Biking in the national capital region

If you’d like to explore the stretch of towpath near the Cushwa Basin, you can borrow a bike from the visitor center free of charge! Simply leave a driver’s license or car keys at the front desk and pick the right bicycle for you. We have a collection of well-maintained bikes for men, women, and children. For this half-day trip idea, we recommend staying within just a few miles of Cushwa Basin.

For those seeking to explore Southern Maryland or to travel the extent of the Potomac Heritage NST corridor, bicycling and paddling, combined with some short hikes, are the best self-powered ways to experience the area. The 38-mile bicycling route between Colton's Point/St. Clement's Island Museum and Port Tobacco (or vice versa) is part of the Adventure Cycling Association "Tidewater Potomac Heritage" map set.

The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150 mile rail-trail between Cumberland, Maryland--terminus of the C & O Canal Towpath--and Point State Park in Pittsburgh. To complete part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, bicycle 41 miles from Confluence to Deal, then 8+ miles on-road to the northern trailhead for the Big Savage Mountain Trail. Continue past Deal on the GAP to cross the Divide and to visit the Big Savage Tunnel. Outfitter shuttles and lodging in Meyersdale available.

Want to explore history and enjoy a day bicycling? This is the route for you. Enjoy a leisurely 40-mile bike ride, or choose to hike and or paddle the length instead, spending the night camping or staying in paid accommodations. Historic treasures await you in Williamsport, Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry along the way.

Port Tobacco Historic District and Smallwood State Park provide a contrast in landscape diversity, and travel between them is a fine bicycle ride. This route is part of the Adventure Cycling Association Tidewater Potomac Heritage Bicycling Route.

The on-road bicycling route between Smallwood State Park and Oxon Cove Park makes connections with parks and historic sites.

By bicycle or on foot, try a short overnight or travel the entire 184.5-mile length of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.

The 70-mile section of the GAP between Cumberland, Maryland, and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, is popular as an easy grade for bicycling.

Bicycling between George Washington Birthplace National Monument/Westmoreland State Park and Reedville, Virginia.

Bicycle from Reedville, an historic village at the northeastern part of the Northern Neck of Virginia, to a marina for a fishing trip or charter tour on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay.

With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic sites and the Potomac River shoreline. A map and more information is available from the Northern Neck Tourism Commission at www.northernneck.org.

Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondardtown, MD