As autumn creeps in, cyclists aren’t just looking forward to cooler weather, they’re also on the lookout for beautiful fall colors. From the Towpath along the C&O Canal to the Bethesda Trolley Trail, there are plenty of Montgomery County trails to catch the stunning fall leaves from the saddle of a bicycle.
C&O Canal Towpath
Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center
11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
Enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves along the towpath, a dirt and stone trail that runs 184.5 miles along the C&O Canal. Originally built for the canal mules to walk beside the canal as they towed the canal boats through the waterway, it is now a popular recreational trail. Soak in the views of the 30.1 mile stretch from Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to the Monocacy Aqueduct.
Wheaton Regional Park Trails
Wheaton Regional Park
2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, Maryland 20902
A top-notch bike trail is a welcome perk to most parks and Wheaton Regional Park offers 5 miles of natural surface and about 5 miles of hard surface trails. Great for a family-friendly ride with no real technical challenges, plan your perfect route and end with a picnic lunch at the pavilions
Bethesda Trolley Trail
Park at Fleming Local Park
9929 Fleming Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
You don’t need to head out into the countryside to immerse yourself in the spirit of fall. For a more urban path, try the Bethesda Trolley Trail. Located along the former Tenleytown and Rockville Railroad tracks, relax and reflect for 4 miles along a low-impact, tree-lined path from Bethesda to North Bethesda.
Agricultural History Farm Park Trails
Agricultural History Farm Park
18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Nothing feels more like fall than spending time on the farm and the Agricultural History Farm Park Trails are no exception. The 5.2 miles of winding natural surface trails, take you on a tour of the surrounding fields and countryside. Along the way, stop to visit the barns, historic buildings and modern farming activity center.
With over 250 miles of trails throughout the county, it’s easy to get outside and have an adventure at any skill level. Find more trails using the Moco Trail Guide and then grab a craft drink along the Tastemakers Trail.
