The best gravel rides around Forest Glen
113
riders
7
rides
Gravel biking around Forest Glen, Maryland, offers access to a network of trails and parks within the broader Montgomery County area. The region is characterized by wooded stream valleys, historic waterways like the C&O Canal, and varied elevation profiles. Routes often connect extensive park systems and the dramatic Potomac Gorge near Great Falls Park, providing diverse terrain for gravel cyclists.
Best gravel bike trails around Forest Glen
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
32
riders
50.6km
03:17
210m
210m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
26
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
14
riders
34.3km
02:25
210m
210m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
34
riders
48.4km
02:59
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
As you ride onto the wide canal bend, you’re met with serene water views—Widewater is a beautiful lake that serves as habitat for many bird and wildlife species. It’s an ideal spot to pause, do some birdwatching, and soak in the calm before continuing your journey along the Potomac and the Chesapeake & Ohio canal.
0
0
This towpath is as much about the journey as the destination. Cruise past historic locks, aqueducts, and shady woodlands along a trail with gentle grades and rich history. Pause at scenic river overlooks or old lockhouses for a quick rest.
0
0
Enjoy easy access to the Great Falls, a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and expert kayakers. Though not exceptionally tall, the falls surge with force as the Potomac River carves through ancient, metamorphic rock.
1
0
Lock 21, aka Swains Lock, is a lock house and campsite. It was built in the 1830s and transported items such as grain and coal between Georgetown and Cumberland. It was named after the Swain family and John Swain, who helped build the canal, and Jesse Swain, the lockkeeper. The family lived here until 2006.
1
0
Lock 22, aka Pennyfield Lock, was built between 1829 and 1831, and the name came from the misspelling of the Pennifield family name. It has been restored and offers overnight stays to recreate the rustic feeling from that period.
1
0
Located at mile 14.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath in Potomac, Maryland, Great Falls Park is a must-visit highlight for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike. A short boardwalk leads to the Olmsted Island overlook, where the Potomac River dramatically crashes over jagged rocks—one of the most scenic views near D.C. For hikers, the popular Billy Goat Trail offers three segments, with Section A featuring challenging rock scrambles and breathtaking river views. The historic Great Falls Tavern, built in 1829, now serves as a visitor center and launch point for seasonal mule-drawn canal boat rides. The towpath itself is flat and easy to navigate, ideal for walking or biking. Amenities include restrooms, picnic spots, and interpretive exhibits. Parking is available at the visitor center (fee required), or you can park for free at nearby Swains Lock and walk or ride 2.5 miles to the falls.
1
0
The Little Falls Dam is the spot that separates the Upper Potomac River and Lower Potomac River. It was constructed in 1959.
0
0
Peirce Mill, built in 1829 by Isaac Peirce on Rock Creek, once used water to power this mill that processed corn, wheat, and rye until its turbine shaft broke in 1897. Situated on a 960-acre plantation operated with slave labor, the mill became part of Rock Creek Park in 1890 through an Act of Congress. By the early 1900s, park managers enhanced the site with roads, bridges, and a dam. The New Deal legislation gave Rock Creek Park to the National Park Service in 1933, and the mill was restored. Today, visitors can explore the site, which includes parking, a visitor center, bathrooms, and a picnic area, as part of Rock Creek Park’s year-round attractions.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Forest Glen?
There are over 9 gravel bike routes documented on komoot around Forest Glen, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes explore the extensive park systems and historic waterways of the region.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in the Forest Glen area?
While many routes in the Forest Glen area are rated moderate to difficult, the region offers diverse landscapes that can be approached by beginners. For a moderate option that explores varied terrain, consider the Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from Cabin John, which covers 50.5 km.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see on gravel bike trails near Forest Glen?
Gravel biking around Forest Glen offers a mix of landscapes, including wooded stream valleys, sections along the historic C&O Canal, and varied elevation profiles as you navigate extensive park systems. You'll also find routes near the dramatic Potomac Gorge, offering scenic views.
Are there any long-distance gravel biking options from Forest Glen?
Yes, for a longer ride, the Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Bethesda is a challenging 73.8 km route that takes you along the C&O Canal, offering a significant distance for experienced gravel bikers.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions along the gravel bike routes?
Many routes pass by or near interesting points. You might encounter the historic Boulder Bridge, the scenic Rock Creek, or the Little Falls Dam. The area also features the historic Peirce Mill and various sections of Rock Creek Park.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Forest Glen?
Yes, many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Potomac River loop from The Clara Barton House is a moderate 24.1 km circular route that explores the canal and river areas.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Forest Glen?
The gravel biking routes around Forest Glen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic beauty of the C&O Canal, and the extensive park systems.
Can I find family-friendly gravel biking options near Forest Glen?
While specific family-friendly routes are not explicitly highlighted, the C&O Canal Towpath, which many routes incorporate, is generally flat and well-maintained, making sections of it suitable for families. Always check the route difficulty and terrain before heading out with children.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on the gravel trails?
The region's diverse natural settings, including wooded stream valleys and extensive park systems like Rock Creek Park, provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other animals common to the Mid-Atlantic forests.
Is public transport available to access gravel biking trails in Forest Glen?
The Forest Glen area in Maryland is part of a broader network of trails within Montgomery County, which is served by public transport options. Some routes, like the Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Klingle Road Wooden Bridge loop from Georgia Avenue–Petworth, start from areas accessible by public transit, such as Georgia Avenue–Petworth.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around Forest Glen?
The Maryland region offers good gravel biking conditions through much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter rides are possible but may require checking weather conditions for ice or snow, especially on unpaved sections.
Are there any hidden gem gravel routes or less-known trails in the area?
While the main trails are well-known, exploring the extensive park systems and stream valley parks, such as those traversed by the Leaning Tree Warning – Northwest Branch Trail loop from Silver Spring, can reveal quieter sections and less-trafficked paths, offering a sense of discovery away from the more popular C&O Canal sections.
Most popular attractions around Forest Glen
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
