Thinking about going for a bike ride this weekend? The DMV is filled with many biking trails and events that it can be hard to decide where to start. To help narrow it down, we asked our Facebook followers where they would recommend and we got some great ideas.
If you want to know which trails are best for your family, check out our 7 Maryland Bike Trails fit for families. We have something for every level of rider.
Facebook fans favorite weekend bike rides
1. Patuxent Wildlife Refuge
The Patuxent Research Refuge is the only national wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research. The public is free to explore two of the three tracts at the Laurel refuge. The South Tract, which has 5 miles of walking trails, has many family activities, however, bikes are not allowed on those trails. For biking, the North Tract is where you want to head. Although not all the trails are open to bikes, you can find plenty of trails to explore. Some are out and back, but they do connect to create loops.
![](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Patuxent-Wildlife-Refuge-Bike.jpg)
Trail Info
Wild Turkey Way Trail: 3.6 mi
South Road: 1.7 mi
Other trails: Telegraph Trail, Sweetgum Lane, Whip-Poor-Will Way and Kingfisher Road.
Address: 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708
Phone: 301-497-5772
Website: fws.gov
Hours: North Tract: Open Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; South Tract: Open Sunday through Saturday, Closed Federal Holidays, Sunrise to Sunset
Fees: No
2. C&O Canal
The C&O Canal Towpath is a great spot for a scenic, mostly flat family bike ride. The trail starts in Georgetown and follows the Potomac River 184-miles to Cumberland, but there are plenty of sites just outside of Gerogetown to keep kids interested.
At mile 3.1, the towpath meets up with the Capital Crescent Trail at Fletcher’s Boathouse, a historic boathouse run by the National Park Service. Rent a kayak, a rowboat or fishing gear at this scenic cove of the Potomac. For a longer bike ride, continue 14 miles along the towpath to Great Falls, where the views of the falls are spectacular and easily accessible via a boardwalk trail.
![BIke Path CO W](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BIke-Path-CO-W.jpg)
Trail Info
C&O Canal Towpath: 184 miles
Address/ Parking: Georgetown waterfront and at Great Falls National Park (in Maryland.)
Website: nps.gov
Fees: No
3. B&A trail
The B&A Trail is 14-miles long and extends from Jonas Green Park in Annapolis to Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie. There is no admission fee and the trail is open year round from dawn to dusk. The trail’s 10-foot-wide paved surface welcomes bicycles, wagons, in-line skates and strollers. There is only a two-percent grade—no big hills to contend with—so pushing a stroller or pulling a bike trailer with two kids in tow shouldn’t be a problem. It’s also wheelchair accessible.
![](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/b-and-a-trail-1.jpg)
Trail Info
B&A Trail: 14 miles
Address: Parking Lot: 51 W Earleigh Heights Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Phone: 410-222-6244
Website: aacounty.org
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Fees: No
4. Quiet Waters Park
Nestled between the South River and Harness Creek, Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis offers a wide variety of activities. Visitors can walk, jog, or bike on over 6 miles of paved trails winding through hardwood forests and past grassy fields. You can also find playgrounds, picnic areas and a beautiful visitor center here.
![Quiet Waters Park](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/QuietWAtersTrail-1024x768.jpg)
Trail Info
Quiet Waters Trail: 6 miles
Address: 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, Maryland
Phone: 410-222-1777
Website: aacounty.org
Hours: 7 am to Dusk
Fees: Yes
5. Indian Head Rail Trail
This converted railroad corridor makes for a great 13-mile bike trail. Riders can explore forests, natural wetlands and farmlands while traveling halfway across the county. Build originally in 1918 as a supply route, this asphalt trail is open year round and is considered an easy ride.
![](https://wordpress-938214-4066445.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Indian-Head-Rail-Trail-1024x711.jpg)
Trail Info
Indian Head Rail Trail: 13 miles
Address: See website for parking locations along the trail
Phone: 301-932-3470
Website: charlescountymd.gov
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Fees: No