Cycle Maryland: A Guide to Bike Paths and Rail Trails

As off-road, family-friendly bike paths have increased in popularity, cycling has become a safe and healthy way to exercise out-of-doors and enjoy the beauty of nature. In Maryland, cyclists are fortunate to have access to a range of paved and unpaved recreational trails throughout some of the state’s most scenic landscapes. Cycle Maryland is your guide to the best of these trails.

A lifelong Maryland resident and avid cyclist, Bryan MacKay has biked all twenty-three rides in this guide—some of them dozens of times. From abandoned railroad rights-of-way, like the Great Allegheny Passage, to dedicated paved paths through urban areas, like the Capital Crescent Trail and Jones Falls Trail, the rides listed here offer excellent opportunities to observe the wonders of nature. An experienced naturalist, MacKay describes the flora and fauna you might encounter along the way.

With maps, trail descriptions, short nature essays, and beautiful photographs, this illuminating guide is loaded with helpful information—and is slim enough to carry along in your pack or pannier while you ride.

Cycle Maryland is a companion guide to Hike Maryland and Paddle Maryland.