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Ride Summary:
There's not much challenge but the singletrack is very good as it circles St. Mary's Lake.
Trail Description:
Just after the start take a quick right and cross over a bridge then turn left heading towards the dam. Take a left at the singletrack trail at 1 mile. Cross another bridge and make sure you're on the white trail. At just over 2 miles take the left turn. At 3 miles there will be another fork - go right. Continuing forward, staying left and cross 2 bridges. At 5.1 cross the creek - no bridge here! Continue following the trail crossing several more bridges. At just over 5.5 miles stay on the left continuing on the same trail. At 7.1 miles you will turn right at an intersection heading back to the parking lot.
How to get there:
Head North on Route 5 from Lexington Park or South on Rt. 5 from D.C. Exit at Camp Cosoma Rd and follow signs to St. Mary's Park. Once in the park, drive to the far side and park by the bathrooms. A sign marks the trail
Additional Notes:
Trail open March through November. End your day with some fishing if you want.
| Posted by: James on 8/15/2009 |
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Great trail! Its a great place to learn mountain biking with a wide range of technical and trail conditions--steep and rough(but short) climbs, seasonal mud (lots of this), and lots of steering around tight turns and avoiding rough trail conditions. When you get good, just crank up the speed for a thrilling ride and a vigorous workout. More technical, rougher, and longer mud slogs than Rosaryville.
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| Posted by: Chuck on 8/14/2008 |
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Nothing easy about this ride. My very first single track trail ride on my new Trek EX9. Very rooty but keeps you concentrating. Rode this on 8 August 08. Took the trail to the right over the dam first. It was 7.35 miles in 1 hours and 36 minutes. I burned 2,242 calories! My heartrate max was 118%! My heartrate avergage was 107% for the entire ride. Everything you oould ask for; roots, stumps, sand, mud, tight squeezes, steep hills up and down, close calls. Never dropped my bike once. Did this when it was fairly dry but still had to cross several creeks and streams. Lots of fun halfway when we stopped for 8 horses and then had to dodge the manure for 3 miles! Thanks to Todd and Corey his 14 year old son who let me ride with them and help me stay on the trail. Easy to make friends when you have a fun ride and survival in common.
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| Posted by: bill on 1/9/2008 |
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totaly horrible trail tons of roots and mud go to roseryville state park way better its in germantown not to far away.
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| Posted by: Ed on 4/23/2005 |
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I just hit this trail between rains. I beat the monsoon by about 10 minutes. Lot's of roots, bring water and some allen keys. Watch out for deer and downed trees. Scenary changes every few miles, very serene. You will eventually eat it if you take this trail fast. Don't risk it without a helmet and eye protection.
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| Posted by: Austin on 12/16/2004 |
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I rode this trail when I lived in Southern Maryland. Go after it rains, it's very challenging with lot's of mud and creek crossings. I had lot's of fun. Something for everyone. It's not a matter of will you crash, it's when.
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| Posted by: Rob on 8/17/2004 |
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Technical! Technical! Technical! The mud here was out of control from the recent rain and there were many areas that were just not ridable. This is certainly not a beginner trail! Be ready to walk waist deep through a creek about a third of the way through the ride. It is also a much harder ride taking the left side of the parking lot as opposed to starting by going across the dam. I am sure a lot of the mud will dry up and it will be a great technical single track ride with lots of tough water crossings. So bring your skills when you want to ride this trail.
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| Posted by: Nat on 12/11/2003 |
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Used to ride this trail when I lived in MD. Great ride with some water crossings. Parts of the trail are real mushy, lots of cleaning after this ride. Plenty of technical stuff as well as some climbs. if in this area this trail is a must.
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| Posted by: Joel on 6/2/1999 |
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True, it's not scary, but it's not trivial as many reviewers make it sound. Lots of tricky roots and logs, and some "optional" big ones add a lot to the ride. Several rooted uphill sections are difficult even for the best riders. Some fast twisty sections will get you revved. And don't forget to try the other direction. I ride there 3-4 times per week - send a note to joelwexler@hotmail.com if you want a tour.
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