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Rosaryville State Park Mountain Bike Trail
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
48 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 4/6/12 by JoshuaTee |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 8 miles | Global Rank: #601 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 119 | Wishlist: 62 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.56 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 48min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,606/-1,394 ft | |
 2 trail check-ins |
Directions
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Description: Trail Description: Rosaryville is an excellent mountain biking and equestrian destination with a main perimeter trail 8 miles in length. It consists of a lot of tight twisty singletrack with some short steep hills built and designed in cooperation with IMBA's trail building guru and former trail crew member Rich Edwards. There are beautiful overlooks, awesome flora and fauna, large open fields. The trails offer something for all levels, but tend toward moderate speed singletrack, with moderate climbs, and most of the trail is under the cool canopy of mature hardwoods. Some technical sections will require beginners to dismount, but intermediate riders should find most sections rideable and challenging. Trails are not crowded, but keep a close eye out for the occasional equestrian rider or hiker. Cost for park access is $3 per Md. car and $4 per out of state vehicle. Ride in access is free so park at the nearby shopping center and ride in! Trail maps are available at the Mt. Airy mansion on the other side of the park off Rosaryville Rd. 8-4 weekdays or at the Cedarville Park complex or on the DNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/trailguides.html
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Description: Trail Description: Rosaryville is an excellent mountain biking and equestrian destination with a main perimeter trail 8 miles in length. It consists of a lot of tight twisty singletrack with some short steep hills built and designed in cooperation with IMBA's trail building guru and former trail crew member Rich Edwards. There are beautiful overlooks, awesome flora and fauna, large open fields. The trails offer something for all levels, but tend toward moderate speed singletrack, with moderate climbs, and most of the trail is under the cool canopy of mature hardwoods. Some technical sections will require beginners to dismount, but intermediate riders should find most sections rideable and challenging. Trails are not crowded, but keep a close eye out for the occasional equestrian rider or hiker. Cost for park access is $3 per Md. car and $4 per out of state vehicle. Ride in access is free so park at the nearby shopping center and ride in! Trail maps are available at the Mt. Airy mansion on the other side of the park off Rosaryville Rd. 8-4 weekdays or at the Cedarville Park complex or on the DNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/trailguides.html
added on September 8, 2004 by 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by mtb2health on April 23, 2012
I made the mistake of trying this trail out for my first MTB ride. I am very out of shape so the hills here killed me. I only made it about 1.5 miles in clockwise and i decided to turn back. I will be back once I get some more endurance. From what I saw of the trail, it was well maintained, it had no real ruts or anything in the way of the trail, it wasn't very crowded and it had plenty of canopy cover to help keep you cool. If you are a beginner and not in shape I would not recommend this trail until you have some mileage under your wheels.
* Review edited 4/23/2012
reviewed by JoshuaTee on April 6, 2012
I'm new at riding, this is an amazing twisty curvy route, up and down hill through two spots of open power line stretches. I have gone 5 times so far, and keep hitting 24-28 mph (downhill lol) each time. The admission is $3 dollars by the honor system. There is one spot where the bridge is out and you have to hop off and carry your bike, no biggie because a good graded hill awaits you depending on which way you go. Clockwise is more difficult than going counterclockwise in my junior opinion of trail riding.
reviewed by mallonation on January 18, 2012
It's a solid 90 minute loop, it's fast, and it's close enough to DC. Has some sweet abandoned farmland and barns too. Clockwise is better IMO.
* Review edited 3/6/2012
Similar Trail: Wakefield
reviewed by jfigel76 on October 22, 2011
Nice, fast, smooth, not techy, no rocks, no major climbs or downhills, no dabs, good workout. $5 to enter unless you have State Park Pass. 9 mile loop not enough? Do 2 laps.
Similar Trail: Schaffer Farm, pvsp, Lorton.
reviewed by Jkizz on October 14, 2011
Already reviewed this trail earlier in the year. However, just had an epic 24 mile ride there and I wanted to let anyone who is scoping this trail out know that going clockwise and counter clockwise around the perimeter loop (8.5 miles each way) will give you a different ride. When added to the middle sections you can ride 20 miles at this park without backtracking. Also the storms this summer wiped out the bridge at the end (or beginning) of the largest and fastest hill. So be careful.
reviewed by Austhen on September 7, 2011
Great place! I went counter clock-wise. Seemed like a descent balance between climbing and down hill. About 5 miles in I somehow bent my rear derailleur into my rear wheel, without wrecking. I had to carry the bike out. I crossed paths with a few horseback riders (weren't too friendly people).
reviewed by Casey_Anderson on September 2, 2011
Excellent loop of about 10 miles, with some side options. Really well designed, with good flow that makes it fun for riders of varying skill, fitness, and experience. In many ways this is my favorite place to ride in the DC metro area.
