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Schaeffer Farms Mountain Bike Trail
Germantown, Maryland
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
33 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 11/27/11 by ferneau |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: #162 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 173 | Wishlist: 69 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.95 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 28min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,754/-1,946 ft | IMBA Epic Trail |
Directions:
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Description: Good ride. People of all skills levels can be found on this network of trails. The trails are maintained by MORE and Montgomery County National Park and Planning Commision.
added in 2003 by guest
Description: Good ride. People of all skills levels can be found on this network of trails. The trails are maintained by MORE and Montgomery County National Park and Planning Commision.
added in 2003 by guest 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Black Hill Regional Park in Germantown
Rosaryville State Park in Upper Marlboro
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by ferneau on November 27, 2011
Just an update - the trail is closed during these days due to white tail deer hunting / population control: November 26-December 10 and January 6-7. Otherwise it should be open.
reviewed by Jkizz on September 19, 2011
Great trail for all levels. It is a log jumpers dream. While not super fast it flows well and has two loops to ride. I prefer the Yellow loop. Also the Red Trail at the end of the Yellow loop is blocked by downed trees.
Similar Trail: Rosaryville
reviewed by Casey_Anderson on September 2, 2011
It's easy to take these trails for granted, because they are so familiar to almost any mountain biker who lives in the DC metro area. After a recent visit to Tsali and other well known trail systems in North Carolina, I was reminded that Schaeffer Farms actually stacks up reasonably well compared to many of the "destination" trails in the southeast. It doesn't have have same potential for all-day riding (yet) but if you ride Schaeffer Farms together with the Hoyles Mill Connector to Black Hills Park, you have more than enough trail for a close-to-home adventure.
Similar Trail: Wakefield in NoVa
reviewed by giles_howson on August 31, 2011
As of 8/31, trails are open following Irene and are in good shape. Couple I tiny muddy spots and a few small branches down but nothing crazy. Only one place I found where the trail was actually blocked by something I could not move. Beautiful day for a ride.
reviewed by Trailburger on June 6, 2011
Pretty cool ride; course is a good mix of elevations, technical moves, and open fields. I rode midday on a Saturday in May and the trail was pretty crowded, requiring me to slow when approaching blind spots and sometimes stopping altogether to let folks pass. This was probably a good thing anyway, being that it was my first time. But overall, pretty good trail, and I plan to ride it again.
reviewed by JeffHoward on May 1, 2011
Highlights: Smooth Single Track, Lots of Log Jumps, Well Marked Trails, All For Mountain Biking. Don’t get too carried away in the hype, yes it’s a great trail system maintained strictly for MTB, but much of the trail is repetitive specifically the sections that I believe are marked red, or yellow (ones furthest from the parking lot). The white and orange trails are good, fast and fun. I’m pretty sure the blue is necessary to complete a good loop between the white and orange trails. It will fill up on the weekends and with a lot of people entering the sport, which can slow up riding and make you think twice about cutting loose. This place is ideal to begin riding and is a must ride if you are in the area, but it doesn’t deliver on the level other trails do such as Patapsco.
Similar Trail: Wakefield Mountain Bike Trail
reviewed by Gusso on March 21, 2011
This trail was fun to ride , def worth the drive to check it out
reviewed by WVPedler on March 14, 2011
This is a really sweet trail system...I have rode it many times and it is a little bit better each time. It is a fast trail with many obstacles built to ride along the way. Sweet place and there are many races there in a season too. It is also very well maintained...
reviewed by jtorlando25 on November 27, 2010
http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20204 closed for the winter until further notice :(
* Review edited 1/4/2011
reviewed by BU10May on October 31, 2010
I was very impressed with the trail system. It is well marked, has some really awesome singletrack through the fields and is overall a really fun ride that you can really keep your speed up. If you are looking for lung-burning climbs, this wouldnt be the place.
reviewed by luv2mtb on August 1, 2010
Not sure why everyone loves the cornfield trails! They are narrow, twisty and have many blind curves. So as to avoid crashing with a fellow rider, you have to go agonizingly slow on what would otherwise be awesome trail! If you like speed stay away from the corn fields! I was somewhat disappointed at how few challenging climbs there were. But there's plenty of smooth, flowing singletrack. Keep your momentum up-you'll need it to get over the numerous obstacles. If you live nearby, Schaeffer Farms is a sweet venue. But if you're like me and you live farther away (Leesburg, VA) and are already driving some distance to ride, make your way to someplace like Patapsco. Its more worth your time.
