Great Stops Along our Biking Trails

May 22, 2025

Ride, Explore, Nosh, Repeat! Things to do Along Our Bike Tour Trails

Here we break down some of the best of Washington County, following the Tours named on  the Visit Hagerstown bike brochure map, next to the map. Our rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and vibrant local experiences are unbeatable. While the region is a haven for cyclists, there's a wealth of super recreation, fascinating attractions, and diverse dining options to explore. 

HUB CITY TOUR: 

Hagerstown’s parks and green spaces have provided pleasure to generations of residents and visitors. Take time to enjoy each one’s uniqueness, and check out all the museums and places to rest when you get to CIty Park.

• CLICK HERE for a map of all there is to do in downtown Hagerstown aka the Hub City.

C&O CANAL TOWPATH TO GAP (In Washington County)

While the C&O Canal Towpath is famous for cycling, it also offers fantastic non-cycling recreational opportunities and access to historical sites.

• Canal Towns:

  • Washington County boasts 78 miles of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, The Canal's legacy is vividly etched into the fabric of its three Canal Towns: Hancock, Sharpsburg, and Williamsport. Bordered by the Potomac River. Go Beyond the Canal into our Quaint Canal Towns! Click Here info on all there is to do on and Off the Canal

• Recreation:

  • Hiking and Walking: The C&O Canal Towpath provides miles of flat, scenic terrain perfect for walking and hiking.
  • Canoeing/Kayaking: Access points to the Potomac River for paddling are available via the Towpath.

• Dining: Get into some seriously delicious dining along this tour!

  • Hancock
  • Buddy Lou's Eats, Drinks & Antiques: Fresh ingredients and carefully selected wine and beer pairings. Live music on huge deck by the C&O Canal.
  • Jimmy Joy's Log Cabin: Casual dining in a rustic, upscale atmosphere; specializing in steak & seafood.
  • Sharpsburg
  • Battleview Market: Pick up made-to-order subs, pizza, fried chicken  and more for dine-in or take-out. Box lunches too!
  • Potomac Ridge Brewing: Serving house made beer, and brick oven pizza. 
  • Williamsport
  • Ruth's Market: Specializing in locally made cheeses, subs, grab-and-go charcuterie and deli options.
  • Still SMokin' BBQ: Load up on your potein and carbs here! Smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and jalapeno cheddar sausage. For sides, smoked mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, smoked mushrooms, baked beans, green beans, corn, coleslaw, and more.
  • Sweet Notes Bakery: Satisfy your sweet tooth with their wide variety of sweets, bread, scones, cookies, tea, coffee and more.

CAMP HARDING – FORT FREDERICK TOUR

This tour highlights significant historical and natural areas.

• Attractions:

  • Fort Frederick State Park: Explore the only remaining stone French and Indian War fort in the country, often featuring historical re-enactments.
  • Camp Harding Park: Historically a retreat for figures like President Harding, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford, it's a site of natural beauty.

• Dining: Primarly available in Clear Spring

  • Sweetsie's Eats & Treats: In Clear Spring A great easy meal after a long day of cycling, hiking or kayaking can be found here. Large menu including hot dogs, subs, sandwiches, fried foods, soft serve ice cream, hand dipped ice cream, homemade soups & meals (seasonal). Walk up and drive thru windows.
    
    
  • Wilson Store: Right behind Sweeties, it's a walk back in time. Featuring many items, including cheeses, bologna, old time candies, local artisans’ items, and  Amish foods.

LONG MEADOW TOUR

This section offers a mix of local charm and accessible amenities.

• Attractions:

  • Finders Keepers: Try some thrifting and antiquing at this upscale consignment shop featuring home furnishings, decor, accents, and accessories.

• Dining:

  • Bistro 11: A relaxed and refined dining experience with a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees, including pasta, seafood, steaks and brisket. Lounge and bar area. Live music on weekends.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN – SHARPSBURG TOUR 

Rich in Civil War history and scenic landscapes.

• Attractions/Recreation: Stop in the Museums/Visitor Centers of each park! 

  • Antietam National Battlefield: A must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a profound glimpse into the Civil War. Explore the visitor center and walking trails.
  • South Mountain State Park: Offering an abundance of geologic, natural, cultural, and historical experiences. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the Civil War Soldiers who fought at the 1862 Battle of South Mountain, climb to breathtaking views, and experience the solitude of nature along the Appalachian Trail
  • Gathland State Park/War Correspondents Arch: A large stone monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents is the outstanding attraction of this day-use park, once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base. 
  • Washington Monument State Park: This park is named for the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. A rugged stone tower, it was initially erected by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. The Appalachian Trail also traverses this park.
  • Tolson's Chapel: An African American Heritage site dedicated to preserving the history of the first black church and Freedmen's Bureau school, in Sharpsburg, MD. Typically offering programming on weekends in summer.

• Dining:

  • Check our Grapes & Grains Guide for 

WHITETAIL – DAM 5 TOUR

This tour includes a popular resort and a historic industrial site.

• Attractions:

  • Whitetail Resort: While known for skiing and snowboarding, a beautiful golf course is open in the summer, and the locations of the resoirt offers summer activities and a scenic setting.
  • Dam No. 5 A historic site related to the C&O Canal, offering a glimpse into industrial heritage.

• Recreation (Non-Cycling):

  • Whitetail Resort: Check for non-winter recreational activities like disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, or hiking.
  • Hiking/Walking: Explore the area around Dam No. 5 for walks along the C&O Canal.

WOODMONT – RAIL TRAIL TOUR

This route heads west from Hancock through former orchard country, then south through the Woodmont state game lands to the far end of the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Prepare for an easy ride on the rail trail back to Hancock. Carry lots of water and a spare tube, this is a very remote route.

• Attractions:

  • Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area : Formerly the Woodmont Rod & Gun Club property, the 3,425-acre Woodmont Natural Resource Management Area near Hancock offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, bird watching, and horseback riding. 2,000 acres are open year round. 

FARM ORCHARD TOUR

Immerse yourself in Washington County's agricultural heritage. Miles of neat orchards and scenic views await you when you ride up from the Pleasant Valley and along South Mountain. Stop at a restaurant or one of the famous Smithsburg fruit stands for fuel. 

• Attractions & Dining/Shopping:
  • Caprikorn Farms LLC: Visit a dairy goat farm and find goat cheese and handmade goat milk soap.
  • Cool Ridge Vineyard: A boutique estate winery producing European-style dry wines.
  • Cronise Market Place: A country market with local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts.
  • Deliteful Dairy: Enjoy fresh milk and other dairy products from pasture-fed cows.
  • Historic City Farmers' Market: The oldest farmers market in Maryland, offering fresh local produce.
  • Ivy Hill Farm: A farm market specializing in fresh fruits, vegetables, jellies, jams, and cider.
  • Misty Meadow Farm Creamery: Indulge in homemade hand-dipped ice cream, milk, and other farm-fresh delights.
  • Palmyra Farm Cheese: Discover exceptional artisan flavored cheddar cheeses from a family-owned dairy farm.

Washington County offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and local charm, ensuring there's something for every visitor to enjoy beyond the bicycle trails. Explore these fantastic attractions, recreational spots, and dining experiences on your next trip!