Similar Trail: Schaeffer Farms, MD
reviewed by Jkizz on June 17, 2011
Great work out trail. Intermediate riders can easily do the 8 mile loop in less than 1.5 hours. For more adventurous types there is an inner loop with some technical obstacles. Switch backs galore, so if you have clip ins get used to bailing.
reviewed by benjaminporter.dc on June 2, 2011
Great Ride With Kids. I put my 2 year old in his ibert seat and got after it. We rode counter clockwise, and bailed out on the hardball that runs by the to the lodge and back to the parking area (it was time for snacks and naps....). Great ride overall. 1 small water crossing, some roots/rocks, but not so much to damper by 2 year old's enjoyment. I would definitely run this on a fair weather day if you have kids. There is really only one bailout (1 hour in at a leisurely pace), so if it turns rainy, hot, or cold, there is a commitment factor if you have little ones. If you do have to bail, take the hardball back to the backside of the lodge, and ride up an old dirt road till you come to more hardball, go right and follow the road around till you come back to the parking area. See if you can map this out beforehand, although it's a state park in a populous county, it doesn't feel that way.
Similar Trail: Giles Meadows - Lorton VA
reviewed by jgillis33 on May 30, 2011
Very nice ride. Going clockwise is definitely the way to go, you get the harder climbs out early and get to enjoy some really fast downhill sections that would not be enjoyable climbs.
reviewed by bikeit420 on April 27, 2011
I was visiting from NY and rode this on an overcast afternoon. Real nice flow and descent rolling hills. Very well marked and maintained. Really liked this trail. Good workout but not too tough. Thanks to a local named Bob who rode the first couple of miles with me. He broke a chain but luckily I had a master link and we were riding again. I highly reccomend this trail.
reviewed by Gusso on March 21, 2011
great trail , worth the drive nothing to technical small jumps and fast loop.
reviewed by BU10May on November 21, 2010
This was really smooth and flowing singletrack. Very nice 9 mile "perimeter trail." Nothing technical, there were no logs to jump, but it is very nice singletrack with a few nice downhills. The only downside was the drive to get there from DC, Pennsylvania avenue blows! But Nice trails!!!
Similar Trail: Allegrippis trails, Schaeffer Farms
reviewed by 83stumpjumper on October 18, 2010
Just back from the trail again, it gets better every time I ride it! Just wanted to mention that the two fallen trees that were blocking the trail have been cut up by an unknown lumberjack, and I thank him. A great one hour work out ride for me again. Ride it once, and you'll be back!
reviewed by Susanita on October 18, 2010
This is my favorite trail in the DC area. I am an intermediate rider. It is very well maintained and fast. Go clockwise to get the hill climbing over first, then do the inner loop with skills area, finish off with a very fast swoopy run. Totally fun!!
Similar Trail: Allegripis Trail in Raystown.
reviewed by 83stumpjumper on October 10, 2010
Just rode the trail for the second time in a week, I love it!!! Not as far from home as I thought, once I followed the directions more carefully. It's a fantastic ride that only gets better the more you do it. Only two fallen trees require a dismount. I'm hoping someone with a chain saw will take care of this soon. To complete the loop you'll need about an hour. My plan is to ride this trail once a week now until it gets mushy. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.
reviewed by 83stumpjumper on October 2, 2010
A great trail! Equal amounts of ups and downs. You never have to dismount, with the exception of getting over a fallen tree or two. Trail is well marked and easy to follow. It's nice to have a long loop to roll on. You can do it in about an hour without killing yourself. It's about a 27 mile drive for me from home, so I won't be there every week, but I should hit it at least once a month.
reviewed by jtorlando25 on September 29, 2010
I can't say anything that hasn't been said already. This trail has more flow than any of the VA trails that I have ridden. "Roller coaster" is the best description for this place. Nice hard packed trail surface makes for traction all day long.
Similar Trail: Laurel Hill
reviewed by papawhiskey99 on September 8, 2010
Great sticky singletrack. Flows like a rollercoaster through the trees. A must ride for any level.
reviewed by NippyTrail on April 3, 2010
Great trail with good flow. Just finish riding today and so far I will return to ride it again.
reviewed by fsfsunshine on October 15, 2009
I have lived in the area for the past two years and had no idea about this trail. I started a little too late in the day, however, and had to turn around and come back after about 3 miles because it was almost dark!! This trail is alot of fun, even though I did not get to see all of it. I plan on doing the complete trail in the next week! Hopefully there is a little more technical riding further in :D
reviewed by ruffhouse496 on September 21, 2009
Love this trail. Lived in the county most of my life and never knew this trail existed. Has a lot of twists and turns, a couple of crosstrail logs, and a couple of not-so-difficult hills. Rode it once but I plan on riding it many , many more times.
