure to the wheel’s rim, or disc brakes, where the brake pads squeeze a disc in the center of the wheel called the rotor.
Frame: The frame is the backbone of the bike. Frames may be made of steel, carbon fiber, or aluminum. The frame’s shape can change depending on your riding style. Many bikers attach water bottle cages or other accessories to the frames of their bike for easy access.
Saddle / Seat: The place where you sit on the bike. The saddle height, angle, shape, and size are highly customizable to suit your needs. Sometimes it takes lots of experimenting with the saddle position to find one that is comfortable for your ride.
Cockpit: The handlebars are the main part of the cockpit, whose primary role is steering and control. You rest your hands on the grips. This is also where you will find the gear shifters and brake levers. Flat bars are common on mountain and hybrid bikes, whereas drop bars on road bikes are designed for speed and flexibility. You can also attach accessories like bells, phone holders, and lights to the handlebars. Other cockpit components include the stem that connects the handlebars to the frame and the fork that connects the frame to the front wheel of the bike.
Drivetrain: The drivetrain is the powerhouse engine system of your bike, which converts your pedaling into forward motion. It’s made up of the chain, cassette, derailleurs, crank, and pedals, your foot’s point of contact with the bike.

Gear Needed for a Bike Ride

Now that you’re familiar with the bike, the most important piece of equipment needed to go cycling, there are a few other accessories and pieces of equipment you’ll want to take with you on every ride. Biking can be a highly technical sport, so you might see endless lists of gear recommendations. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most important basics:

Helmet: A helmet should be sold with every bike. It’s an essential piece of safety gear. Choose a helmet that is light, well-ventilated, and properly fitted. The helmet should fit snugly on your head about two finger widths above your eyebrows. The strap should make a “Y” around your ear. Replace your helmet after ANY crash or every 3–5 years. Your safety is paramount.
Lights: White headlights (front) and red taillights (rear) are critical. They don’t just help you see; they also make sure cars and other motorists can see you, even in daylight. LED lights are the predominant light source used in bike lights because of their energy efficiency and durability.
Water: Staying hydrated is key! Always take water even for short rides. You can install a water bottle cage on your bike for easy access, or invest in a backpack-style hydration pack. Sports drinks or electrolytes are another hydration option for longer, more intense rides.
Bike Pump: Pay careful attention to your ideal tire pressures and check them before each ride. Different conditions can demand different tire pressures. Consider keeping one heavy duty bike pump at home and another mobile bike pump in your emergency kit.
Emergency Flat Kit: Flats happen, but they don’t have to ruin your ride. In your emergency kit, you may want a multitool, tire patch kit or plug, spare inner tubes, a hand pump, or CO2 cartridges for tire inflation. These small tools can be kept in a saddle bag with your bike at all times. A good first aid kit with emergency contact information is also key for emergency preparedness.
Bike Lock: Security shouldn’t be taken lightly. A good lock protects your ride from theft. If you are driving to a trail or meetup location, you may also want a bike rack with a lock to transport your bike securely.
Bell: Bells are helpful for alerting pedestrians and other cyclists of your presence on shared paths and trails. If you don’t have a bell, be sure to greet other trail users or say “on your left!” to avoid taking them by surprise when you pass them.
Biking Apparel or Riding Clothes: Most types of athletic wear are also suitable for biking, though there are endless amounts of specialized biking apparel. Some basic investments include bicycle shorts, moisture-wicking shirts with pockets, gloves, and special biking shoes. The wind can be much more intense on a bike ride, so consider dressing in layers. Avoid long or flowy material that might get caught up in your pedals or chain. You may also want to pack a chamois anti-chafe cream with you or wear it under your clothes to keep your ride smooth and comfortable.
Sun Protection: Protect your eyes from the wind and sun with a good pair of sunglasses. Protect your skin with UV-protective clothing or sunscreen.
Snacks: Prepare well for your ride and extra snacks for long distances to keep you going. Managing your nutrition also helps prevent “bonking,” when the body’s glycogen stores have been depleted (an extreme form of low blood sugar) because of intense exercise. To avoid hitting this wall, refuel properly before, during, and after your ride!

