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Click on the book marks to bring you to the locations:
Maryland: Patapsco State Park / Gambrill State Park / Rosaryville State Forest / Schaeffer Farms / Arundel High School Florida: Razorback MTB Park
Description: Patapsco Valley State Park offers a wide variety of trails for mountain bikers with an estimated 35 miles of trails open to bikes. You can ride smooth and twisty or open rocky sections. Stream crossings, log rides and some nice root sections are intermingled in some well-used fast single-track and wider trails. Quite a lot of the trails on the Park n Ride (north) side of the park from the Patapsco River are steep with a high degree of technical challenge, especially in the Hilton Area above Bloedes Dam. Most of the Trail on the Landing Road (south) side of the river is rolling with some climbs that are steep by anyoneÕs standards. Notable exceptions are the north side of the Cascade Trail with some short, steep up and down horseshoe trails (up the ridge, along the ridge, back down to the Cascade trail). Many of the logs in Patapsco are well ramped and some are optional with obvious alternatives. There are numerous stream crossings, some deep but few that are challenging. (MORE - Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts) Here is a link for more information on Patapsco and other parks in Maryland, Department of Natural Resources, Maryland. Click here! Direction: There are 3 main entrances into the park. Visitor Center: ($3 per car) From I-95 exit Rolling Road 166/I195 towards BWI airport. Exit Rte 1 South then right onto South St. then a quick left into the park entrance. BWI Park & Ride: Rt.95 to 166 west. Follow 166 until you get to the BWI Park & Ride. Park in the lot, you can see the trail head across the way on 166. You can also park right at the trail head. Landing Rd: Route 1 to Montgomery Rd (left if heading north, right if heading south). Right on Landing Road at the church, Rock burn Branch Park (Howard County) is on your left. Parking is on your right just past Rock burn Branch Park. At the trailhead there are two choices: left to the top of Cascade trail, right to Morning Choice. Description: Gambrills is definately one of the better trail system in the area along with Patapsco and Schaeffer Farms. There are a lot of steep climbs and fast downhills. there are plenty of areas with lots of rock so I would say deffinately bring your full suspension! White Oak Trail - white blaze (1 mile – 1.6 kilometers) This easy trail is open only to hikers (no mountain bikes), and is a good choice for families with small children. Red Maple Trail - red blaze (1.1 mile – 1.8 kilometers) Fairly easy to walk, this trail connects the campground with the rest of the park. One short section of the trail is somewhat steep. The trail is maintained by The Trail House, an outdoor store in Frederick. Green Ash Trail - green blaze (2.0 miles – 3.2 kilometers) True hikers will love this trail. There are several steep slopes and very little level ground, making this trail an adventure. As you hike the trail, imagine what it was like to cross the Appalachian Mountains on foot in the 1700's. The trail is maintained by Wheel Base, a bike shop in Frederick. Black Locust Trail - black blaze (3.3 miles – 5.3 kilometers) This trail is moderately easy to walk. Several steep slopes are mixed with fairly level areas. This trail truly shows the beauty of Gambrill State Park from its wooded slopes to the breathtaking views of both Frederick Valley to the east and Middletown Valley to the west. The trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, West Virginia Chapter. Yellow Poplar Trail - yellow blaze (4.6 miles – 7.4 kilometers) The longest of the Gambrill Trails, this trail is only moderately difficult to walk. Hikers who have several hours can enjoy the beauty of nature. Bringing you up the mountain and out into the far reaches of the park, the trail passes two beautiful stone overlooks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. A rest room is located near the trail in the High Knob area. The trail is maintained by M.O.R.E. (Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts). Catoctin Trail - blue blaze (26.5 miles – 42.4 kilometers) This trail traverses Gambrill State Park for approximately 3.0 miles, and continues north through the Federick City Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain National Park. The trail ends at Mt. Zion Road, 1.3 miles north of Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park. The Appalachian Trail may be reached by traveling west on Mt. Zion Road to Raven Rock Road for two miles. Camping is permitted only at Rock Run Campground (Gambrill State Park), the Manor and Houck Campgrounds (Cunningham Falls State Park), and Owens Creek Campground (Catoctin Mountain Park). If you need to leave a vehicle overnight somewhere, please check with the authorities of that area. The trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Directions: From Washington: Take I-270 north to Frederick, which transitions into U.S. Route 15, and continue to Route 40 west (West Patrick Street). Exit to the I-70 west/Route 40 split, bear right and continue on Route 40. Turn right on Gambrill Park Road and follow one mile to the Rock Run Area entrance on your left to reach the campground. Continue on Gambrill Park Road to reach the trail parking lot and to the top of the mountain to reach the scenic overlooks, pavilions and the Tea Room. From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to Frederick and follow to U.S. Route 15 and then to Route 40 west exit. Follow Route 40 west to Gambrill Park Road on your right as above. Here is a full map of the trail system from the DNR web page.
