Annapolis Mountain Biking Trails

Annapolis is a 2026 IMBA Trail Town — one of the first communities in the country to earn the designation — with 39 miles of volunteer-built natural surface singletrack across two trail systems: Annapolis Waterworks and Bacon Ridge.

Bacon Ridge is a rolling network of flowy singletrack on 900+ acres of Anne Arundel County parkland in Crownsville. Trails accessed from the Hawkins Road trailhead (1822 Hawkins Rd) are smoother and more beginner-friendly, with difficulty stepping up as you move north through the system. A third trailhead at 1350 Bacon Ridge Road provides central access. Expect roots, tight radius turns, and plenty of out-sloped contour trail. No rock to speak of.

The Bacon Ridge Bike Park at the northern entrance (1214 Severn Chapel Rd) is a 3-line skills zone with progressive jumps and features that connect directly into the larger trail network. Whether you're learning to get air for the first time or sessioning laps, the Bike Park is worth a stop on its own or as part of a bigger ride.

Annapolis Waterworks is built on City of Annapolis land and features diverse terrain including pine groves, mountain laurel, and a trail that runs along the fence of one of the largest landfill solar projects in the country. The southern trailhead on Housley Road is the most accessible starting point. The northern trailhead on Honeysuckle Lane is about 1.5 miles by road from Bacon Ridge's Hawkins Road lot, making it easy to combine both systems into a 30+ mile day. Hillier than Bacon Ridge, with some legit climbs and fast descents.

The Annapolis Flow Trails, accessed from the Waterworks trail system, add jump lines and features for riders looking for more airtime. The Helios Advanced Jump Line is a directional double-black with gap jumps, step ups/downs, chutes, and hips — one of the more aggressive purpose-built features in the region. There's also a skills trail for riders working their way up to the bigger stuff.

Both trail systems are multi-use and open to hikers, mountain bikers, and dogs on leash. All trails are built and maintained by volunteers from Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE). Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park, a new county park between the two existing systems, is in development and will eventually connect Waterworks and Bacon Ridge into one continuous network.

After your ride, head into town. Annapolis has a growing brewery scene worth checking out. Forward Brewing in Eastport is a neighborhood nano-brewery with a rotating tap list, a full food menu, and a dog-friendly patio — a solid post-ride stop about 15 minutes from either trailhead. RAR Brewing's Chessie's Wharf in West Annapolis has 38 taps pouring out of their Cambridge, MD brewery, plus burgers and bar food. Both are easy detours on the way home and a good reason to make a day of it.

For current Waterworks trail conditions, visit waterworkstrail.com. Support the trails by joining MORE at more-mtb.org.