Showing posts with label dirt bike trails in maryland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dirt bike trails in maryland. Show all posts

Friday, June 14, 2013

where can i ride a dirt bike in maryland

Maryland Dirt Bike Riding Tracks

Rob Wagner, Demand Media

A wide range of dirt bike tracks dot the rural areas of Maryland. The parks are privately owned or found in state park areas. Most dirt bike tracks serve amateur riders, although some trails are appropriate for novice and expert riders. ATV and motocross parks generally close after Christmas and reopen in March. State parks charge no rider or entry fees for bike trails.

Budds Creek

Near Mechanicsville is Budds Creek, which makes use of the natural terrain and a forested area. Budds Creek hosts the Mid-Atlantic Motocross Association and is an Amateur Motocross Association District 7 track. Among the events it hosts is the AMA 125/250 Pro Nationals. During nonevent periods, the trails accommodate heavy traffic. There are few unmarked hazards. It serves primarily amateur riders, with some trails marked for novices. Experts will find some challenging areas. There is a riding fee, with children under 12 receiving a discount.

Easton

Easton MX motocross track is near the town of Easton. It features a small track for bikes with 50 cc engines, a dirt drag strip, kiddie track and a motocross track. An oval track accommodates ATVs and dirt bikes. The track is open Wednesday through Sunday. Bikers must pay a riding fee, and nonriders pay an admission charge to the park. The park waters and grooms its track each day.

Garrett Trail System

The Garrett Trail System is part of the Garrett State Forest near Oakland. Of the three trails in the park, one 3-mile trail is open to dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. The motorized track is a gravel road with several hill climbs amid oak, cherry and maple trees. Riders can find camping facilities at Swallow State Park.

Meadow Mountain Trail System

Near Grantsville, the Meadow Mountain Trail System at Savage River State Forest has a 6-mile trail for dirt bikes and jeeps. Although the trail is open all year, the park does not permit ATVs and motorcycles from Dec. 15 to March 15. The trail is generally rocky and dry, and geared toward amateur riders. Some areas are available for novice and expert riders. Camping is available in some areas. There are no fees for dirt biking.

Southern Maryland ATV Park

The privately owned Southern Maryland ATV Park is near Chaptico and offers about 22 miles of dirt bike and ATV trails. The trails run through the forest. There is a kids’ track and 10-acre motocross track. The park is open all year Friday through Sunday. Groups of 30 riders or more can reserve the park for their own use Thursdays. Single and family annual memberships are available. Four-wheel drive vehicle riding is prohibited, and camping facilities aren't available.

About the Author

Rob Wagner is a journalist with over 35 years experience reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. His experience ranges from legal affairs reporting to covering the Middle East. He served stints as a newspaper and magazine editor in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Wagner attended California State University, Los Angeles, and has a degree in journalism.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

dirt bike trails in md

Dirt Bike Trails in Maryland

Rob Wagner, Demand Media

Maryland is home to about a dozen dirt bike parks, but at least five in 2011 were closed because of damage or for upgrades. The remaining seven parks are privately owned or operated through the state’s Department of Natural Resources. All parks offer camping facilities, although camping at private parks is rather primitive. Park trails are generally geared toward novice riders with few trails posing a challenge for expert riders.

Mechanicsville

Budds Creak Motocross Park (buddscreek.com) is host to the Mid Atlantic Motocross Association and operates AMA District 7 events. It’s situated deep in the forest with an expansive natural terrain near Mechanicsville. The park is heavily trafficked with numerous trail intersections. The trails are appropriate for novice riders, but it’s set up for amateur level dirt bikers. The park charges a riding fee, but camping in designated areas is free.

Easton

Easton MX Park (eastonmx.com) is a relatively small motocross park near Easton. It features two miles of trails over one square mile. Formerly named the Delmarva Motorsports Park, the new version features a motocross track, 50 cc track, oval track for bikes and ATVs, and a dirt drag strip. The park features some novice areas for riding, but the tracks are mostly for amateurs. It’s open Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends. Operators charge an entry and riding fee, but members receive discounts.

Oakland

The Garrett Trail System (dnr.state.md.us) near Oakland is part of the state’s Department of Natural Resources and covers eight square miles with three miles of dirt bike trails. Trails traverse many hills and a gravel road through cherry, oak and maple trees in the forest. The state charges no entry, riding or camping fees for this area.

Grantsville and Friendsville

Near Grantsville is the Meadow Mountain Trail System (dnr.state.md.us) with 11 square miles for dirt bikers to navigate. It’s part of the state recreation and shares the trail with jeeps over six miles. Bikers travel over dry and rocky terrain, with snowmobiling permitted the winter. The park charges no entry or riding fees. Camping is available in designated areas. Piney Mountain Trail System (dnr.state.md.us) is outside Friendsville and allows riders to travel over two miles of multiuse gravel roads in forested areas.

Loch Lynn Heights

The Potomac River Trail System (dnr.state.md.us) is also part of the state forest network and covers seven miles of dirt, gravel and logging roads in deep forests. The park is open year-round. Riders must purchase a riding permit before riding in the park.

Chaptico

Southern River ATV Park (atvpark.tripod.com), not far from Chaptico, is a privately owned and family friendly quad and dirt bike park. It provides about 22 miles of trails, a kiddie “fun” track and an MX track over 10 acres. The park is open during the winter if weather permits. Riders pay a fee, but memberships are available. The park charges no camping fees.

About the Author

Rob Wagner is a journalist with over 35 years experience reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. His experience ranges from legal affairs reporting to covering the Middle East. He served stints as a newspaper and magazine editor in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Wagner attended California State University, Los Angeles, and has a degree in journalism.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images