4.6
(20)
161
riders
5
rides
Mountain biking around Scaggsville offers diverse natural landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and significant waterways like the Patuxent River and Little Patuxent River. The region features extensive trail networks, including rocky singletrack and wooded river views, providing varied terrain for mountain bikers. Natural areas such as Patapsco Valley State Park and Rockburn Branch Park contribute to the area's appeal, offering numerous routes. These features make Scaggsville a compelling destination for mountain biking.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
4.3
(9)
85
riders
11.4km
00:56
100m
100m
Get ready to mountain bike the Crowsfoot and Viper Loop Trail, a moderate route spanning 7.1 miles (11.4 km) with an elevation gain of 313 feet (95 metres). You can…
5.0
(3)
9
riders
22.9km
01:31
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.1
(7)
58
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
27.3km
01:39
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
12.3km
01:02
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Lake Elkhorn is the third-largest lake in the county. It is surrounded by woodland and has several paved trails that run along the perimeter of the water.
0
0
The Lake Elkhorn loop trail is a paved trail that circles the lake with the same name. It is an easy trail and traffic free, so it is a great place for a recovery ride.
0
0
Check out this old, rusty car while biking on the Crow's Foot Trail. This trail has no major ascents or descents and brings riders from the Greencastle parking lot and Crow's Foot Loop Trail to the Viper Trail.
0
0
Fairland Recreational Park offers developed areas with athletic fields and courts. The remaining parkland is preserved in its natural state. There are 1.4 miles of hard surface trails in the park and more than 3 miles of natural surface trails available for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Natural surface trails allow visitors to experience the undeveloped areas of the park.
0
0
Savage Park offers 2.8 miles of interconnecting trails, beautiful views of the Little Patuxent River, and a connection to the Patuxent Branch Trail, which leads all the way to Lake Elkhorn.
0
0
The Little Patuxent River is a 45-mile river that begins in Howard County and flows south to meet the Middle Patuxent River in Savage and then eventually meets the Patuxent River near Crofton.
0
0
At this point in your run, you'll find an idyllic overlook over the Middle Patuxent River. Perfect spot for a meditative moment in nature!
0
0
The Patuxent Branch Trail is a multi-use, paved 10.4-mile trail that follows the Little Patuxent River.
0
0
Komoot features 6 mountain bike trails around Scaggsville. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy multi-use paths to more challenging singletrack sections.
Yes, Scaggsville offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Lake Elkhorn – Little Patuxent River loop from Lake Elkhorn is an easy 14.0-mile path with a mix of wooded sections and open areas. The Patuxent Branch Trail is also known for its easy, multi-use sections.
The terrain around Scaggsville is diverse, featuring rolling hills, dense woodlands, and scenic river views along the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers. Many trails include rocky sections, providing a more challenging experience, while others offer smoother, crushed stone or paved surfaces, especially on multi-use paths like the Patuxent Branch Trail.
For family-friendly mountain biking, consider areas with easier, multi-use trails. The Patuxent Branch Trail offers an accessible and reasonably long ride. Additionally, Rockburn Branch Park features a 'Skills Park' with a pump track and flow lines for various skill levels, making it a great place for families to develop their riding abilities.
Many parks in Howard County, including those with mountain bike trails, generally allow dogs on leashes. However, specific regulations can vary by park and trail. It's always best to check the individual park's rules before heading out with your dog.
While mountain biking around Scaggsville, you'll encounter beautiful natural features like the Patuxent River and Little Patuxent River, offering wooded river views. You can also ride past Lake Elkhorn and Centennial Lake. The region's dense woodlands and rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for your ride.
Yes, for more advanced riders, areas like Rockburn Branch Park offer challenging rocky singletrack with short ups and downs. The Wincopin Trails also provide a rugged experience with technical features such as stream crossings, log rolls, and rock gardens. These can be combined with trails in Patapsco Valley State Park for extended, demanding routes.
Several loop trails are available for mountain biking. The Little Patuxent River – Lake Elkhorn loop from Savage is a popular 17.0-mile option. Another great choice is the Crowsfoot and Viper Loop Trail, which covers 7.1 miles through varied terrain.
Parking is generally available at the major trailheads and parks in the Scaggsville area, such as Rockburn Branch Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, and access points for the Patuxent Branch Trail. Specific parking availability and regulations may vary, so it's advisable to check park websites for detailed information before your visit.
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Scaggsville, with moderate temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter riding is possible but may involve colder temperatures and potentially icy or muddy conditions depending on precipitation.
Yes, Rockburn Branch Park is a premier destination that features a dedicated 'Skills Park' on three acres. It includes a 5,000-square-foot pump track, three flow lines for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders, a wood wall ride, and a 40-foot wooden roller coaster feature. This Fairland Skills Park is excellent for skill development.
The mountain biking trails around Scaggsville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 17 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, scenic river views, and the variety of options available for different skill levels.
Yes, some trails in the area incorporate historical elements. For instance, the Wincopin Trails pass by old bridge supports and relics of an old quarry. You might also encounter remnants of old mills along the river corridors, adding a unique historical dimension to your ride. You can find an Old bridge footing along some routes.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.