RoutesPlannerFeaturesUpdates
App
Login or Signup
Get the App
Login or Signup
Routes
MTB trails
United States
Maryland
Anne Arundel County

Brooklyn Park

The best MTB trails around Brooklyn Park

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 1, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Brooklyn Park, you know how many options pop up, making it tough to figure out which trails are genuinely worth your time and effort. It's easy to get lost in a sea of routes, wondering which ones offer the best experience and aren't just filler. That's where komoot comes in. Our community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best mountain bike trails near Brooklyn Park MN, saving you the guesswork.

Mountain biking around Brooklyn Park is all about exploring its extensive park systems, from open prairie sections to quiet wooded corridors, lakes, and wetlands. The terrain offers a great mix, from flowy singletrack and twisty sections through trees to off-camber climbs and swift descents, catering to a range of skill levels. You'll find everything from beginner-friendly paths to advanced technical trails.

If you only do one route, we'd start with the challenging Patapsco Traverse Loop, a difficult 13.1 miles (21.1 km) ride that offers a fantastic mix of technical sections and rewarding climbs. For a slightly different challenge, the Lost Lake – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Belmont Estate is another difficult option at 10.4 miles (16.7 km) that local riders love for its sustained effort through varied terrain. With more than 320 mountain bikers having already explored these routes with komoot, you can trust you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Patapsco Traverse Loop
  2. 2

    Lost Lake – Avalon Area loop from Halethorpe
  3. 3

    Lost Lake loop from University of Maryland Baltimore County

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Patapsco Traverse Loop

21.1 km

250 m

Hard

Lost Lake – Avalon Area loop from Halethorpe

30.6 km

440 m

Moderate

Lost Lake loop from University of Maryland Baltimore County

13.6 km

200 m

Easy

Daniels Singletrack Trail – Lost Lake loop from Saint Denis

74.7 km

1,120 m

Hard

1.

Patapsco Traverse Loop

21.1km

01:51

250m

250m

If you're seeking a challenging mountain biking adventure, the Patapsco Traverse Loop delivers with its diverse terrain and technical sections. This 13.1-mile (21.1 km) route, rated difficult, takes you through lush forests and along the Patapsco River, offering picturesque views and historical glimpses, such as the Ruins Near Ridge Trail. Expect a mix of rocky, rooty singletrack, sustained climbs, and flowy ridges, making it a rewarding experience for advanced riders.

Planning your ride on the Patapsco Traverse Loop mountain biking trail means preparing for varied conditions. The park has multiple access points for parking, but checking current trail conditions is crucial, especially after rain, as some areas can become quite muddy. This 1 hour and 51 minute ride with 809 feet (247 metres) of elevation gain is best tackled when the trails are dry, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer experience.

Part of the expansive Patapsco Valley State Park, this loop is a highlight within a network boasting over 200 miles of trails, making it a premier mountain biking destination in the Washington D.C./Baltimore regions. The park is rich in history, with old mill towns and granite quarries adding character to the natural beauty. The Patapsco Traverse Loop difficulty rating reflects its demanding nature, catering to those with advanced skills looking for a true test of endurance and technical ability.

View route

Save
Navigate with deviceSend to Phone

3.

Lost Lake loop from University of Maryland Baltimore County

13.6km

01:09

200m

200m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

View route

guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Sign up for free

See every route on the map

Tips from the Community

Sue
June 7, 2025, Patapsco Valley State Park Orange Grove Area

The Orange Grove Area of Patapsco Valley State Park is a beautiful and historic section known for its swinging bridge, with stunning views of the Patapsco River. Here, you can explore the paved Grist Mill Trail for a leisurely walk or venture deeper into the woods to find Cascade Falls. The area also features remnants of old mills and the Bloede Dam removal project, an indication of the park's evolving landscape. With shaded woodlands and riverside trails, it's a fantastic spot for a casual walk or an extended hike. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends due to its popularity.

0

0

Nacho is a one mile trail with a couple of water crossings, and a bit of elevation on the western end.

