MTB Rides
The MTB optional requirements are shorter (2-, 5-, 8-, and 16-mile rides) than the road bike requirements. Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking it is easier or less dangerous. Mountain biking might not require dealing with as much road traffic, but taking a header is a lot more likely (click on this video or this one). For those new to MTBs, a “single-track” trail is typically a narrow footpath through woods or fields (see picture, from White Creek Park in Delaware); a “double-track” is typically an unpaved, dirt fire road or farm road. The most gentle trails are crushed stone, and suitable for hybrid and gravel bikes.
1. The Cross-County Trail (CCT)
The CCT is the MTB rider’s highway across Fairfax County. Stretching from Great Falls to the Occoquan River, many combinations of rides are possible that can satisfy the merit badge requirements. The trail is a variety of trail types, from single tracks in the north, to gravel along the Accotink Creek, and paved trails such as the portion that uses the W&OD trail. Creative rides could incorporate camping options at either Burke Lake or Lake Fairfax, both of which are near the trail and connected by other trails or bike-friendly roads.
2. Hidden McLean – The Pimmit Run Trail.
This single-track trail begins at the entrance to Highlands Swim Club and traces its way along the Pimmit Run, just east of McLean. The first part of the trail is particularly difficult because of roots and large rocks. The trail fords the Pimmit five times, each requiring the rider to carry his bike. The trail crosses most of the major of the east-west roads in the McLean area (Old Dominion, Westmoreland, Great Falls) and passes under I-66. The unmarked trail comes out between houses on Aiken Hill Court, near a storm water containment pond. Note that if you continue riding in the woods, the trail peters out, and the only option is to ride in the concrete containments for the Pimmit Run. This can take the rider as far as the Lemon Elementary School or even to Rt. 7.
Fountainhead Regional Park offers an area of trails dedicated to MTBs. Several loops, all with challenging single-track, provide a variety of loops and varying distances.
4. Lake Fairfax and Colvin Run Trail
The trails at Lake Fairfax are conveniently near both the W&OD, and the CCT. Mostly single-track, these trails provide complete access to all parts of the park. Lake Fairfax offers group campsites.
5. The Long Branch Stream Valley Trail
This trail is part of the countywide trail system. It runs approximately 2.75 miles from Wakefield Chapel Road to Olley Lane. It is a stone dust trail for its entire length with the exception of trails within Rutherford Park and a few areas near stream and road crossings. There are two bridges on the trail. There is a hidden waterfall off the trail, but only locals know about it and they guard the secret. It ends very near where the CCT crosses under Braddock Road, and can serve as a starting point for a longer ride.
Stream valley trail, stone dust. From Walney Road/Cabell's Mill parking lot in E. C. Lawrence Park to Fairfax County Parkway - includes Greenbriar Park - total distance 3.4 miles.
Located near Upper Marlboro, MD, Rosaryville State Park is only 1/2 hour from DC. There is a main loop of about 11 miles in length and some additional double-track and single-track trails that branch off of this loop.
This park has 6.5 miles of dedicated MTB trails, and features camping, a huge lake, a swimming pool, and more.
9. White Clay Creek State Park, DE
This large state park offers 37 miles of MTB trails (here's the map) through forests and fields that are perfect for all rides required for Cycling Merit Badge. Primitive camping is available for youth groups. The picture at the top of this page is the view from Possum Hill at White Clay Creek State Park.
10. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Tow Path (Georgetown, DC to Cumberland, MD)
This is a favorite trail for long-distance trail riding. It is flat, wide, and historic. It has plenty of camping sites along the way.
The park offers about 5 miles of MTB routes, either on the ridges or on the Carriage Road. Attractions include not only the falls, but also the remains of Matildaville and George Washington’s failed Potowmomack Company canal.
