The dual sport bike allows you to exercise your sense of adventure when you feel like it. On our Places to Ride – Dual Sports below we have listed unimproved trails. Yet they are just at home on trails that hybrid or fitness bike riders enjoy. So be sure to check out the other posts in this series. The trail network in downtown DC is another great area where the dual sport bike shines. It is the perfect bike to explore the monuments on.

C & O Canal Trail:

This gravel trail runs 184 miles, from Cumberland to Georgetown on the old canal towpath. A bucolic, 10-mile stretch along the Potomac River begins at White’s Ferry, near Poolesville.  Many cyclists take a few days and ride its entire length. Lots of history and scenery, all the way.

Click  here for more information.

If you are looking for a very long ride, try the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). Its southern end, begins slightly north of the C&O Canal (there is a route linking the two). Fantastic quiet and scenery all the way to Pittsburgh, PA. Find campgrounds, hotels and B&B’s, enroute. Note: I am working on plans to ride the entire route on my dual sport bike.

Torrey C. Brown Trail – Formerly the Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCRT):

Twenty miles long.  Blissful pedaling on smooth, hard-packed gravel, through quiet countryside. It begins at Ashland Road in the Hunt Valley, and goes to the MD state line.You can begin at Ashland Road, but on weekends expect heavy use and limited parking. There’s less congestion north of the old Monkton Railroad Station, which is now a kiosk with restrooms.  There’s a café here, too, serving something for everyone.At the MD/PA line continue all the way to York, PA, if you’ve got the legs, on the York County Heritage Trail.Click here for more information or York County Heritage Trail.Rosaryville State Park:

This is a great trail system to get your tires dirty on your dual sport! Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park and is the location of the historic Mount Airy Mansion. Miles of trails for hiking, biking and horse riding. This park is suitable for all riding levels.  It has some of the coolest, smoothest single-track in the area. The main loop is approximately 10 miles. For a real challenge there’s an inner loop trail that is tight and technical.

To enter the park, make a right, just south of Osborne Road while traveling south on U.S. 301. Maryland DNR information is here.

We have plenty of other great places to recommend for riding. Just stop by or give us a call and we will be happy to help.