The best cycling routes around Redland

By Fede from komoot

Updated May 10, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Redland, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many routes out there, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's exactly why we put this guide together. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, and we've distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist of the very best touring cycling routes Redland has to offer. We're here to save you the guesswork.

Redland is a fantastic spot for touring cyclists, defined by its charming rolling hills, peaceful river paths, and well-maintained park trails. The landscape features a lovely network of waterways, offering a mix of gentle ascents and descents that make it accessible for a wide range of abilities, from easy cruises to more demanding rides. You'll find plenty of natural areas to explore, making every pedal stroke a scenic one.

If you only do one route, make it the Needwood Loop. This 19.4 miles (31.2 km) moderate route is a local favorite for a reason, offering a great feel for the area's character without being overly strenuous. For those looking for another top pick, the Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove, at 22.8 miles (36.7 km), is another fantastic moderate option that showcases the beautiful Lake Needwood. With over 600 touring cyclists having explored Redland with komoot, and routes averaging 4.1 stars, you know you're in good hands.

If you only do 3 of these routes

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail	Distance	Elevation	Difficulty
Needwood Loop	31.2 km	160 m	Moderate
Rock Creek loop from Aspen Hill	34.1 km	180 m	Moderate
Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove	36.6 km	310 m	Moderate
Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Lake Bernard Frank	8.24 km	70 m	Easy
Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Gaithersburg	32.6 km	200 m	Moderate

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Needwood Loop

31.2 km

160 m

Moderate

Rock Creek loop from Aspen Hill

34.1 km

180 m

Moderate

Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove

36.6 km

310 m

Moderate

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Lake Bernard Frank

8.24 km

70 m

Easy

Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Gaithersburg

32.6 km

200 m

Moderate

1. Needwood Loop

31.2km

02:39

160m

170m

The Needwood Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling experience through Rock Creek Regional Park, winding past peaceful forests and the scenic shores of Lake Bernard Frank. You'll encounter a diverse mix of surfaces, from paved sections to gravel paths, and even some singletrack with roots and rocks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and geese as you pass by cornfields, enjoying a lush green space perfect for a varied ride.

While the route is generally accessible, be prepared for an unbridged stream crossing where you'll need to ride or wade through water. Navigation can be tricky in parts, as the trail isn't always clearly marked, so bringing a GPS device is a smart move. The route also includes several road crossings and short stretches on public roads, requiring cyclists to be attentive to traffic.

This moderate 19.4-mile (31.2 km) touring cycling route, with 540 feet (165 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. It's often recommended as an excellent starting point for those new to trail riding, blending technical sections with wider, easier paths. The loop connects to the asphalt Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail, offering further exploration options within the park.

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2. Rock Creek loop from Aspen Hill

34.1km

02:00

180m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove

36.6km

02:23

310m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4. Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Lake Bernard Frank

8.24km

00:40

70m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5. Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Gaithersburg

32.6km

02:07

200m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6. Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove

40.7km

02:24

230m

This touring cycling route from Washington Grove offers a unique blend of developed and natural surfaces, taking you through varied landscapes. You'll navigate local trails around Washington Grove, often winding through extensive woodlands and along creek valleys, before connecting to the Upper Rock Creek Trail. Expect rolling terrain with stream crossings, and be prepared for sections that might include natural surfaces or even singletrack, offering scenic views and chances for wildlife spotting.

To tackle this moderate 25.3-mile (40.7 km) loop with its 743 feet (226 metres) of elevation gain, a hybrid or gravel bike is your best bet, as a road touring bike might struggle on some sections. The estimated duration is around 2 hours and 24 minutes. Parking is generally available near Washington Grove or at designated access points for the Upper Rock Creek Trail; always confirm local park regulations before your ride.

While the Hawlings River areas are largely undeveloped, this route cleverly links accessible segments, providing a different experience than the paved paths of Rock Creek Park closer to D.C. It's a great option if you're looking for touring cycling routes that offer a bit more adventure and varied terrain, moving beyond purely asphalt surfaces. The area is part of a larger planned trail network, indicating future developments for cyclists.

