Washington DC On-Road Bike Routes

WARNING!!! Bicycling can be a dangerous activity. You are free to follow these directions at your own risk. However, the administrators of this web site can not be held responsible for any injuries, death, or damages while following these suggested bicycle routes. Many route descriptions may be vague and most certainly do not list all possible hazards. Also, many routes require on street riding in traffic lanes, while others may require some off road terrain. You should be comfortable riding under all types of conditions before attempting any of these routes.

These rides are great for all you "skinny tire" folks. These routes exclusively use paved surfaces and avoid bike trails where possible (Yes, some folks actually don't like bike trails due to obstacles such as pedestrians, dogs, in-line skaters, etc.)

Miles Name Info 19 Gettysburg Tour Gettysburg, PA - A great ride around the famous Civil War Battlefield. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 3 Scenery: 1 23 Thurmont Ramble Thurmont, MD - Very nice tour of the valley at the foot of the Catoctin Mountains. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 2 Scenery: 1 23 Wye Not Wye Mills, MD (Eastern Shore) - An easy ride to break up your drive to the beaches. Terrain: 1 Traffic: 2 Scenery: 2 25 Patuxent Wildlife Center Loop Greenbelt MD - Popular Ride from Greenbelt Metro Station to the Wildlife Center Terrain: 2 Traffic: 3 Scenery: 2 25 Peach Tree Loop Poolesville, MD - Open road tour of various orchards in Western Montgomery County, MD Terrain: 3 Traffic: 2 Scenery: 1 26 Oxford Loop Easton, MD - Excellent loop ride on the Eastern Shore. Terrain: 1 Traffic: 2 Scenery: 1 27 Shenandoah River Ramble Berryville - A beautiful ride way, way out in the countyside, but worth it! (Unpaved Sections) Terrain: 3 Traffic: 1 Scenery: 1 33 Chesapeake Bound Eastern Suburbs - A fairly direct route to the Chesapeake Bay, via Annapolis, starting from New Carrollton. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 4 Scenery: 3 38 Mason-Dixon Double-Cross Hagerstown, MD - A beautiful ride through the Cumberland Valley. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 3 Scenery: 1 38 Greenbelt to Bay Eastern Suburbs - A more "bike friendlier" route to the Chesapeake Bay, starting from Greenbelt. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 3 Scenery: 3 46 North to Gettysburg Thurmont, MD - Great loop out to Gettysburg Battlefield and back. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 2 Scenery: 1 56 The Blue Ridge Challenge Marshall, VA - They don't come much tougher than this one! Terrain: 5 Traffic: 3 Scenery: 1 67 DC to Thurmont Northern Suburbs - A "no nonsense" route to the north. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 4 Scenery: 2 80 Tour Between Cities Northeast Suburbs - A great route between Greenbelt, BWI, and Annapolis. Terrain: 3 Traffic: 4 Scenery: 2 105 Skyline Drive Front Royal, VA - Very tough ride through Shenandoah National Park. Terrain: 5 Traffic: 4 Scenery: 1 106 Bay-to-Beach Kent Island, MD - Bike to the beach and leave the car at home. Terrain: 2 Traffic: 3 Scenery: 1