Fair Hill Trailhead – White Clay Creek Preserve loop from Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area

If you're looking for a serious test of your gravel biking prowess, the Fair Hill Trailhead – White Clay Creek Preserve loop from Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area delivers. This difficult route spans 56.8 miles (91.4 km) with a substantial 3660 feet (1115 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 6 hours and 3 minutes to complete. It's a hard gravel ride designed for experienced riders with very good fitness and advanced skills, offering a significant physical challenge across a diverse landscape.

What to expect on Fair Hill Trailhead – White Clay Creek Preserve loop from Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area

This extensive loop takes you on a journey through varied terrain, from extensive gravel roads to potentially rooty, steep sections where you might need to push your bike. You'll traverse dense woodlands, open fields, and rolling hills characteristic of Cecil County, with scenic views including the Chesapeake Bay headwaters, the C&D Canal, and the picturesque Big Elk Creek. Keep an eye out for unique historical elements like the McCloskey Ruins and the charming Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge, adding a rich dimension to your ride. The White Clay Creek State Park portion of the route offers everything from packed gravel paths to rolling singletrack, complete with challenging climbs and swift downhills, ensuring you're always engaged.

Planning your visit

This loop is notable for its integration into a vast, interconnected trail network that crosses state lines between Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, offering a continuous and varied riding experience. While specific parking details for the Fair Hill Trailhead aren't provided, be prepared for a long day in the saddle. The area's history, once used by the DuPont family for fox hunting, adds a unique character to the natural landscapes and agricultural heritage you'll encounter.

Trail details

• Distance: 56.8 miles (91.4 km)
• Elevation gain: 3660 feet (1115 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 6 hours and 3 minutes