The best traffic-free bike rides in Allegany County

Allegany County, known as the 'Mountain Side of Maryland,' offers a diverse mix of terrain. You'll encounter mountainous landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive forest roads. Many routes feature significant elevation changes, providing both scenic views and challenging ascents. Expect varied surfaces, from well-packed gravel to sections with loose, larger gravel, baseball-sized rocks, or ruts, especially in areas like Green Ridge State Forest.

While many of Allegany County's gravel routes are rated moderate to difficult, some sections of the Knobley Tunnel Trail – Evitt's Creek Campsite loop from Cumberland offer a more manageable experience with less elevation gain. For truly easy, car-free options, consider sections of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) or the C&O Canal Towpath, which are renowned for their gentle grades and scenic beauty, though some segments may still be unpaved.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for gravel biking in Allegany County. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery, with blooming wildflowers or vibrant autumn foliage, is spectacular. These seasons also tend to have fewer visitors compared to peak summer, contributing to a more tranquil, no-traffic experience on the trails. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice.

Yes, many of the public lands and trails in Allegany County, including sections of the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific park or trail regulations before you go. Ensure your dog is on a leash, you carry waste bags, and they are comfortable with longer rides and varied terrain.

Yes, Allegany County offers several excellent circular routes for gravel biking. For example, the Paw Paw, WV Visitors Center – Evitt's Creek Campsite loop from Paw Paw and the Meyersdale Visitors Center – Mason-Dixon Line Monument loop from Cumberland are both challenging circular options. For a moderate loop, consider the Green Ridge State Forest – View of the Potomac River loop from Little Orleans.

Allegany County's trails are rich with history. You can encounter engineering marvels like the Paw Paw Tunnel along the C&O Canal Towpath. The Mason-Dixon Line Monument is another significant historical marker accessible on some routes. Additionally, the Great Allegheny Passage KM 0 and C&O Canal Towpath Northern Terminus in Cumberland marks the start of these iconic trails.

Access points and parking are available at various locations throughout Allegany County. Major trailheads like the Frostburg Trailhead and the Cumberland terminus of the GAP Trail and C&O Canal Towpath offer dedicated parking. State parks such as Green Ridge State Forest and Rocky Gap State Park also provide parking for trail access. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient parking options.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Allegany County, with an average score of 4.26 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's extensive network of quiet forest roads, the challenging yet rewarding climbs with panoramic views, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the vast, untouched natural beauty of areas like Green Ridge State Forest. The car-free nature of many trails, especially sections of the GAP and C&O, is also a significant draw.

Allegany County is home to numerous scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape. While not directly on every gravel route, many trails pass near or provide access to viewpoints. For instance, overlooks within Green Ridge State Forest offer panoramic vistas, sometimes spanning views of up to four different states. Dan's Rock Overlook, the highest point in the county, provides stunning views of the Allegheny Front.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Allegany County generally range from moderate to difficult. The region's mountainous terrain means you should expect significant elevation changes and challenging climbs. While some sections of the major rail trails offer gentler grades, many dedicated gravel routes, particularly in Green Ridge State Forest, are known for their rugged terrain and require good to very good fitness and bike handling skills.