With spring quickly approaching, it’s time to get back to those outdoor activities after being cooped up all winter. How about a good bike ride? Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast or someone who likes a leisurely ride now and again, the state of Maryland has some wonderful trails to offer. Here are a few to choose from.

Seneca Creek State Park

With over 50 miles of trails set along Seneca Creek and Clopper Lake, this state park is ideal for an afternoon of biking. There are three trail systems, and they range in distance from .15 miles to 16.5 miles and in endurance from easy to moderate.  As you bike, you’ll see woodlands, fields, streams, creeks, bluffs, and the lake. Make a stop at the Black Rock Mill for a tour of the partially restored structure and its exhibits, as well as the Seneca Schoolhouse which was built at the end of the Civil War.

St. Mary’s River State Park

St. Mary’s River State Park is home to a range of different habitats such as woodlands, streams, swamps, and a 250-acre lake. There is a 7.5 mile trail loop which surrounds the lake and is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. You may want to bring your fishing pole and binoculars as well, as this park is known for great freshwater fishing and some of the best bird-watching Maryland has to offer.

Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail

Named by National Geographic as one of the “Top Ten Fall Trips in the World,” the Allegheny Passage bike trail spans 159 miles from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. The trail is mostly flat and takes you through quaint small towns all while passing historic tunnels, and bridges. This trail is perfect for the leisurely day tripper as well as those that really want to put some miles in. Since it is a rail trail, take advantage and bring you and your bike on Amtrak to reach the trail head and start your adventure. There are many biking outfitters in the area that will be happy to help you plan your trek, as well as many sites to be seen along the path (or slightly off the path).

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Established in 1959, Gunpowder Falls State Park is one of Maryland’s largest state parks and covers over 18,000 acres. The topography varies from woodlands to tidal wetlands to its namesake, the Gunpowder River and Gunpowder big and little falls. The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is 21 miles and follows the old Northern Central Railway line to the border of Pennsylvania.  Also ideal for hikers and bikers, the central area of the state park is the oldest area and is home to the falls and the Jerusalem Mill Historic Village.

Jefferson Patterson Park

Home to the Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory and Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park has a series of five trails for bike enthusiasts. The Point Trail has two loops, one at 1.7 miles and the other, shorter one at .9 mile. The longer loop takes you on the river’s edge and passes the Smith’s St. Leonard site and the Patterson Estate. The Riverside trail goes along the river and spans one mile. The War of 1812 Trail is a historical trail starting at the Visitor Center and includes the mouth of St. Leonard Creek as well as the site of the 1812 Battle of St. Leonard Creek. The Woodland Trail is 0.6 miles of flora and fauna native to the area and lastly, the Village Trail which is ADA accessible and includes an Indian Village.

 

Here is to enjoying the spring months to come on some of the amazing trails of Maryland. What are your favorite Maryland biking spots?