Maryland gained its first adaptive mountain biking trail system in a state park this winter.
Five miles of trail within Patapsco Valley State Park’s McKeldin Area – located along the border of Baltimore and Howard counties – were upgraded to be safer and more accessible to adaptive mountain bikers.
Trails were widened, outslopes were smoothed to less than an 8% grade, and paths were altered so water will drain across instead of down the slopes. The trails include the Poplar Trail, Plantation Trail and Switchback Trail.
Bikers, hikers and horseback riders must yield to people using adaptive equipment on the trails.
Chenelle Wimbish, secretary of Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park and an adaptive athlete, celebrate the improved trail system.
“Now more people than ever can experience the stunning Patapsco State Park, from its rolling hills to its scenic riverviews, while enjoying an authentic outdoor adventure,” Wimbish said at a ribbon cutting event.
Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park secured donations and grants to pay for the improvements. Financial supporters include the State Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program, Kennedy Krieger, REI, the Veterans Administration, the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, The Ward and Karen Wensch Foundation, and IMBA/Shimano.
The adaptive trail network at Patapsco Valley State Park will provide a blueprint for other Maryland parks.
“We are committed to doing this across the state,” said Maryland Director of Outdoor Recreation Sandi Olek in a statement.
Read more about improvements to other Maryland parks here.
