Mount Briar, a region in Washington County, Maryland, offers a diverse landscape suitable for a range of outdoor pursuits. The area features unique natural environments, including the Mount Briar Wetland Preserve with its distinctive floating boardwalks and rich biodiversity. Beyond the wetlands, the terrain encompasses deciduous woodlands, upland meadows, and proximity to the Appalachian Trail, providing varied settings for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, gravel biking, and more.
The Mount Briar regionβ¦
43
Routes
4.7
(36)
Average rating
467
People visited

4.3
(3)
17
hikers
12.2km
03:30
280m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
16.0km
04:46
530m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.0
(2)
3
hikers
4.40km
01:24
240m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
18.3km
04:49
160m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
runners
11.2km
01:28
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
11.7km
01:29
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
runners
10.6km
01:18
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
15.4km
01:47
60m
60m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
75
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
42
riders
115km
09:53
400m
400m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

23
riders
89.5km
06:39
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
18
riders
58.2km
05:20
290m
290m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
50
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
34
riders
56.6km
04:25
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
12
riders
23.4km
02:02
140m
140m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
12
riders
23.3km
02:01
110m
110m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
riders
12.9km
00:39
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3
riders
51.8km
02:31
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4
riders
43.8km
02:11
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3
riders
26.5km
01:22
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Mount Briar offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, jogging, gravel biking, and road cycling. The region provides diverse landscapes, from wetlands to woodlands, suitable for various skill levels. Visitors have rated activities in Mount Briar an average of 4.55 stars.
The Mount Briar Wetland Preserve is a 30-acre natural area featuring approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) of floating boardwalk. It is known for its unique ecosystem, rich biodiversity, and an unusual abundance of Sphagnum moss. The preserve is ideal for walking and experiencing a high-quality wetland environment.
Yes, Mount Briar offers numerous hiking trails, including those within the Mount Briar Wetland Preserve and broader woodlands. Hikers can find options for various skill levels, including easy hikes around Mount Briar. More information on hiking can be found in the Hiking around Mount Briar guide.
Mount Briar provides routes for touring cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling. These routes often incorporate historical sites and scenic views, such as those near the Potomac River. Cyclists can explore options in the Cycling around Mount Briar guide.
Yes, Mount Briar features dedicated running trails that offer varied terrain for joggers. These trails traverse different parts of the region, providing diverse environments for workouts. Information on these routes is available in the Running Trails around Mount Briar guide.
Mount Briar offers trails suitable for beginners and families, particularly within the Mount Briar Wetland Preserve with its accessible boardwalk. The region includes options for less strenuous activities. Specific easy routes are detailed in the Easy hikes around Mount Briar guide.
The Mount Briar region is rich in historical significance, with Gathland State Park located nearby. This park features several historical buildings and ruins, including the National War Correspondents Memorial Arch. The area is also connected to the Antietam National Battlefield.
The Mount Briar region is near the Appalachian Trail, with the Ed Garvey Shelter serving as a popular layover for hikers. This shelter offers protection from the elements, and a reliable spring is available nearby. It provides a convenient stop for those traversing the Appalachian Trail.
Mount Briar is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 800 visitors having shared their experiences. The activities in the region have received an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Komoot offers several guides for Mount Briar, covering various sports and difficulty levels. These include guides for Hiking, Easy hikes, Cycling, Running Trails, Gravel biking, and Road Cycling Routes.
For official information regarding the Mount Briar Wetland Preserve, visitors can refer to the Washington County Parks Department. The official website is washco-md.net/parks-facilities/county-park/parks-mt-briar/. The Washington County Parks Department can also be contacted at 240-313-2700.
Mount Briar is notable for its diverse natural features, including the Mount Briar Wetland Preserve with its floating boardwalk and unique Sphagnum moss. The region also encompasses deciduous woodlands and upland grassy meadows. This blend supports a rich variety of plant and animal life.
Gathland State Park, located in the vicinity of Mount Briar, offers several amenities for visitors. These include access to water, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. The park also features historical buildings and ruins, providing a blend of recreation and historical interest.