Description: Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park and the location of the historic Mount Airy Mansion in upper Marlboro, MD. Miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians are available for day use. A great trail system for your hard tail. Mostly cross country with some fast single track and some short climbs from time to time, not nearly as tough as Patapsco though. If you stay on the outskirts of the park it's about a 11.7 mile ride, There are also some connector trails through out the . Once your at the parking lot cross the street and head down the trail. Direction: Washington Beltway (I-95 [east] side) to Rt. 4 South (Pennsylvania Ave.) 2.9 mi. to Woodyard Rd. Exit. Immediate Left at first light at Osborne Rd. Go 2.9 miles to Right at light at Rt. 301 (by Pizza Hut). About 100 yards take a right at Park entrance. Take a Right at park map kiosk to go up hill. Kiosk trail parking lot is first on the right. Fees: $3/vehicle; $4/vehicle out-of-state resident.
Description: Schaeffer Farms is an extremely popular mountain biking and equestrian destination with several excellent single-track loops covering almost 12 miles of rolling terrain. Trails offer something for all levels, but tend toward fast and smooth hard pack single-track, with moderate climbs, and a good number of log and ramped log hops. Some technical sections will require beginners to dismount, but intermediates should find most sections rideable and challenging. Trails can be crowded on weekends, with much lighter use during the weekdays. Directions: MD Route 270 to exit 15B Rt.118 West - Follow for 5 miles - Right onto Richter Farm Road - Take left on 4-way stop on Schaeffer Road - Stay on Schaeffer Road through traffic circle - Shortly after road narrows look for sign to Seneca State Park on the left - Trailhead is at end of parking lot after gate Note: Schaeffer Farms trails are multi-use publicly owned trails. You will encounter equestrians, hikers, runners, and families out for casual walks. Pls follow the rules of the trail and yield to other trail users, stop and ask permission before passing equestrians, and give a friendly greeting to other users. These trails are for everyone to enjoy. Be an ambassador for responsible mountain biking. Unauthorized trail building or the construction of man-made stunts is strictly against the law. If you are interested in working on trails contact our trail liaison and come out for a MORE trail work day. Here is a full map of the trails at Schaefer Farms.
Description: This park is a great beginner course. I road it for the first time this year (2007), I wanted to try something new before I start riding at Patapsco State Park. It has a good mix of single and double track. The trail is great for a hard tail short climbs and short downhill's with some river crossings. Directions: From Rt3. take exit Rt175 West, (just south of Rt32) towards Odenton. The high school will be on your left follow the road towards the back and down the hill. Park at the basketball court and look towards the woods, there are multiple trail heads along the tree line.