Business Directory

Do you want to take a beginner biking skills course? Schedule a maintenance tune up? Upgrade your biking accessories? Rent a bike to try out for the afternoon? Join an organized ride in your community? Check out the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Business Directory. This virtual map features hundreds of businesses across the state, including bicycle shops, outfitters, adventure leaders, and advocacy groups. Use the biking (e-bicycling, mountain, or traditional biking) recreation filters to explore businesses near you.

Essential Bike Skills

There are dozens of bike shops and local organizations in Maryland who offer basic maintenance and repair classes, skill clinics for new riders, and organized rides to build your biking community. If you’re striking out on your own, here are some of the essential biking skills you’ll want to practice:

Understand YOUR Bike: This guide just barely scratches the surface of the bike world. You should understand the equipment you’re riding with. Get the feel of your brakes. Test your handlebars and steering system. Lubricate your chain. Does the saddle feel like the right height and shape? Do you know if you have a Schrader or a Presta valve? Your bike is your friend, so take some time to get to know it well.
ABC Quick Check: Before every ride, take a minute to make sure your bike is still in good working order:
- A is for AIR: Check your tire pressure with a squeeze test/pinch. Do the tires feel squishy or firm? Double check with an air pressure gauge. Tires should be properly inflated to the recommended range. Also ensure that your tires are not otherwise worn out or damaged.
- B is for BRAKES: Check to make sure your front and rear brakes are both working correctly. Squeeze both brake levers with your hands, then pull the bike back and push the bike forwards, making sure the wheels don’t move. If the brake pads are wearing down or something doesn’t feel right, have a professional check out your bike.
- C is for CRANKS, CHAINS, and COGS: Make sure your chain is free of debris or rust and runs smoothly with plenty of lubrication. Spin the pedals backwards and see if the chain feeds smoothly through the pulleys, checking for stiff or broken chain links that might need fixing.
- QUICK: If you have any quick release functions on your wheels or seat post, check to make sure they’re tight and closed properly.
- CHECK: Check over the bike as a whole to make sure nothing is loose or rattling. Ride out slowly and make sure that your bicycle is working properly before you get too far out.
Basic Maintenance: To keep your bike in good working order, understand basic bike maintenance skills. Make sure you have the right basic tools, like an Allen wrench set, multitool, degreasers, tire levers, rags, and brushes. Keep your bike clean and the chains lubed up. Know how to check your tire pressure and change a tire or fix a flat. Inspect the brakes. Attending a bicycle maintenance class is a great way to learn how to fix your bike.
Learn the Rules of the Road: If you are riding in the street as a commuter or riding to and from a trail using surface streets, bike safety on the road is one of the most crucial skills you can learn. Bicycles are considered vehicles on Maryland’s roadways, just like cars or trucks. The road is a shared space and cyclists have the same responsibilities as other motorists.
Ride in a straight line, single file, in the same direction as traffic. Bikers should use bike lanes whenever available. Avoid endangering pedestrians on busy sidewalks. If no bike lane is available, ride in the rightmost part of the lane. If the road is narrow, take the lane; position yourself in the middle so you are clearly visible.
Develop a sense of road awareness. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Anticipate what drivers or pedestrians will do next. Watch for turning vehicles. Ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Use hand signals and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
Many bicycle advocacy groups have dedicated bicycle safety resources. For example, the League of American Bicyclists offers a comprehensive “Smart Cycling” education program for new riders and motorists (bikeleague.org/ridesmart (opens in new window)). The Maryland Department of Transportation also has a comprehensive pedestrian and bicyclist safety program to work towards safer streets in Maryland.

Local Biking Advocacy Groups

If you’re new to biking, it can feel intimidating. Mountain biking can be an especially complex sport to get into. Luckily, there are many advocacy groups in Maryland who are committed to building the biking community, maintaining excellent trail networks, and welcoming new bikers of all kinds! Here are a few partners who help make Maryland a great place to bike:

Bike Maryland

Bike Maryland‘s mission is to promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for bicyclists in Maryland. Its policy and awareness campaigns aim to protect the rights and well-being of bicyclists in order to make bicycling a safe form of transportation and a fun recreational opportunity for all.

International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA)

The IMBA is an international group that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. It focuses on trail planning, funding, building, and stewardship through local community partners across the country. Local Maryland chapters include the Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers (SMMB) and Eastern Shore IMBA (ESIMBA). These chapters organize group rides and volunteer trail maintenance days.

Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, Inc. (MORE)

MORE is the leading mountain biking and trail advocacy organization in the DMV. In addition to building and maintaining a wide network of natural surface trails, MORE partners with land managers to keep trails sustainable, hosts rides for youths and adults, and organizes events that bring people together on two wheels. Join MORE for beginner-friendly biking clinics, organized rides, and other community events. MORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and chapter of the IMBA.

Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL)

MICL, a regional league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), was organized in 2017 to provide a fun, safe, and high-quality mountain biking program for Maryland students in grades 6 to 12. Regardless of ability level, MICL is committed to providing a positive experience for all student-athletes in accordance with NICA’s Five Core Principles: fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community. Website: www.marylandmtb.org (opens in new window)

Muddy Pedals

Muddy Pedals, founded in 2013, is a female-owned and operated company which empowers the women’s mountain biking community. They offer beginner and intermediate rides, group classes, and one-on-one instruction, as well as bike maintenance. Muddy Pedals also runs Mini Pedals mountain bike programs for kids.

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park (FPVSP)

The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park are committed to supporting visitors with special needs and ensuring that everyone can enjoy all that PVSP has to offer. The FPVSP offers adaptive mountain cycling events in the McKeldin Area of the park, which features a well-maintained adaptive trail network. If you’d like to give back to the park, consider joining one of the Patapsco trail work days to help remove invasive species and maintain the trails for everyone.

Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks is another great resource for biking in Maryland. Their Roots to Rocks program aims to increase access to mountain biking through safe and fun mountain biking opportunities, including Learn to Ride clinics, group mountain bike rides, and skills clinics for youth and seniors 55+. They also have a dedicated Program Access Team which provides opportunities for participants with disabilities to experience the thrill of adaptive mountain biking.

There are many local bicycle clubs and community organizations that promote safe community biking across Maryland. From Bike HoCo to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association to the C3 Chesapeake Cycling Club to your local bike shop, the biking community can grow anywhere. Check out the Maryland Outdoor Business Directory to locate a biking club or shop near you.

Where to Bike: Paved Trails

As vehicles on Maryland’s roadways, there are many places bicycles can go. If you’d like to take a break from commuting or get out into nature, here are some recommendations for paved trails across the state. These shared, multi-use trails welcome cyclists, hikers, joggers, and potentially even skaters or equestrians, so be sure to share the trail!

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

Location: Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC

The C&O Canal Towpath is a dirt and stone path that runs 184.5 miles along the C&O Canal, where millions of visitors walk, run, or bike the distance between Georgetown, D.C. and Cumberland, MD. It was originally built for mules to walk beside the canal as they “towed” boats through the waterway. There are many entrance points along the length of the canal and multiple visitor centers spread across the eastern, central, and western regions of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The C&O Canal Towpath also connects directly with the Great Allegheny Passage in Cumberland, creating a continuous 333-mile route between Pittsburgh, PA and DC.

Gwynns Falls Trail

Location: Baltimore City

Gwynns Falls Trail is a 22-mile continuous corridor of hiking and bicycling trails in Baltimore. It’s named for the Gwynns Falls, whose course it follows, and the surrounding Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. It connects dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods with parks, historical and cultural landmarks, and the urban business district. The trail has a number of smaller branches, including the Middle Branch Trail, which is part of the East Coast Greenway. This trail is managed by the City of Baltimore.

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

Location: Gunpowder Falls State Park (Baltimore County)

Named for the third Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Torrey C. Brown (TCB) Rail Trail follows 19.7 miles of the former Northern Central Railway (NCR) in northern Baltimore County. Hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and horseback riders are all welcome. It allows for flat travel on the crushed-stone surface, has multiple access points, and an abundance of trees that provide shade on hot summer days. This trail is managed by the Maryland Park Service with Gunpowder Falls State Park.

B&A Trail (Baltimore and Annapolis Trail)

Location: Glen Burnie to Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

The B&A Trail is a 13.3-mile paved trail following the route of the former Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad. It is a popular destination for walking, running, and biking for all ages and abilities. The Earleigh Heights Ranger Station is located in Severna Park with parking available on the premises. This trail is managed by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.

Western Maryland Rail Trail

Location: Washington County

The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) is about 28 miles long and parallels the C&O Canal Towpath for its entire length. The easy grade and paved surface is suited to anyone seeking a pleasant, leisurely outdoor experience, including walking, running, biking, and inline skating. This trail is managed by the Maryland Park Service with Fort Frederick State Park.

Cross Island Trail

Location: Kent Island (Queen Anne’s County)

This tree-lined trail is 6.5 miles long, spanning from Terrapin Park to the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center at Kent Narrows. The trail wanders through farmlands, meadows, and woods accented with ornamental trees. Parking is available at the Terrapin Nature Park, Old Love Point Park, Castle Marina Road, and visitor center. This trail is managed by the Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Indian Head Rail Trail

Location: Southern Maryland (Charles County)

This abandoned railroad corridor has been converted into a 13-mile bike trail connecting the Town of Indian Head to Route 301 in White Plains. Cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts can experience the surrounding mature forest and occasional farmland as the trail passes through the scenic Mattawoman Creek stream valley.

BWI Hiker-Biker Trail

Location: Baltimore Washington International Airport (Anne Arundel County)

The BWI Trail (Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area) circles BWI Airport for an additional 12 miles of paved trail. It snakes around the entire airport and is a great place to get outside and stretch your legs. There is a bike rack located just outside the international terminal. Most of the trail is a paved asphalt surface with some wooden boardwalks in environmentally sensitive areas.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are built tough to handle off-road trails and unpaved terrain like dirt and forest trails, rocky paths, and other obstacles, compared to typical road bikes that prioritize speed and efficiency on smooth pavement. You don’t need a real mountain; there are many natural surface mountain biking trails across the state! Mountain biking is a great step up from regular cycling for those who want a fun outlet for exercise, adventure, and time out on Maryland’s trails.

Key Features of Mountain Bikes

Thick mountain biking tires with deep, knobby tread provide traction on trails.
Mountain bike frames are built with heavier, more durable materials and more complex shapes.
Flat, upright handlebars are standard to provide maximum stability, leverage, and control.
Suspension systems in the fork and rear help keep the bike under control by absorbing some impacts from the terrain.

The proper fit and size of your bike is important in mountain biking, which relies heavily on proper balance, body positioning, and careful maneuvering around obstacles. Mountain biking is also more rugged than road biking, so it requires specialized equipment:

Specialized Equipment

Eye Protection: Sunglasses or goggles shield your eyes from debris.
Body Armor: Knee pads, elbow pads, and shin guards help provide padding and coverage from the elements. Helmets may have longer sides or more robust coverage in case of a crash. Gloves with full fingers or weatherproof materials help protect your hands.
First Aid Kits: Should be carried at all times while venturing outdoors. Consider adding insect repellent to your kit.
Navigation & Safety Tools: Maps, compasses, and emergency whistles. Understand the trails you’re riding on and bring a backup map in case of poor cell reception.

Mountain Biking Essential Skills

Mountain biking is a full-body, high intensity workout that can be physically and technically demanding. The outdoors can be unpredictable. If you’re a beginner, we recommend joining a basic mountain biking skills clinic or beginner-friendly guided trail ride to practice essential skills in a safe environment. Here are some of the top skills to practice before you hit the more technical trails:

Positioning: Neutral position and ready/attack position are the two primary ways to position your body on the bike. Practice switching positions and adjusting your hips, chest, and limbs.
Picking a Line: The line is the chosen path or route a rider takes through a section of trail. Practice scanning ahead for hazards and focusing on where you want to go.
Braking: Practice feathering or modulating your brakes to decelerate slowly and control your speed. Know when to use your front brake, rear brake, or both. Get a feel for when to brake around obstacles.
Shifting: Most trails have elevation changes that require shifting to maintain efficiency and keep your bike’s drivetrain in good working order. Shift gears often and early while pedaling to build up your muscle memory.
Falling Safely: Be prepared to fall off your mountain bike. Everyone falls eventually! When falling, try to keep your arms in. Check yourself for injuries first, then check your bike for parts that may need readjustment. Basic bike maintenance is also good to know.
Technical Skills: Practice cornering, balancing, hopping obstacles, and adapting to sudden terrain changes on beginner trails or skills parks to build your confidence.
Navigating Trail Systems: Knowing how to follow trail markings or blazes and how to stay safe out in nature is a challenge of its own. Look up trail previews, trail maps, or hike the trail to get familiar with what you might encounter.

