Best Mountain Biking in Maryland

Trying to find the best mountain biking in Maryland? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

West Virginia, Jefferson County

03 :27 hrs
6.5 mi
62.382416 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath is a historic trail running 184.5 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, DC . It is relatively flat and is made of crushed stone and clay. This small section of the towpath begins in Harper's Ferry. The park represents over 1,000 years of history, including the arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown's attack on slavery, and the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War. As the trail travels to Brunswick MD, it is very scenic and offers many wildlife encounters. A parking fee is required in Harper's Ferry.

2

West Virginia, Pendleton County

05 :09 hrs
23.2 mi
811.30896 ft
Expert

Located in Monongahela National Forest, this trail is considered one of the best mountain bike trails in West Virginia. the trail starts in thick forest cover with a few short ascents and moderate downhill sections. As the trial progresses, there are some difficult short steep uphill sections as well as a couple hike-a-bike sections. The ridge line has interesting rock formations and features amazing views of the valley below. There are few narrow places along the trail that involve careful maneuvering. As the trail descends there are small berms on some of the turns as well as a few switchbacks. The trail is well marked and is in good shape. It is typically tackled using a shuttle and starts from the South end traveling to the north end.

3

West Virginia, Tucker County

03 :52 hrs
14.8 mi
163.80096 ft
Expert

This loop offers the best riding of the Canaan Valley Institute, with the famous Moon Rocks section, and amazing 360° views on top of Hoodoo Rocks. The beginning of the trail travels through meadows and forest with some rocky sections as well as a stream crossing. Trials Road trail can be very muddy, even in dry weather the mud bogs can be an issue. Along the loop there are many downhill and uphill sections which can get quite technical and steep. Moon rocks are a cratered ridge forming a plateau that offer a challenging ride. The trail ends south of Davis on highway 32, travel the main road back to the parking lot.

4

Maryland, Montgomery County

11 :30 hrs
42.6 mi
38.822243 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C & O Canal, operated from 1831 until 1924 and runs parallel to the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland. The total length of the canal is about 184 miles and has an elevation change of 605 feet that is accommodated by 74 canal locks. There were over 150 culverts and 11 aqueducts for the crossing of streams. The canal way is now maintained as a park that is overflowing with history. The trail is wide, flat, and made up of hard-packed dirt. Along with stunning river, forest, and mountain views throughout, this section of the towpath passes Harpers Ferry at the confluence of Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, a great place to visit.

5

Maryland, Allegany County

16 :15 hrs
60.1 mi
63.470314 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C & O Canal, operated from 1831 until 1924 and runs parallel to the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland. The total length of the canal is about 184 miles and has an elevation change of 605 feet that is accommodated by 74 canal locks. There were over 150 culverts and 11 aqueducts for the crossing of streams. The canal way is now maintained as a park that is overflowing with history. The trail is wide, flat, and made up of hard-packed dirt. Along with stunning river, forest, and mountain views throughout, this section of the towpath passes through a particularly isolated landscape, runs through the Paw Paw Tunnel, past many farm fields, and ends in Cumberland after passing a large rail yard.

6

Maryland, Washington County

10 :52 hrs
40.3 mi
28.165459 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C & O Canal, operated from 1831 until 1924 and runs parallel to the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland. The total length of the canal is about 184 miles and has an elevation change of 605 feet that is accommodated by 74 canal locks. There were over 150 culverts and 11 aqueducts for the crossing of streams. The canal way is now maintained as a park that is overflowing with history. The trail is wide, flat, and made up of hard-packed dirt. Along with stunning river, forest, and mountain views throughout, this section of the towpath passes open farm fields two dams, and a pond known as Big Pool.

7

Maryland, Frederick County

02 :35 hrs
10.2 mi
205.58014 ft
Expert

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains and its most popular feature is the network of trails. The Blue Trail is a challenging and demanding ride that is very popular and sought out for its beauty and difficulty. The trail is rocky singletrack running through dense woods and over mountainous terrain. There are some strenuous climbs involved as well. You will reach the top of High Knob where there are three stone overlooks with breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.

8

Maryland, Brookmont

10 :02 hrs
37.1 mi
54.41784 ft
Easy

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, abbreviated as the C & O Canal, operated from 1831 until 1924 and runs parallel to the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Cumberland. The total length of the canal is about 184 miles and has an elevation change of 605 feet that is accommodated by 74 canal locks. There were over 150 culverts and 11 aqueducts for the crossing of streams. The canal way is now maintained as a park that is overflowing with history. The trail is wide, flat, and made up of hard-packed dirt. Along with stunning river, forest, and mountain views throughout, this section of the towpath passes through Great Falls Park with a majestic waterfall. There are many parking areas, usually every few miles, allowing you to shorten or lengthen your ride.

9

Maryland, Harford County

01 :19 hrs
5.1 mi
86.54703 ft
Hard

This challenging ride meanders through the Susquehanna State Park, taking you through a very diverse area including both heavy forest cover and open fields. Along with the natural diversity, this trail offers a glimpse into the past with several historic landmarks including the only working gristmill in Harford and Cecil Counties. This park is home to man bike races and the trails are designed to give a bit of a challenge. Following a singletrack trail, you will make a few challenging climbs and a couple steep descents. There is beautiful scenery through these rolling hills and thick forest surrounding you on the trail, then as you near the river you will have gorgeous views over the water.

10

Maryland, Frederick County

01 :23 hrs
5.5 mi
154.48193 ft
Hard

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains and its most popular feature is the network of trails. The Yellow Trail is a challenging and demanding ride. The trail is rocky singletrack running through dense woods and over mountainous terrain. There are some strenuous climbs involved as well. You will reach the top of High Knob where there are three stone overlooks with breathtaking views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys.

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