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7. Hawlings River – Elder Pine Brewing Company loop from Redland

50.9km

03:04

370m

This moderate 31.6-mile (50.9 km) touring cycling route, the Hawlings River – Elder Pine Brewing Company loop from Redland, offers a delightful blend of rural scenery and a unique destination. You'll pedal through the rolling hills of Montgomery County, enjoying the natural beauty of the Hawlings River area, with sections that may skirt Rachel Carson Conservation Park. The journey culminates at Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co., where you can relax in their outdoor beer garden surrounded by tall pine trees, making the 3 hours and 4 minutes of riding and 1219 feet (372 metres) of elevation gain feel truly earned.

For planning your visit, consider that this route is best enjoyed in fair weather, especially if you intend to take advantage of the brewery's outdoor seating. While specific parking information for the Redland starting point isn't detailed, the area is generally accessible for cyclists. Always ensure your bike is in good condition for a ride of this length and elevation, and carry enough water, particularly on warmer days.

The Hawlings River area is a tributary of the Patuxent River, known for its natural environment and waterways. This loop stands out for its combination of outdoor recreation and a rewarding social stop, making it a

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8. Hawlings River loop from Redland

34.0km

02:03

220m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in Redland?

There are over 60 touring cycling routes in Redland, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These include 23 easy routes, 39 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging routes.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about Redland?

The touring cycling routes in Redland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes rolling hills, river paths, and park trails, making it suitable for different ability levels.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Redland?

Yes, many routes in Redland are designed as loops. For example, the Needwood Loop is a popular moderate route, and the Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove offers scenic views around Lake Needwood.

What kind of terrain can I expect on Redland's touring cycling routes?

Redland's touring cycling routes feature a landscape characterized by rolling hills and a network of waterways. You'll find varied terrain with gentle ascents and descents, river paths, and park trails, making it accessible for a range of touring cyclists.

Are there any routes that offer views of lakes or natural features?

Absolutely. The Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove offers views of Lake Needwood Southeast Shore. Other routes pass by natural areas and waterways, providing opportunities to experience the local environment.

What are some notable places to see or attractions near the cycling routes?

Near the touring cycling routes, you can explore various attractions. Highlights include the Intercounty Connector Trail – Norbeck Section, the scenic Clopper Lake Shore Trail, and the expansive Rock Creek Trail. There are also several lakes like Lake Bernard Frank and Pine Lake.

Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes in Redland?

For experienced cyclists seeking a longer ride, the Hawlings River – Annapolis Rock loop from Redland is a good option. It's a 31.2-mile (50.2 km) trail with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 3 hours.

Can I find routes that are suitable for a moderate fitness level?

Yes, Redland has a good selection of moderate routes. The Needwood Loop is a popular choice, covering 19.4 miles (31.2 km) with a total elevation gain of 540 feet (165 meters), typically taking around 2 hours 39 minutes.

Are there any routes that follow river paths?

Yes, several routes incorporate river paths. The Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove follows parts of the Rock Creek Trail, which is known for its scenic river sections.

How long do the touring cycling routes in Redland typically take to complete?

Route durations vary depending on length and difficulty. For instance, the moderate Needwood Loop takes approximately 2 hours 39 minutes, while the longer Hawlings River – Annapolis Rock loop from Redland can take around 3 hours 3 minutes.

What is the average elevation gain on Redland's touring cycling routes?

The routes in Redland feature varied elevation gains. For example, the Needwood Loop has an elevation gain of 540 feet (165 meters), while the Hawlings River – Annapolis Rock loop from Redland involves a more substantial 381 meters (1,250 feet) of ascent.

The best cycling routes around Redland

If you only do 3 of these routes

Compare these routes at a glance

1.

Needwood Loop

2.

Rock Creek loop from Aspen Hill

3.

Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Shady Grove

4.

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Lake Bernard Frank

5.

Lake Needwood Southeast Shore – Rock Creek Trail loop from Gaithersburg

6.

Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove

7.

Hawlings River – Elder Pine Brewing Company loop from Redland

8.

Hawlings River loop from Redland

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Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove	40.7 km	230 m	Moderate
Hawlings River – Elder Pine Brewing Company loop from Redland	50.9 km	370 m	Moderate
Hawlings River loop from Redland	34.0 km	220 m	Moderate