Course Description: Intermediate to advanced level riding, located around an old rock quarry, lots of elevation changes with medium to long climbs, mainly hardpack, lots of single track but plenty of room to pass, during rainy conditions 80% of course is fine but some areas can get slick, "grannies revenge" is the toughest section and comes early in the race course, be prepared. Also some newly added climbs after the semi- famous "triple dipper" will challenge even the most skilled riders. Distance approx 10miles. The Kids course is 1.2 mile and is safe for all ages. The "short loop" is 6 miles and consists of fast single track with virtually no elevation changes, we also refer to this trail as the "beginner or warm-up loop". Rider Review: Turtle from Pembrook Pines, Fl... I came up from South Florida to ride Razorback, based on the reviews from this site. I must say, this by far is the best trail that I have ever ridden in Florida. At the entrance, you pay $4 for an entrance fee, plus $2 for an anual "membership" card. This park is on leased land, and is private... The gentleman named Paul at the entrance was one of the nicest fellows I have ever met. He took the time to explain the route to me, and get me psyched up for what lay ahead. There is a little trailor at the entrance where they sell powerbars, snacks and such. The only equipment they carry are a small assortment of tubes. I was very impressed with the staging area, how clean it was, and nicely groomed. The trail head was very easy to find, and well marked. Paul told me to expect about ten plus miles of various terrain, and he also told me to watch the exit. Most people bail out right near the end, where there is a well worn right hand turn into the parking area. If you continue straight, you can eek out another .3 of a mile.... a nice cool down. Ok, here it goes... the first thing I noticed was how smooth the trail was. Being from South Florida, all I have to compare it to is Markham Park, Oleta and Quiet Waters. First and foremost, the lack of "taint-busting" rocks and roots made me grin. Since I ride a hard tail, this was very pleasant. I was able to fly, since the single track is very well groomed hardpack. Lost of fast switchbacks... then came "Granny's revenge". WOW!!! For those of us from South Florida, let me say that this is like 8 miles of "Rattlesnake Ridge" at Markham park. The climbs are steep, very very steep, and they turn on themselves while climbing. The drops are... well, just all out fun. Very steep, and smooth. You point your bike on the line, and just FLY!!! I can actually say that I caught myself smiling very big on the drops. Then the pain begins... every epic drop you encounter punishes you with a quad busting climb out. "Granny's Revenge" was so good, I went back and rode it twice. This trail is around a working phosphate mine, so there are tons of "mountains" to climb, and the crew who build these trails are masters at the craft. After Granny's Revenge, there are some other climbs and fast single track... very fun. Once you hit mile 5, (big sign reminding you), you enter an "advanced section". There is a bail out loop for non-experienced riders... I caution you, if you are not up on your handling skills, skip this... there is a steep climb (I did it twice, cause I didnt make the first time... had to go till I cleaned it) and after the steep climb, you ride a little ridge, that is about 50 feet in the air... steep on both sides of you. Then you see it.. I believe the locals call it "Big Gulch". It is intimidating for sure... very steep, very fast, and as soon as you hit bottom, you have to climb right back out. I had enough momentum that I actually got air coming out of the Gulch and landed on the drop on the other side. Pick your line well as you head down this drop... the next couple of miles are just as great... lots of LONG climbs... (read Jet Ski climb for those of you who ride Markham.. only twice as long). The next remarkable section is the XXX or tripple something or other. It is a few steep climbs and a very nice drop. The ride finishes up with some insanely fast single track to stretch the legs. All in all, I stayed with the "long loop" and got 10.93 miles on my computer before I broke the cable. I rode Granny's Revenge twice, and the Advanced Section (Big Gulch) twice, since it was that incredible. My hat is off to the men and women who maintain this park. NO TRASH at all on the trail, and it flows SO SMOOTHLY. I will be dreaming of this for a while... I cant wait till I get back up here for some more fun. If you live in the area, and ride this trail regularly, I envy you. If you live in Florida and havent ridden this trail, then I highly suggest that you do. If you can make each one of these climbs, then you are THE MAN!!! (or WOMAN)!!! Once again, thanks to the "Goneriding Crew" for a job well done. I will be telling everyone I know about this site... God bless and RIDE ON my brothers and sisters!!! Direction: Take I-75 to exit # 358 WEBSITE: goneriding.com
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