Similar Trail: Laurel Hill in Burke, VA.
reviewed by enbman on July 9, 2010
THE best ride i have had in maryland (besides the strict downhill at the Wisp Resort). Went this past thursday and only saw 2 people out on trail. Very good downhill portions from what i rode. Some uphills were difficult but still fun. Alot more roots and logs than i expected but they make the trail more interesting. The trail is extremely well kept and there is great scenery. I didnt get the chance to ride the main "yellow" loop because the person i was riding with was tired in the 104 degree heat but will definitly come back when it is cooler to try the rest. Overall great ride and cant wait to ride it again.
Similar Trail: Wisp Resort Deep Creek Lake Maryland
reviewed by Psoup216 on July 4, 2010
I'd never mountain biked in my life until yesterday (7-3-10). [Well, I dared to try Hoyles Mill trail once but only got about 1/12 a mile in before deciding that I was going to run into a tree for sure or go over my handlebars. That trail is not for a beginner]. I had already ridden about 10 miles around the South Germantown Rec. Park paved trails yesterday, which has hills that get me to breathe hard. I saw a couple of cyclists take a right on Schaeffer Rd. so I decided to take a right just to see what was there. I was VERY pleasantly surprised that I was able to handle the trail I was on. Being mostly in the shade, it felt very cool. There are challenging parts but nothing felt terribly uncomfortable except for a few of the tiny bridges across low creeks. The only other concern I had were some blind corners and the low end of some hills where two riders might not see each other coming. I got a little nervous at first because it seemed like most things were downhill at first (which had to mean some rough uphill later on, right?). But like another person stated, it really seemed like the trails were 75% downhill! If you're a beginner like me, definitely come to this trail. I don’t know if I’d go if the conditions were wet. I would even think experienced riders would love these trails. If it's not too hot on Monday, I'll be back.
* Review edited 7/4/2010
Similar Trail: Never ridden anywhere else.
reviewed by brunjest on June 20, 2010
My son and I rode these trails on saturday 6/19 on a 95 degree day. Very good trails and we will be back. The dirt trails thru the corn fields were great. Not to hard but yet plenty of challenges if you want. Best trails in DC area, compared to Difficult Run, Colvin Run, Wakefield, Fountainhead Park and Greenbriar.
* Review edited 6/20/2010
Similar Trail: Iron Horse but then they went out of business. Poor choice but works well.
reviewed by jlynch on April 3, 2010
Rode these trails for the first time on Easter Weekend - beautiful day, great trails, well maintained, not overly crowded. Strangely enough, felt like it was 75% downhill and 25% uphill. Magical. Could ride here all day.
* Review edited 4/3/2010
Similar Trail: Hanna Park, Jax Beach, FL
reviewed by jfigel76 on March 14, 2010
Of most of the trails in Maryland, this place is my favorite. I have averaged 10MPH here before. Trails are built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Maps area good and it is hard to get lost. Nothing to technical except for the red trail, which is not that long and a lollipop loop.
reviewed by jsenior82 on January 8, 2010
This is definitely my favorite ride in the DC/MD/VA area. Its got something for everyone. No steep climbs, lots of fun single track and plenty of technical stuff to keep you excited. The cornfield ride is sweet but be careful when its wet.
reviewed by VBALL02 on October 10, 2009
Sweet beginner to intermediate type trails. Much easier to navigate than Greenbrier and Gambrill, due to fewer rocks. Lots more roots but they seem to be easier to work through than those dreaded rocks! Slight uphill and downhill sections but nothing too harsh for a beginner. Some man made obstacles (that I avoid) would give the more advanced rider some technical opportunities within the trails if they choose. The cornfield section is totally unexpected and so much fun. Definite props given to those who designed these trails. Their time and effort does not go without appreciation. Plenty of parking, and pretty easy to find. Been here twice so far, and my friend and I consider it worth the hour drive to make many more treks to Shaeffer Farm.