Similar Trail: Fountainhead Regional in Va.
reviewed by drexlerkm on July 20, 2009
In partial response to the poster below- I wish I lived closer. This trail is awesome. Really nice singletrack. Never really crowded. Sort of wish it had a few more ttf/jumps, but I suppose that's where the flow comes in. PAY THE FEE. $3 bucks is worth it. Out of state is $4. I always feel watched, so I pay the $4 (PA plates).
reviewed by chanchicken08 on July 15, 2009
love it its agreat track to go reverse on too! Also the trail is well maintained and can be a great weekday morning ride
reviewed by Chris_G. on June 2, 2009
I really feel lucky to have a trail like this so close by. You get a different experience depending on which direction you enter the loop. If I haven't biked in a while this trail will remind me of that fact. Also, since Maryland State Parks are sometimes not the best funded its good to deposit the honor system entrance fee.
* Review edited 6/2/2009
reviewed by Lawmaster87 on April 26, 2009
Great trail. Fast trail with very smooth twisty turn and great flow. Some moderate climbing and switchbacks. Outer loop is just really good singletrack. For the freerider, the inner loop has some nice features but nothing overly technical. A few small drops, skinnies, and one or two jumps. Overall, the trail has a lot to offer.
Similar Trail: Schaeffer Farms
reviewed by skibum on March 9, 2009
This was a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to find singletrack this good on suburban Maryland. There's lots of good, twisty singletrack that almost make you forget where you are. There's some good climbs and a few technical spots. Take the time to find the inner loop and ride it as well. If you do the outher loop and the inner loop together, you get almost 10 miles of quality singletrack.
Similar Trail: Gambril for more tech. Patapsco for more variety.
reviewed by BigStep on March 8, 2009
First ride of the season and the mud hurt but good. First trip to this park but I will definitely be back, hopefully when it's dried a bit.
reviewed by skibum on February 15, 2009
What a pleasant surprise! There is a lot of quality singletrack (10 miles!) packed into this modest little suburban park. Most of it is narrow and it winds every which way, keeping good flow most of the time. Part of the trail rides close to some busy roads, but much of it will allow you to enjoy the woods and forget the development that surrounds you. It seems to drain better than you'd expect given it's location. If it's muddy, let it be as you shouldn't have to wait long before it's ready and you can come back and have a great ride without causing any trail damage. If you've got the time and energy, be sure to look for the inner loop--it'll add a couple miles to your ride along with many more technical features.
Similar Trail: Fountainhead, Schaeffer, Patapsco
reviewed by acorr289 on November 10, 2008
Nice flowy trail good for working on your endurance. Neat technical section in the middle with some log overs and the option to ride on some logs.
reviewed by crashmore on September 6, 2008
Rosaryville is a tight fast and flowing trail. The terrain is generally rolling with no killer climbs. There is a more technic***erior trail that can be added to the main loop which offers lots of log crossings, a few skinnies, minor drops and some awesome banked turns. From the parking lot go back out to the road cross over and enter the trail. The trail is well marked and is a simple loop that will bring you back to the parking lot. There is a turn off that will include a more technical section that is an interior trail, this will dump you right back onto the main perimeter if you choose to do it and will add a couple miles of sweet technical single track to the the ride.
reviewed by holtzmar on August 5, 2008
Great ride with many challenging switchbacks, climbs, descents and the occasional, unavoidable tree root. Over 95% of trail is under the cover of trees which keeps the temperatures down.
reviewed by bobco85 on May 14, 2008
Great views! I loved the parts where the trail would cross from forest to field. There were also a couple of balance challenges off the side of the trail that were fun to attempt. I rode the trail clockwise, but will definitely try counterclockwise on my next visit. Very fun ride!
Similar Trail: Seneca Creek
reviewed by mhhomick on March 27, 2008
I rode the "Rose" on 3/26/08 and the trail was in great shape. Nicely hard-packed, very fast and mostly single-track. Even the usual wet areas were completely dry. The stream crossings were still wet. I rode clockwise and at the very end I turned off the main trail and took a horse trail that avoids the steep climb and roots just before the parking lot. This horse trail was rough and not too firm so I would recommend the main trail.
reviewed by ralliart419 on November 3, 2007
This is a great ride, not that technical, but has some fast downhills and a couple decent climbs. Just under 10 miles. You can go fast- this trail has some great flow. Similar to one of my favorites back home in VT. Bi-directional and there's a trail marker every mile. It's a big loop.
