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1.1 miles
Distance
57 ft
Climb
-99 ft
Descent
00:09:44
Avg time
-44 ft
Altitude change
250 ft
Altitude min
294 ft
Altitude max
294 ft
Altitude start
249 ft
Altitude end
-0.7%
Grade
-12.7%
Grade max
8.2%
Grade min
1,860 ft
Distance climb
2,759 ft
Distance down
1,345 ft
Distance flat
00:09:44
Avg time
Cabin John Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Winter Fat Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaCabin John Park
Bethesda, Maryland -
Difficulty Rating
-
Voted DifficultyGreen (1 vote)
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Local Popularity45 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 80 in Trail Running
- 85 in Hiking
- 5 in Winter Fat Biking
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Global Ranking#123191 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #112138 in Trail Running
- #103305 in Hiking
- #31137 in Winter Fat Biking
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State Ranking#665 in Mountain Biking · Maryland [+]
- #654 in Trail Running
- #676 in Hiking
- #218 in Winter Fat Biking
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Trail TypeMixed
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Bike TypeAM, XC, Fat
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingModerate
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Dogs AllowedYes
-
eBike Allowed
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TTFs on TrailBridge, Rock Garden
The Cabin John Trail runs along Cabin John Creek from Goya Dr. till the Potomac River. The north loop is flowy with few technical challenges. The rest of the trail is rocky and rooty on some of the descents and climbs, while other parts are flat, without and rocks or roots. Parts of the trail near the creek dry slowly, so expect some muddy areas. An excellent trail for beginners looking for a challenge. Proceed with caution at the numerous road crossings. However, it should be said that the parts of the trail along the road have a comfortably wide shoulder, and most of the roads are minor arteries.
Access Info
Parking exists at most road crossings
Trail Supporters
- Potomac Appalachian Trail ClubBuilder
Local Trail Association
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-
Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 8 rides
- 9 miles avg distance
All
- 108 rides
- Last: Oct 25, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Cabin John Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
The colour categories are based on what percentage of users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
Trail Last Used
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- < 2 days
- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
Trail Ridden Direction
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- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
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- Videos
Trail Popularity ?
Trailforks scans activity logs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months.
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Activity Recordings
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Winter Trails
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Trails are colored based on popularity. The more popular a trail is, the more red. Less popular trails trend towards green.
Jump Magnitude Heatmap
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BC Backroad Status
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Slope Aspect
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Directions to cabin-john trailhead
(39.051430, -77.156590)
Photos
5 more »
Videos
1 more »
mtb
14:53 |
210 |
Sep 6, 2016 , Bethesda
Routes with this trail
★ 5.0 • 6 miles • 431 ft • 6 • Loop •
Discover Montgomery County ride series.
Macfawlty
The North section of the Cabin John Trail from Goya drive all the way to Democracy blvd. pretty much matches the description. Nice and flowy with a few minor climbs. It’s a good trail for novice MTB riders, but a lot of fun and interest for everyone. There are a variety of loops (kidney loop, highway loop, campground loop) to keep you busy most of the day without need for shuttle. Cabin John Shopping Center has a variety of great restaurants for the end of ride. The Cabin John Trail South gets progressively more challenging as you continue South down to MacArthur Blvd. with climbs and switchbacks, but very rideable. I imagine there are RideOn buses running along Seven Locks Road if for whatever reason you need to shuttle. Overall, if you live in the area, it’s great to have MTB trails nearby that you can ride solo for an hour or two in the late afternoon or however much time your schedule allows.
MooseTender
More trails are being added north of Tuckerman Lane by by Montgomery County Parks & Recreation.
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