Understanding Trails

Knowing the vocabulary, jargon, and lingo of mountain biking can help you communicate more effectively with fellow bikers and better understand the trails for the smoothest riding experience. Here are a few examples of terms used to describe mountain biking trails:

Singletrack: A narrow trail wide enough for only one bike at a time, often winding through forested or rugged terrain.
Berm: A banked corner of dirt that allows riders to maintain speed and turn smoothly through corners.
Bunny Hop: A crucial mountain biking skill of manually lifting both wheels off the ground to hop over trail obstacles.
Chute: A short, steep section of trail.
Drop: A trail feature like a ledge of rock where the rider will launch their bike off a height and land on a lower surface.
Flow: The sensation of riding down the trail and creating a good rhythm. It can also refer to a type of trail with many berms, rollers, and smooth jumps designed to build flow.
Rollers: A big bump or hill in the trail that you can use to pump or create momentum through the trail without pedaling.
Off-Camber: Advanced trail features where the trail slopes away.
Rock Garden: A section of the trail with many rocks or boulders.

Where to Bike: Mountain Biking

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains more than 1,100 miles of trails open to the public. Many of these trails are multi-use paths open to bicycles unless otherwise indicated at the trailhead or on the park website. If you’re a beginner or visitor looking for the best place to practice mountain biking in Maryland, our DNR trail gurus recommend checking out some of the following:

Margraff Trail System

Location: Savage River State Forest, Accident Area (Garrett County)

The Margraff Plantation Trail System offers six miles of newly constructed trails – a 1.4-mile beginner trail, a 1.4-mile intermediate trail, a 1.2-mile advanced trail, and a 2-mile intermediate-level adaptive trail. The interconnected trail system gives both riders and hikers the chance to try out varied terrain and progress in skills and challenges. There are no bathroom facilities at the trail.

Contact Information: Savage River State Forest Headquarters, 301-895-5759

Bear Ridge Trail Area

Location: Rocky Gap State Park (Allegany County)

Spanning a total of 4 new miles of trail, the Bear Ridge Trail Area features two interconnecting loop trails. The red-blazed loop is the easiest option available in the park, while the blue-blazed trail is a more moderate challenge. Both trails were designed for adaptive mountain biking with a wider trail and more predictable slopes. They are a getaway for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners of all levels. Day-use reservations are required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day unless you bike into the park.

Contact Information: 301-722-1480 | [email protected]

Schaeffer Farm Trail System

Location: Seneca Creek State Park (Montgomery County)

Schaeffer Farm was one of the first mountain bike trail systems developed and maintained by MORE. The trails are configured in a series of loops that can be enjoyed in as few as 4 miles or a trail loop stretching 60 miles or more. The 3.3-mile White Loop, a flowing, rolling singletrack through forest and along farm field edges, is the gateway trail to the rest of the Schaeffer Farm area trails. In the late fall and early winter, check to make sure the area is not closed for hunting.

Contact Information: 301-924-2127 | [email protected]

McKeldin Area Trails

Location: Patapsco Valley State Park (Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, and Anne Arundel Counties)

The McKeldin Area of Patapsco is best known for its rolling, wooded terrain, smooth singletrack, river crossings, and great riding. McKeldin is suitable for beginner to intermediate riders looking to hone their skills on hilly singletrack or pedal peacefully along the scenic Patapsco River. The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park (FPVSP) helps build and maintain trails in this area as part of their adaptive mountain biking programming. Other areas of Patapsco Valley are a regional favorite for experienced mountain bikers, featuring severe terrain and challenging trails.

Contact Information: 410-461-5005 | [email protected]

Bacon Ridge Bike Park and Trail System

Location: Bacon Ridge Natural Area (Anne Arundel County)

Bacon Ridge features more than 20 miles of natural surface mountain biking singletrack built and maintained by MORE. The Bacon Ridge Bike Park, accessible from the Severn Chapel parking area, is a great place to practice mountain biking skills. This trail network, together with Annapolis Waterworks, earned Annapolis a spot in the inaugural 2026 IMBA Trail Town Class.

