Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and as more people are opting to ride their bikes on dirt – an increase in trail access is occurring. Maryland has one of the most diverse riding areas on the east coast, the state has everything from beginner flat trails, to black diamond rocky downhill runs. Whatever your skill level, you can find something near Baltimore to challenge your riding capabilities!
Patapsco Valley State Park
One of the most popular areas in Maryland – and for good reason! This is home to Maryland’s largest riding areas, and the closest portion is less than 20 minutes from Baltimore City! With over 100 trials Patapsco Valley has a ton of fast and flowing intermediate trails, beginner trails to get your feet wet, and a few scattered technical sections to challenge your riding. Right next to Patapsco’s Avalon area near Baltimore, is home to Rockburn Branch Skills Park. This area houses some of the best dirt jumps in Maryland with technical and flowy riding features to help you hone your skills over and over again. Patapsco and Rockburn are a must when riding in Maryland!
Little Gunpowder Falls State Park
Located Northeast from Baltimore City is a mini-patapsco region which houses some great riding of its own. With over 75 trails to pick from you have mostly intermediate and beginner trails, with a few advanced sections sprinkled in. This is a great trail system to help progress you in increment ways so that you can take on some of the more challenging areas in Maryland. We recommend if you are traveling to or from Pennsylvania, stop by this trail system and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the water as you ride by!
Frederick Watershed
Known as the most technical riding area in Maryland, this trail system is a fantastic way to push your boundaries in more ways than one. Located in Frederick, MD – Rocks, jumps, drops, steep terrain, long climbs, you name it, and the watershed has it! About an hour west of Baltimore, this is our top recommendation for anyone who is looking for an adrenaline rush, and some world-class riding opportunities. However, advanced riding skills are recommended and be aware that this trail system is not marked consistently compared to others in the area – find a local to show you around. Just south of the Frederick Watershed is Gambrill State Park, housing more of the same style of trails as the watershed – but this trail system is marked very well – start here if you are new to the area.
South of Baltimore
There are two up and coming trail systems just south of Baltimore that we recommend: Annapolis Waterworks and Bacon Ridge. With plenty of trails to choose from – these two trail systems are on the rise for all riding skill levels. Tight singletrack trails that are extremely well built will help you progress your skills and your fitness! These trail systems are a must-ride if you are heading down towards Annapolis. Less than 40 minutes from Baltimore City!
Montgomery County Trails
Montgomery County, Maryland has a vast network of trail system to put in long days on the saddle. Most of the trails are beginner and intermediate in nature with tight singletrack trails that are fast and flowing. Schaeffer Farms is a fantastic, well marked riding area for all skill levels to have fun. Right by the trailhead is the Germantown Bike Park which houses technical riding features, drop progressions, and an incredible pump track with dirt jump lines! Surrounding this center of trails are several more offerings such as: Hoyles Mill, Little Bennett Regional Park, Black Hills Regional Park, Seneca Creek State Park, and much more! There are even opportunities to loop 40, 50, and even 70 mile rides in one loop of mostly singletrack!
Get the most out of your adventures by visiting FXPT!
As you can see, Maryland has an incredible variety of options for every style of mountain biker. Choose what area suits your travel plans, riding style, or skill level and you will have plenty of options to choose from! Maryland is also home to FX Physical Therapy and we are nearby many of the trail centers listed above. We offer bike fittings, mountain bike performance programs, and injury recovery for any need you may have!
