The best road cycling routes around Highland Beach

The Baltimore & Annapolis and BWI Trail Loop offers a fascinating road cycling experience, transitioning from the shaded, wooded paths of the B&A Trail to the unique, open vistas around Baltimore/Washington International Airport. You'll enjoy smooth, paved surfaces for much of the 58.2-mile (93.6 km) journey, passing through suburban neighborhoods and natural areas before circling the airport, where you can spot planes from the Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area. This moderate route, with 1486 feet (453 metres) of elevation gain, provides a diverse ride that keeps things interesting.

Planning your ride on the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail Loop is relatively easy, with numerous access points and amenities. Parking is available at various locations along both trails, and you'll find restrooms and picnic spots, such as at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station. The route is generally well-maintained and suitable for most road cyclists, though some sections of the BWI Trail have gradual hills and occasional bumpy pavement. To get a good feel for the entire loop, allow for the estimated 4 hours and 13 minutes of cycling time.

This combined loop is notable for its historical significance as a rail-trail and its unique connection to a major airport, being the only airport in the U.S. with a trail fully encircling it. The B&A Trail features historical markers detailing its past, and you can even find a Planet Walk with scale models of the solar system. It's a great option for those looking for a longer road cycling route that blends natural beauty, local history, and a touch of aviation excitement.

The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail – BWI Trail loop from Annapolis offers a unique road cycling experience, blending suburban charm with airport-side views. You'll pedal through serene wooded sections and past the educational Planet Walk on the B&A Trail, then transition to the BWI Trail where you can spot planes from observation areas and enjoy stretches of green space and even a horse farm. This moderate 49.4-mile (79.5 km) route, with 1226 feet (374 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 37 minutes, providing a good workout for cyclists who enjoy varied scenery.

To make the most of your ride, plan to start early, especially on weekends, as these trails can get quite busy. Parking is available in Annapolis, and the BWI Trail also offers public transport access via the BWI Rail Station. You'll find convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic areas at the Ranger Station in Severna Park and at Andover Park, with plenty of spots to refuel in towns along the way.

This combined loop is notable for being part of the East Coast Greenway and the American Discovery Trail, highlighting its significance in national trail networks. The B&A Trail also features an "alphabet of history" with markers detailing local heritage, while the BWI Trail is unique for fully encircling an international airport. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a moderate road cycling challenge with interesting historical and modern features.

The Annapolis City Dock – Baltimore & Annapolis Trail loop from Annapolis Neck offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending the smooth, paved surfaces of the B&A Trail with the varied urban and coastal roads around Annapolis. You'll glide through wooded areas and past residential neighborhoods on the rail-trail, even encountering a unique "bamboo forest" section, before transitioning to historic streets and waterfront views of the Severn River near City Dock.

This moderate 33.1-mile (53.3 km) ride, with 927 feet (283 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes. While the B&A Trail is mostly flat, expect a short, challenging climb near Annapolis and potentially uneven brick surfaces in the historic district. Parking and restrooms are available at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station along the B&A Trail, making it a convenient access point.

This route is a fantastic example of a successful rail-trail conversion, utilizing the former Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad line. It's rich in history, with markers detailing its past, and forms part of larger networks like the East Coast Greenway. The combination of dedicated trail and scenic road cycling provides a varied and engaging journey for those looking to explore the Annapolis area by bike.