Contact Information: Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, 410-222-2844

Southern Maryland Recreational Complex

Location: Rosaryville State Park and Cedarville State Forest (Prince George’s County)

Rosaryville State Park has a two-way trail system that consists of the 9.75-mile Perimeter Trail loop and a tighter 2.4-mile Tilly Trail loop that offers more technical trail features. It is a popular destination for beginner and advanced riders, as well as hikers and equestrians. Cedarville State Forest is located at the headwaters of Maryland’s largest freshwater swamp. There are more than 19 miles of shared-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrians. The popular 7-mile Orange Trail loop is relatively flat, mostly single track with an easy rating.

Contact Information: Park Headquarters, 301-888-1410

Tuckahoe State Park

Location: Tuckahoe State Park (Caroline and Queen Anne’s County)

Tuckahoe State Park is an option for beginners or those looking for a leisurely cruise on the Eastern Shore. It has sandy, weaving trails with punch climbs and exposed roots. The trails in the heart of the forest are clearly marked and have multiple trailheads for parking. There is also an equestrian center at Tuckahoe, so be sure to share the trail if you encounter any horseback riders.

Contact Information: 410-820-1668 | [email protected]

Discovering Mountain Bike Trails Near You

Bikes are allowed on most trails on Maryland state lands unless otherwise indicated. Ask a land manager if you have questions about bike access on certain trails. TrailForks is a popular community forum for mountain bikers to discover new local trails. If you’re going out mountain biking for the first time, consider riding with a group, taking a class, or finding a uniform, high-quality trail to make sure you have a good experience.

Bike Sustainably

When spending time outdoors, it’s important to respect the wildlife, nature, and other trail users around you. Biking is already a sustainable choice; here are some other things to consider about riding with care in Maryland!

Pre-Owned Gear

If you’re looking for a way to ride more sustainably (or save some money), consider sourcing your biking gear secondhand. Local bike shops and online marketplaces help extend the life of quality gear by inspecting or refurbishing gently used bikes, parts, apparel, or other accessories. Buying secondhand helps keep gear materials like rubber, plastic, metal, and fabric out of landfills. If you have gently used bikes or apparel you don’t use anymore, consider donating them to a community partner or finding a shop who can recycle old things. The secondhand market is a great avenue for building relationships with your local biking community!

Sustainable Bike Tourism

Bicycle tourism is a fast growing segment of the outdoor recreation world. Exploring new destinations by bicycle is a highly sustainable and immersive way to travel. Many businesses along well-traveled bike routes like the C&O Canal welcome cyclists, who have the power to stimulate local economies in small towns and rolling rural areas. Take the time to connect with the landscape, the people, and the culture of the next area you’re visiting by traveling with your bike!

Trail Work Volunteers

Many of the mountain biking trails in Maryland were built and are maintained by dedicated volunteers! Gunpowder United Mountain Bike Operators (GUMBO), for example, works to develop and maintain a trail system at Gunpowder Falls State Park. GUMBO volunteers help restore trails that have been overgrown, eroded, or degraded by clearing downed trees and debris, pulling invasive plants, and rebuilding the trail bed. Volunteer support helps keep trails safe and fun to ride. If you’d like to give back to the trails and lands you ride on, consider joining trail work volunteer days led by your local mountain biking club!

E-bikes on State Lands

Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist up to 20 miles per hour) are allowed on some natural surface trails on state lands.

Share the Trail

“Say Hey, Give Way, Enjoy the Day!” Maryland is committed to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming trail ecosystem for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and other recreationists.

Rules of the Trail

Since 1988, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has offered the Rules of the Trail to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. These rules help mountain bikers expand on the Leave No Trace principles for all outdoor users:

Ride On Open Trails Only: Respect trail and road closures. Ask a land manager if you are unsure about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land or areas where bikes are not permitted due to protected wilderness status or single-use trail restrictions (hiker-only).
Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft and you’re leaving tire tracks in the mud, choose somewhere else to ride. Stay on existing trails and do not create new ones or cut switchbacks. Pack in, pack out and bring all your trash with you.
Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations, anticipate others around blind corners or turns, and ride within your limits.
Yield to Others: Say Hey, Give Way, Enjoy the Day. Announce yourself with a friendly greeting or bell ring to notify other trail users of your presence. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users unless the trail is clearly designated for bike-only travel. Cyclists traveling downhill should yield to those headed uphill. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, sudden movement, or loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders.
Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability, and the area you’re riding in. Prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient by keeping your equipment in good repair. Carry necessary supplies for changes in weather and other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.