Under the cool, green canopy of tree branches, sunlight filters to the asphalt trail and leaves a patchwork of dapples to ride across. We pass patches of early bluebells and the ruins of old homes and log cabins, along with a lucky few present-day residents. The spring air is clean and crisp and the rich, earthy scent of the forest floor invites deep, invigorating breaths.
A little past mile marker 12, we burst from under the canopy to a breath-taking view of the Potomac River and leafy green mountains, then past farmland and an old orchard, woodlands and rock cliffs. The scenic diversity alone on this trail makes it an absolute treasure.
RAILS TO TRAILS Maryland is one of the 2012 top 10 bike-friendliest states, according to the League of American Bicyclists, and Washington County has some of the richest offerings for bicyclists of all levels. The Western Maryland Rail Trail is especially easy, with its 22.5 paved miles, almost all of which are flat as a tabletop. Beginning about a mile west of Fort Frederick, it follows the meandering Potomac River, parallel to the C & O Canal, and ends at Pearre Station, an old apple-packing community.
It’ s built along the old Western Maryland Railroad line, which last saw a train in 1987. As a reminder of its past, one of two sets of mile markers on the WMRT lists the distance from Baltimore, where the railroad began; the other indicates the WMRT’ s length. Historical markers identify the landmarks of yesteryear, such as the old Woodmont School or the ruins of the Round Top Sand Company. Plans
are underway to extend the trail another 4.5 miles from Pearre( pronounced par-EE) to Little Orleans, and later on to Paw Paw, W. Va., another eight to 10 miles depending on the route, in a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service.
Managed by the Maryland Park Service, the WMRT has been chosen by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy as one of the top 12 trails in the U. S. for its fall foliage and enjoys an overall five-star rating on its online TrailLink. Riders can opt to do the round trip in one long day, or divide the ride into sections, beginning mid-point at Hancock and riding either east or west.
Mark Furuyama and Guy Hunt are from Montgomery County and have been riding the WMRT for years.“ We come two or three times a year,” says Mark.“ It’ s such a beautiful ride, and the people are so friendly out here.” They begin at Fort Frederick and ride briskly to the end, then back at a more leisurely pace.“ We see all kinds of wildlife, including a weasel last trip out,” adds Guy.“ It’ s a special place.” Both commented on the range of people biking on the WMRT, from families with several kids on bikes of all sizes, to older bikers on recumbent bikes to the experienced guys on their fast road bikes in flashy jerseys.
TACKLING THE TOWPATH The C & O Canal towpath might be considered to be the WMRT’ s big brother, beginning in Georgetown and ending 184.5 miles later in Cumberland. Here, riders travel beside what was once a great
lifeline of commerce between East and West. Today the C & O Canal is a National Historic Park, with a towpath that’ s shared by hikers and bicyclists.
It’ s a much tougher ride than the WMRT— packed gravel or clay in most places— and not suited for road bicycles; this one wants a hybrid or mountain bike. It can be muddy after rain, which not only makes it more difficult and slower to ride, but can also leave riders looking like mud-wrestlers.
It can be difficult for less experienced riders, too, who have not yet, say, developed those parts of their anatomy conducive to riding bikes for long distances or over rough ground. Padded seats can only do so much. Dick Cushwa, director of Cumberland Valley Cycling Club, agrees.“ You need to harden your butt,” before riding a long distance on the towpath.“ Start with short trips and wear biking shorts.” Dick also recommends checking the weather before beginning any ride.
But it is worth the effort: this trail is beautiful, maybe most so in the autumn with its fall foliage, but gorgeous all year round. As on the WRMT, there’ s a tremendous diversity in the landscape along the entire towpath trail and many historical markers. Wildlife abounds and bald eagles frequently fly overhead. There are several crossovers between the WMRT and the C & O Canal Towpath, one in Hancock and the others clearly indicated on the trails.
GEAR UP FOR GREAT RIDES Both trails offer a wide range of amenities, from quaint bed and breakfasts that welcome cyclists, like the Riverrun B & B photo: Chris Jackson
72 May / June 2013 Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond