Today is the perfect day to take the family on a bike ride and Maryland has a host of great bike trails.
If your kids aren’t old enough to peddle a two-wheeler, pop them into trailer, strap them into a bike seat or attach a tag-a-long to your bike and put your little peddler back there. Bike rides are a great way to get exercise, bond as a family and take in some great Maryland scenery.
The “Cycle Maryland” initiative that Governor O’Malley launched June 2011, is a wonderful resource for Maryland cyclists. Go to visitmaryland.org/cycle to view a list of cycle events and bike routes that you and your family can enjoy.
If your neighborhood isn’t suitable for riding, here are some family-friendly, local bike trails:
The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail (B&A) is a nice trail for the whole family. This trail is part of the East Coast Greenway. The trail has about an 8-foot wide paved surface and is in good condition. The total length is 13 miles between Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Once you reach the northern terminus, a short connector path will take you over to the BWI Trail.
The BWI Trail surrounds the BWI Airport. Designed primarily with commuters in mind, the 11-mile BWI trail is also an excellent recreation facility.
Queen Anne’s County has a trail running across Kent Island known as The Cross Island Trail. It starts in the Terrapin Nature Area (located directly across the bay from Sandy Point Beach) and runs all the way to Kent Narrows.
The 184.5 mile long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is located along the north bank of the Potomac River, starting in Washington, DC and ending in Cumberland, MD.
For a few more ideas, check out our story7 Maryland bike trails fit for the family. There’s even a mountain bike trail perfect for young riders.
For a list of fun family happenings this weekend, check out our complete events calendar.
