The best traffic-free bike rides in Herrington Manor State Park

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide for the Herrington Manor State Park area. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult challenges, allowing you to explore the scenic landscapes of Garrett County.

While the routes in this guide are primarily rated as moderate to difficult, the broader Garrett County area, accessible from Herrington Manor State Park, offers varied terrain. For easier, no-traffic options, consider exploring the Pleasant Valley Roads near Oakland, which are known for being quiet and scenic. Additionally, the park itself is undergoing a paving project in 2026, which will improve internal roads and a shared-use trail connecting to Oakland, potentially offering more accessible options in the future.

The routes in this region offer diverse and picturesque scenery. You'll cycle through mixed deciduous and conifer forests, past wetlands, and alongside the beautiful 53-acre man-made lake within Herrington Manor State Park. Many routes in Garrett County also feature rolling farmland and scenic vistas of the Appalachian mountains.

Herrington Manor State Park generally welcomes dogs on trails and in many areas, provided they are kept on a leash. For specific road cycling routes outside the park, it's always best to check local regulations, but generally, dogs on a leash are permitted on public roads. Please ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.

Many of the routes in this guide start from convenient locations with parking. For example, the Roadbike loop from Snaggy Mountain ORV Trail Parking Lot begins directly from a parking area. Other routes, like the Deep Creek Lake State Park loop from Oakland, start from the town of Oakland, where public parking options are available.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the region around Herrington Manor State Park is well-known for its demanding routes. The Roadbike loop from Snaggy Mountain ORV Trail Parking Lot is rated as difficult within this guide, featuring significant elevation changes over its 47.6 km. Garrett County also hosts events like the 'Masochistic Metric' and 'Fabulous 44,' which highlight the area's potential for substantial climbs and distances.

Yes, all 5 of the no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide are circular loops, designed to bring you back to your starting point. Examples include the Piney Mountain loop from Oakland and the Little Yok Number 1 Reservoir – Little Yok Number 6 Reservoir loop from Oakland, offering convenient round trips.

The spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for road cycling in Herrington Manor State Park and Garrett County. Spring brings fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers, while fall showcases stunning autumn foliage. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be challenging due to snow and ice, though the park is popular for other winter sports.

The town of Oakland, which serves as a starting point for several routes like the Deep Creek Lake State Park loop from Oakland, offers various cafes and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your ride. Within Herrington Manor State Park itself, amenities are available, including a Lake House lodge, though specific cafe options might be seasonal.

Beyond the scenic roads, Herrington Manor State Park is centered around a beautiful 53-acre man-made lake, perfect for a post-ride dip or picnic. The park is also connected by the 5.5-mile White Trail to the nearby Swallow Falls State Park, home to Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall and a mature hemlock forest. While the White Trail is not a road cycling route, it offers a great opportunity to explore these natural wonders on foot.

Herrington Manor State Park serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Garrett County, which includes the Deep Creek Lake area. Many routes, such as the Deep Creek Lake State Park loop from Oakland, directly incorporate the Deep Creek Lake region, offering similar scenic beauty and varied terrain. Both areas are renowned for their road cycling opportunities, with Herrington Manor providing a quieter, more forested starting point, while Deep Creek Lake offers more amenities and water-based activities.