Similar Trail: Have only ridden Gambrill (mostly walked due to the abundance of rocks) and Greenbrier
reviewed by blakninjacat on October 4, 2009
This trail is awesome! In the beginning of this trail there is crazy jumps and skinnies everywhere. There are some super fast down hill every where on the trail.
Similar Trail: Fountainhead
reviewed by SportBilly on September 27, 2009
Rode this with my brother-in-law who lives in the area. Nice trail nothing to tough and the technicality is limited, but nice and flowy tracks where you can get decent speed up. I really like the bit where it opens up and your just motoring through a cornfield. When we did this ride the corn was at full heiht, so you could go as fast as you want. Hit a rock? The corn breaks your fall. I did see a snake on the trail though. It was about 6 feet long and all black. Not sure what kind it was, I didn't wait around to find out.
reviewed by tktodd on September 22, 2009
I rode this trail for the first time the other day, and I must say that I am hooked on this baby!! Very well maintained trails with lots of curves and medium sized hills. Very beautiful scenery on all of the trails. My buddy and myself first rode the white trail which was like 3.5 miles. This trail was very fun with some nice turns and jumps and a few steep descents. Next we hit the yellow trail which was about 6 miles long. This trail was a blast! I really liked the part off the trail that led us right through the corn field at the back part of the loop. Even though it's a hour drive, I will be hitting this trail system alot!
reviewed by nattylocks420 on September 19, 2009
a lot of tight twisty singletrack that allows for a lot of speed. not technical good for all skill levels. no tough climbs but a very fun ride overall.
Similar Trail: singletrack comparable to loch raven without the hills
reviewed by horakhti on August 13, 2009
I've been riding at Schaeffer for over five years now, anywhere from 2-4 times a week during peak season, and it hasn't gotten old yet. If you can't have fun here, you're either too serious (lighten up) or simply not cut out for the sport. This is over 15 miles of fast, fun, windy singletrack with lots of variety and enough challenges to keep it interesting. If you want a technical ride, keep your speed up (trail width can be pretty tight in places) and hit all the log obstacles (there are some tough ones, even though MORE has sawed through some of my favorites). If you're just starting out, it's easy to take it slow and avoid the logs. There are a few climbs that will get your blood pumping, e.g. clockwise on White coming up from the creek crossing, but nothing as challenging as the climbs at Patapsco (Avalon) or Fountainhead. There's a fairly new section of dips (one of the Orange trails off of White) that I highly recommend. There are so many trails and connectors that you can ride here every day for weeks and not do the exact same route twice. Not quite the classic all-around mountain biking experience that Patapsco (Avalon) is, but Schaeffer is still an awesome trail system that everyone in the area should check out.
Similar Trail: Fountainhead, Patapsco (Avalon)
reviewed by Iron_Ride2005 on May 11, 2009
Loved it! Easy trail and really fun to ride. You can really gain some speed in most of the sections as long as you dont have a scared rider with you slowing you down (sorry Devin, i had to say it). I enjoyed the little bike park at the beginning. Just wish there was more along the trails. But big props go to MORE. They do a great job maintaining the trails
Similar Trail: nothing nearby like it
reviewed by TangoTeamLeader on April 18, 2009
Rode Schaeffer Farms for the first time this past week. I enjoy the fact they added some technical elements without having to spend the whole day climbing up hills. Although there are some hills, there are not any big ones. I started with the white trail (which appeared to be the most technical of the trails) continued on the yellow, blue, then back to white to finish off the day. The trail was very well maintained and although it was quite busy for a Friday morning (passed 15 bikers) it was not bad. I can not even imagine what it would have been like on the weekends. All in all a great ride and will be back soon... on a weekday...
reviewed by skibum on November 11, 2008
Big time kudos go to whoever laid out this trail network. The area does not seem conducive to good mountain biking, but this network does very well with its limited space and terrain. Heading clockwise on the white trail from the parking lot, you will immediately be greeted with great flow. Once in the body of the area, the orange-blazed trails seem to be the most interesting with good (although short) climbs and nice, narrow singletrack. There's plenty of logs and creek crossings to keep things interesting. Not much in the way of rocks and nothing very technical, but very nice overall.