reviewed by vincejesaitis on July 28, 2007
this place is pure singletrack. rode this trail today for the first time - it was a blast. park in the first lot you can to your right when you enter the park and take the trailhead that goes out of the back of the lot, you will end directly across the road. there are some incredible climbs and downhills, some nice jumps too. one of the funnest rides i've had in the area
Similar Trail: sheridan farms
reviewed by andrewlwong2 on August 17, 2006
Oh, I forgot to mention in last review. I'm not sure if I was at the right parking lot. I went to top as mentioned in instructions. However, I didn't see any trails. So I went to the other parking lot with kids playground. There was a trailhead there called Taggerhead overlook or something like that. I started from there. If you start from here, take a left when it branches. I found out later, that if you start from the parking lot mentioned in instructions, just ride to the woods. There is a trails just beyond the outskirts.
reviewed by andrewlwong2 on August 17, 2006
I just came from there today. I'm off of work and wanted to start checking out some of the top 10 trails. I thought this trail was OK. I would say this is more a beginner to intermediate level. I actually got lost out there. The trail branches in a few places and didn't know which trail looped back around. You can get really lost out there. It's a big park. And there are no maps on the trail. I'm not sure if picking up the park map would help. The trail is a fast single track. It was fun flying through the trails. There are really no big hills. In a few places there are logs. This trails is good for building endurance.
reviewed by dstallworth on July 27, 2006
I rode this trail 2wks ago. Found it to be a great intermediate singletrack. Didn't experience any major challenges (which was good for me). Markings could be improved. Would love to do it again and check my time. Biggest and fastest mosquitos I've seen in years. Thanks for time taken to maintain this site.
reviewed by atarisman9195 on July 6, 2005
Great ride lots of nice downhill sections a lot of fun some creek crossings that may require walking through but overall a great trail
reviewed by mdmtbkr on February 15, 2005
Rode this trail on Sunday 13 FEB. We rode late in the morning and I must say it was a mistake, we only stayed on the single track until we hit the first open field then cut accross to the paved road and rode back to car. It was far too muddy and sloppy. If you really want to ride I would suggest riding when frozen or abstaining until land dries out. I feel that most of my upcoming rides will be on pavement til drier weather.
reviewed by pedalmasher on December 8, 2004
We have been working on this trail for almost 5 years and I have to say I'm really pleased to hear all the great experiences from all riders that visit this trail. Come out and experience a trail system approved by DNR land managers that are very forward thinking. This is a trail that was designed in cooperation between MD. DNR, Rosaryville Conservancy, M.O.R.E., and trail guru Rich Edwards of IMBA fame!! I just ask of you a few things.. #1 Stay off the trail when it is very wet so you don't damage it. and #2 Keep me informed of problems (such as large tree blowdowns) and #3 Email me any ideas and suggestions you have for the trail system. Thanks! Have fun! Todd-Rosaryville Trail Liaison
Similar Trail: Schaffer Farm, Fountainhead, Poor Farm
reviewed by bontrager_rider on November 28, 2004
I rode this trail today. It is some very nice singletrack. Right now it is pretty slick because the ground is moist (not muddy) and there are a lot of leaves on the ground. Everything that the other riders have said is the same for me. I will definately go back here. This was my first MD singletrack ride. I just moved back to the US from Germany. Looking forward to riding some of the other trails in the area.
reviewed by kltbo on November 11, 2004
It was the first time that my friend and I have ridden this trail. It was great. Glad MORE didn't put a lot of steep hills into the trail. The hills are pretty much gentle and rolling. Couple of creek crossings are killer though. All in all a great trail. Will be back here again. Also the trail is used enough that the leaves are pretty much ground up. ENJOY!!
Similar Trail: Cedarville
reviewed by mdmtbkr on November 11, 2004
Awesome, Good climbs, great down hills, excellent distance and very well laid out. This is one of the better ones i have ridden in MD/VA/WASH DC metro. I will definitely ride this on more.
Similar Trail: Cedarville
reviewed by WEX404 on September 29, 2004
Pretty nice trail; so far it looks like just the perimeter portion is done. We rode it last Saturday, and buddy of mine took the above photos. Trail is AWESOME, decent climbs, and very nice flow. A few decent obstacles including some small to moderate log rolls, and some somewhat advanced creek crossings. Only one real killer climb that demands use of the granny gear. The trail is very new right now from what I understand, so it's not quite as smooth rolling (I was on my hardtail, though), but with increased use that will change, and more trails are on the way I hear. Watch out for horses and their droppings. I think we measured the length at just under 7 miles total, and we rode the loop three times without feeling like we killed ourselves. Each lap took maybe an hour at most. A really fun trail that I will certainly ride again! I think the park fee is three or four dollars - well worth it. It is recommended that this trail as it is now be ridden in the clockwise direction. Enjoy!
Similar Trail: Schaeffer Farms
reviewed by getonthetrail on September 12, 2004
This trail is very fast and fun! It is not real technically challenging but it is fast and has some nice fun downhills and nice uphills. MORE takes care of this trail.
Similar Trail: Schafer Farms
