Mountain Biking the DC area

Mountain Biking the DC Area: The 3 Sweetest Rides an Hour or Less From DC (And Where to Drink a Beer Afterwards)

In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”   If dear old Ben had ever been on a mountain bike—not likely, between the belly, the wig and the syphilis—he may have revised that statement to read “Bikes are proof that that God loves us and wants us to be happy and healthy; Beer is proof that God is proud of us.”

Beer and mountain biking have long been appreciated as complementary and harmonious elements.  As anyone who has ever completed a 30-miler with Everest-esque elevation gain can attest to: No amount of Gatorade can take the place of an ice cold IPA to replenish the sweat and calories lost on the trail (scientific evidence and nutritional validity not here accounted for—let’s be honest, it’s just the best).  Peanut butter and jelly.  Peas and carrots.  Piña coladas and getting lost in the rain.  Beer and bikes is the next obvious item on the list of things that just go together. 

The DC area boasts some of the nation’s best mountain biking, and new microbreweries are popping up faster than open mic nights in Adams Morgan.  So, check out these 3 sweet rides—all around 10 miles and all less than an hour from DC, then plan your post-ride beer fix at one of these awesome local breweries.

Avalon Loop: Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco Valley State Park runs north from Elkridge and extends toward Woodstock, just outside of Baltimore, MD.    About a one-hour drive from DC, the park offers an integrated network of trails (map here) varying in length and difficulty with something for everyone.  Advanced riders can attempt technical ascents, rock gardens and steep, speedy downhill portions, while intermediate riders can take on miles of smooth singletrack, and beginners will enjoy the paved and gravel paths that run along the park’s Patapsco River.  The Avalon Super Loop offers 12.5 miles of 90% singletrack in an intermediate/advanced ride featuring plenty of challenges and also some fast and flowy trail.  Check out Avalon Loop trail specs, maps and recommendations here and find more park info and trail reviews here. 

After you ride, grab your beer here: Ellicott Mills Brewing Company is a microbrewery and restaurant on Main Street in Ellicott City, MD—just a 20 minute drive from the Avalon trailhead.  Locally owned and operated, Ellicott Mills serves up a mean brew (try their Boomerang Lager, Big Red Bock or Rye IPA) and offers a mouthwatering menu to refuel you after a day on the trails. 

Meadowood Grand Tour

On the western edge of Pohick Bay Regional Park (near Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, VA), the Meadowood Grand Tour trail ride serves up 100% singletrack (including wooden track, obstacles and built trail) on a scenic and fun-filled 7-mile loop.  The trail is intermediate with few technical challenges and takes riders through a wide variety of terrain and scenery that all will enjoy.  Check out a thorough trail description plus specs, maps and recommendations here.  The trailhead is less than 40 minutes from DC (driving directions here) – find parking off of Gunston Road between Gunston Elementary School and Belmont Blvd. 

Cool down, drink up.  Get your post-ride cold one at Forge Brew Works in Lorton, VA.  The taproom at Forge is a quick drive from the trailhead and does not serve food, but welcome you to bring your own grub, your kiddos and your dog.  Check out their brews here.

Fountainhead Regional Park Loop:

Fountainhead Regional Park offers connected beginner, intermediate and advanced loop trails, combining for 11.5 miles of 100% singletrack glory.  The loops feature wooden track sections and speedy trail; and the black diamond loop is known for killer climbs, tight switchbacks, rock gardens and epic jumps.  Check out the trail info and specs from MTBProject and IMBA here.  Driving directions from DC (as quick as 40 minutes!) can be found here. 

Tuckered out after your ride?  Make the trip to Manassas for craft brews at BadWolf Brewing Company and put some beer on those bruises.  BadWolf serves up complimentary popcorn while you sample their artisan taps and welcomes you to bring your own post-ride picnic or order delivery straight to the taproom. 

Find more excellent rides near DC on the MTBProject website and learn more about everything mountain biking from the International Mountain Biking Association at IMBA.com.