Similar Trail: If you want rocks, go to Gambrill
reviewed by Lawmaster87 on August 16, 2008
Great Trail Network. This trail has flow, climbs, descents, terrain change, scenery, and maintenance. You will also get a little bit of all-mountain obstacles (i.e. whoops, logs, small drops, small ramps, etc.) White loop is a fast 3 mile with killer flow. Yellow is longer and more terrain change, going from tight forest switch backs to single track clay ribbons through soybean crop. Most of the trail is shady under mature hardwoods, then you shoot out to fast lines through fields, then to brief fire road down hill to stream crossings. This trail is designed for and maintained by riders, AND it shows!
Similar Trail: Quantico, VA Lodi Farms, VA
reviewed by Robr1 on July 17, 2008
This is probably the most popular MTB spot in Montgomery county and for good reason. It's just a great well-maintained trail. I ride it about 1-3 times a week. There are a lot of obsticles throughout the trail (optional if you're not feeling it or not quite ready for them). I mainly ride the white and yellow trails. The white is shorter and slightly more technical. The yellow is rolling with some nice fast spots and a few climbs here and there for good measure but nothing unmanagable. MORE has done a fantastic job maintaining these trails and making them a local favorite.
Similar Trail: Fountain Head, Gambrill
reviewed by cbhale on April 28, 2008
I had been trying to get out to Schaeffer for the last three months, but they seem to keep it under lock and key during winter months and wetness (as they should) so I had to go ride Black Hills and Seneca Falls. Finally I got out, and got to see all I had been missing. It is really a spectacular ride - some wonderful flowy singletrack, not too many brutal climbs, but all sorts of optional tech sections with logs ramps, and bridges. If you link up the white yellow, blue, and orange loops, you can get out for a good 15 miles without riding the same trail twice. Bottom line - Schaeffer is sweet. 6/1/08 - MORE RULES and does a great job maintaining and regulating schaeffer. the white and yellow are the best longest loops to do if you are trying to get any kind of decent workout but stay away from the red spur off of the yellow trail. unless you like riding through fairly uninteresting fields. * Review edited 6/2/2008
* Review edited 6/2/2008
Similar Trail: Chicopee - except a little flatter.
reviewed by erictw83 on September 16, 2007
This is really where i started mountain biking. Nothing tech really, (of course I go around the huge log jump ramps, not over them). Super fun trail though. If your in MD definitely hit this one up, preferably on a week day.
Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek!!
reviewed by vincejesaitis on July 22, 2007
Rode this trail yesterday for the first time and had a great ride. Moderately technical, lots of riding along/across open fields, some nice wooded climbs -- this trail really has a lot to offer.* Review edited 7/22/2007
* Review edited 7/22/2007
reviewed by diddleydawn on May 27, 2007
Lots of opportunities to log hop...yet there are ways around the more difficult sections most of the time.
reviewed by getonthetrail on September 6, 2004
Schaeffer Farms is GREAT! This is the first time I've ridden this trail and loved it. The trail reminds me of Yellow River in Atlanta, GA. The trail has some fun up and downs and loads of logs. The trail is a tight, fast well maintained course. I had a great time! Also, if you like seeing wild game on your rides prepare yourself for some deer sightings. The fitness level is not as high as Fountainhead but the trail makes up for it will fun, tight, twisty, fast trails. I will ride again soon! I could spend all day here.
Similar Trail: Fountainhead Park
