The best cycling routes in Greenbelt

Greenbelt offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes, with over 15 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy paths to more challenging rides.

Yes, Greenbelt has plenty of easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Ritual on Main Coffee-House loop from Bells Corners is an easy 12.3-mile path that provides a pleasant ride through local areas. Another great option is the Lac Deschênes Beach – Britannia Cafe loop from Moodie, an easy 12.9-mile trail through scenic landscapes.

Experienced touring cyclists can find more challenging routes in Greenbelt. The Rideau Canal – Dow's Lake loop from Moodie is a moderate 31.9-mile trail offering varied terrain for an extended ride. For a more difficult option, consider the Lime Kiln – Lime Kiln Ruins loop from Bells Corners, which covers 19.1 miles with more demanding sections.

Yes, many of Greenbelt's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Rideau Canal – Dow's Lake loop from Moodie and the Pathway Along the Ottawa River – Dow's Lake loop from Uplands, both offering convenient circular journeys.

Greenbelt is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle through Greenbelt Park, known for its lush greenery and wildlife, or around Lake Artemesia on its picturesque paved path. The extensive Anacostia Tributary Trail System connects to attractions like Bladensburg Waterfront Park, the scenic Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and Kingman Island. The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center is also accessible from routes originating near the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

Greenbelt boasts an impressive network of interconnected trails. The Anacostia Tributary Trail System links to areas like College Park, Riverdale, and Hyattsville, and further connects to the Sligo Creek Trail and the Anacostia River Trail, extending into Washington D.C. The Northeast Branch Trail also provides broader connections, making it easy to explore beyond Greenbelt's immediate vicinity.

Key access points for touring cycling in Greenbelt include Greenbelt Park, which features paved roads and trails, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), known for its low-traffic roads. Parking is generally available at these major access points, making it convenient to start your ride.

The touring cycling routes in Greenbelt are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 210 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive and interconnected trail systems, the diverse natural landscapes, and the availability of routes catering to all skill levels, from easy paths to more challenging rides.

Yes, the Pathway Along the Ottawa River – Dow's Lake loop from Uplands is an easy route that provides scenic views, as its name suggests. This 15.2-mile (24.5 km) path is a great way to enjoy the waterfront scenery.

Yes, for those without their own bikes, Capital Bikeshare is available in Old Greenbelt. Additionally, VeoRide offers rentals in nearby College Park, University Park, and Riverdale Park, providing convenient options to get started on your touring cycling adventure.

Greenbelt's natural areas, particularly Greenbelt Park and the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, are home to a variety of wildlife. Cyclists might spot birds, deer, and small mammals, adding to the scenic and immersive experience of touring through these urban green spaces.