Paved or Gravel Urban/Suburban Trails
Mount Vernon Trail: 18 Miles – Paved
Very scenic trail that runs along the Potomac River to George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon. Recommended ride for visitors.
Washington & Old Dominion Trail: 45 Miles – Paved
The W&OD (pronounced “wad”) is probably the best all around trail in the area. This is a rail trail between Shirlington and Purcellville, VA.
The Custis Trail: 4 Miles – Paved
The Custis Trail runs parallel to I-66 through Arlington, VA. It connects the W&OD trail with downtown Washington DC.
Capital Crescent Trail: 13 Miles – Paved/Crushed Stone
The very popular CCT is another great rail trail project. The paved section runs from Georgetown to Downtown Bethesda. The remain section has a crushed limestone surface.
Chesapeake & Ohio Towpath: 184 Miles – Natural Surface One of the nicest trails in the area, it runs from Washington DC all the way to Cumberland, MD. Watch for future extension to Pittsburgh, PA!
Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail: about 20 Miles – Paved (On Road Sections)
A loose collection of paths that were eventually linked together. Not too bad in Maryland, but the DC section does leave something to be desired. The DC on-road section is closed to traffic on weekends.
Sligo Creek and Branch Trails: about 20 Miles – Paved
Maryland’s Anacostia Tributary Trails start near Mt Rainier, and provides connections to Wheaton, College Park, and Greenbelt.
North Bethesda Trail: 4 Miles – Paved (On Road Sections)
This trail provides an excellent commuter connection between Rockville and Bethesda.
Metropolitan Branch Trail: (proposed)This trail will run north from DC’s Union Station to Silver Spring, Maryland along the west side of the CSX Railroad tracks.
Baltimore, & Annapolis Trail: 13 Miles – Paved
Nice trail between Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Connects to the BWI Trail. Recommended ride for beginners.
BWI Trail: 11 Miles – Paved
Cool loop trail around Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
Washington, Baltimore, & Annapolis Trail: 22 Miles, when complete – Paved
Will provide crucial link between Washington and Anne Arundel Count.
Cross Island Trail: 5 Miles – Paved
New trail running across Kent Island. Nice stop for when heading to the beach. Recommended ride for beginners.
Northern Central Rail Trail: 41 Miles – Crushed Limestone
Excellent rural trail running from Ashland, MD to downtown York, PA.
Indian Head Rail Trail: 13 Miles – Paved
10390 Theodore Green Blvd • White Plains
IHRT Map | IHRT Mileage Chart
Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail: 40 Miles – Paved
Link to Fairfax County Page
Mountain Bike Trails