The best cycling routes in Anne Arundel County

The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, winding through a mix of natural wooded areas, suburban neighborhoods, and open spaces. You'll enjoy a smooth, paved surface that makes for easy riding, with highlights like the historic Earleigh Heights Ranger Station and the unique Planet Walk. The southern sections near Annapolis are particularly scenic, providing a pleasant escape.

Planning your visit is simple, as the trail features multiple access points and parking options, including at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station which also has restrooms. You'll find plenty of spots for food and coffee in towns like Severna Park and Pasadena along the route. This easy 20.2-mile (32.5 km) ride, with only 341 feet (104 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes, making it perfect for a leisurely outing.

Built on a former rail line, the trail is rich in local history, marked by interpretive signs and the preserved Earleigh Heights Ranger Station, which once served as a general store and post office. It's also a crucial link in the extensive East Coast Greenway and American Discovery Trail networks, and connects to the BWI Trail for those seeking longer adventures. This flat, well-maintained path is ideal for families and beginner cyclists.

This easy touring cycling route connects two beautiful parks, offering a delightful blend of serene parkland and stunning waterfront views. You'll pedal along mostly paved, flat paths, starting with the tranquil ponds and South River vistas of Quiet Waters Park. The ride then transitions to the expansive beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, culminating in the picturesque sight of the historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. It's a perfect outing for anyone seeking a peaceful ride with rewarding scenery.

To make the most of your trip, plan your visit during pleasant weather. Quiet Waters Park provides convenient amenities like bike wash stations. Keep in mind that accessing Thomas Point Park might require a pass if you're visiting between April 1st and October 31st, so it's wise to check ahead. This 13.3-mile (21.4 km) route, with a gentle 213 feet (65 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete.

What makes this route particularly special is its accessibility combined with significant natural and historical landmarks. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, provides an iconic backdrop to your ride's endpoint. While Quiet Waters Park has mountain biking trails, this specific route sticks to paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth experience suitable for all skill levels. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural features and viewpoints of the Annapolis Neck area.

The Tom Dixon Observation Area – BWI Trail loop offers a distinctive touring cycling experience, encircling an international airport while providing a mix of natural landscapes and aviation thrills. You'll pedal through serene wooded areas, past a charming horse farm, and alongside open fields, with the highlight being the Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area where you can watch planes land and take off. This easy 13.5-mile (21.7 km) route features 360 feet (110 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

Starting from the BWI Business District Light Rail Station, a convenient spur trail leads you directly to the main BWI Trail. The path is paved and well-maintained, though some sections include wooden boardwalks and gradual inclines that add a bit of a challenge. Restrooms and bike racks are available at key points along the route, such as the Observation Area, ensuring a comfortable ride. Consider riding counter-clockwise if you prefer a slightly easier experience on the hills.

What truly sets this trail apart is its unique position encircling an international airport, offering unparalleled plane-spotting opportunities that you won't find on many other routes. It's also highly accessible, connecting to public transportation and even other trails like the Baltimore and Annapolis (B&A) Trail, making it a great option for extended rides. The trail provides a varied experience, balancing the excitement of airport views with surprisingly peaceful natural segments.

The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail offers a delightful and easy touring bicycle experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This 19.3-mile (31.1 km) loop, with a modest 454 feet (138 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a pleasant mix of wooded sections, open fields, and even past charming horse farms. You'll ride on a smooth, paved surface, making the approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes journey enjoyable for cyclists of all abilities.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with numerous access points and parking options available along the trail. Towns like Severna Park and Pasadena provide ample opportunities for food and rest stops. For a convenient break, the historic Earleigh Heights Ranger Station offers restrooms and picnic facilities, making it easy to refuel and relax.

This trail is notable for its rich history, following an old rail line with "alphabet of history" markers detailing local heritage. It's also a key part of the East Coast Greenway and features the unique Planet Walk, a scale model of the solar system. The B&A Trail connects to the BWI Trail, offering options for longer rides, but this specific loop provides a complete and rewarding experience on its own.

The Tom Dixon Observation Area – Propel by James Vose loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, circling the BWI Airport on a paved path. You'll pedal through pleasant wooded sections and past a horse farm, with the constant, fascinating backdrop of aircraft taking off and landing, especially from the Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area. This easy 11.6-mile (18.7 km) route, with 309 feet (94 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it a perfect quick escape for a casual ride.

To plan your visit, the Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area serves as an excellent starting point, providing parking and facilities like restrooms and bike racks. The trail is accessible from dawn to dusk, and you can also reach it via public transport at the Amtrak station. While mostly flat, be prepared for a few gradual climbs; riding clockwise is generally considered more challenging.

This route is notable for being the only airport in the U.S. with a fully encircling trail, blending recreational cycling with unique aviation views. Beyond the airport loop, the BWI Trail connects to the Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail via the John Overstreet Connector, opening up possibilities for longer rides and further exploration of the Maryland landscape.

Embark on a unique cycling adventure through the Bacon Ridge Natural Area, where mature forests and wetlands create a serene backdrop for your ride. This 14.3-mile (23.1 km) moderate loop, with 847 feet (258 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along natural surface singletrack, offering a mix of flowy sections and punchy climbs. The standout feature is the "Abandoned Cars in the Forest" loop, where you'll encounter a fascinating collection of old vehicles being reclaimed by nature, providing a memorable and distinctive visual.

Plan for a ride lasting around 2 hours and 8 minutes, best suited for gravel or mountain bikes capable of handling varied, unpaved terrain. The trails are popular, so consider an early start from the Penderbrooke Homeowners Association trailhead to enjoy fewer crowds and easier parking. While the trails drain well, it's always advisable to avoid riding immediately after heavy rain to maintain trail integrity.

This route is part of a larger 39-mile trail system, contributing to Annapolis's recognition as an IMBA Trail Town. Beyond the abandoned cars, the area boasts historical significance and diverse wildlife, including deer and foxes, making it more than just a cycling path. It's a true hidden gem for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a good workout near Anne Arundel County.