Miles: 25
Difficulty: III
Bikes: Any |
Peach Tree Loop |
 |
This route is a long time favorite of local cyclists. It makes use of the lightly traveled
country roads located in Western Montgomery County's Agriculture Preserve area. Along the way,
you might wish to stop at one of the local orchards and pick a strawberry or two!
During spring time, be sure to enjoy the blossoming peach trees along Peach Tree Road.
Map of Route |
The suggested starting point is Rileys Lock, which is located at mile 22.8 on the
C & O towpath (right next to the Seneca
Aqueduct ruins). The ride starts off with a pretty good sized hill, but
after that the terrain is basically rolling. The entire route uses paved country
roads. There are two locations where you must briefly ride on busy Route 28, so you
should be comfortable cycling in these conditions.
To reach Rileys Lock:
- from the Maryland Beltway: Take the westbound River Road (Exit 39, Route 190) to Potomac.
Follow River Road for about 11 miles until it comes to a tee. Make a left here to remain
on River Road. Go about a ½ mile until you reach the bottom of the LONG hill. Make the
left BEFORE the bridge into Rileys Lock. Parking area about ¼ at end of road.
- from Leesburg, VA: take Whites Ferry across the Potomac River. Follow paved
Route 107 through Poolesville. About 2 miles after Poolesville, bear right onto Partnership Road.
Follow this until it ends, then make a left onto River Road. Go about ¾ miles, cross over
the bridge at the bottom of the big hill, and make an immediate right AFTER the bridge into Rileys Lock.
Parking area about ¼ at end of road.