0

0

This section of the State Park has a few different bike trails to choose from. The Rockhaven Trail is one of the easier trails while Jane and and Roxy (The Rocks) trails will give you plenty of challenges.

1

0

This popular swinging bridge crosses the Patapsco River. It is a wooden suspension bridge with metal cables. On the bridge you'll have great views of the river and surrounding woodland. It isn't too high up, so even if you're afraid of heights it's still worth passing over the bridge. Be courteous of other pedestrians as the bridge is fairly narrow!

1

0

Wooden branch crossing at the Nacho Trail.

1

0

The Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area is a portion of Patapsco Valley State Park near the center of the park's sprawling 14,000 acres of land. This area has miles of trails and hosts a portion of the Patapsco River.

0

0

AverieOutside
December 3, 2023, Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a small lake just north of the Patapsco River within Patapsco Valley State Park's Glen Artney Area. The lake often has various species of birds and vegetation to look at while you ride.

1

0

Around the middle of the Patapsco Valley State Park, the Rockhaven Area has several nice trails running along the river and Rockhaven Avenue.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of mountain bike trails are available in Brooklyn Park?

Brooklyn Park, particularly around Elm Creek Park Reserve, offers a diverse range of mountain biking trails. You'll find purpose-built networks with flowy singletrack, twisty sections through trees, off-camber climbs, swift descents, and fast-flowing prairie sections with berms and jumps. The trails cater to all skill levels, from beginner/adaptive to intermediate and expert hand-built sections.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Brooklyn Park?

Yes, Brooklyn Park has options for beginners. Elm Creek Park Reserve features approximately 2.5 miles of beginner/adaptive trails. Additionally, komoot lists routes like the Avalon Area – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Saint Denis, which is rated as easy and covers 22.7 km.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Brooklyn Park?

The mountain biking trails in Elm Creek Park Reserve are open year-round. While spring, summer, and fall offer typical riding conditions, the park is also known for professional grooming for fat biking in winter, providing a unique experience during colder months.

Are there any challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?

Absolutely. For experienced riders, Elm Creek Park Reserve includes about 2.5 miles of intermediate/expert hand-built trails. More challenging options include the Patapsco Traverse Loop, a difficult 21.1 km trail, and the Morning Choice Trailhead – Lost Lake loop from Saint Denis, a difficult 30.8 km route with sustained effort through varied terrain.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails?

The terrain around Brooklyn Park is varied, reflecting the diverse landscape of the region. You can expect to ride through open prairie, quiet wooded corridors, and areas near lakes and wetlands. Trails feature flowy singletrack, twisty sections, off-camber climbs, descents, and prairie sections with sweeping corners, small berms, and jumps.

Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features along the trails?

While specific viewpoints on the mountain bike trails aren't detailed, the Elm Creek Park Reserve, spanning 4,900 acres, offers diverse scenery including open prairie, wooded corridors, lakes, and wetlands. You can also explore nearby attractions such as the Baltimore Waterfront or the Swinging Bridge and Patapsco Riverbank, which offer scenic views.

Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails in Brooklyn Park?

The region's park systems, including Elm Creek Park Reserve, generally have specific rules regarding pets on trails. While many parks allow dogs on leash on multi-use trails, it's always best to check the specific regulations for mountain biking trails within Elm Creek Park Reserve or other areas before bringing your dog.

Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails?

Yes, Elm Creek Park Reserve offers approximately 2.5 miles of beginner/adaptive trails that are suitable for families and those new to mountain biking. These trails provide a gentler introduction to the sport in a natural setting.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about riding in Brooklyn Park?

The mountain bike trails around Brooklyn Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the extensive park systems, the variety of terrain from wooded corridors to open prairie, and the options available for different skill levels.

Are there any waterfalls or significant water features to see?

While the immediate mountain bike trails may not feature prominent waterfalls, the broader area around Brooklyn Park includes natural water features. For example, the Cascade Falls is a notable attraction in the vicinity that you might consider visiting.

How many mountain bike trails are listed for Brooklyn Park?

There are 18 mountain bike tours listed for Brooklyn Park on komoot, offering a wide range of options for riders. These include 6 easy, 6 moderate, and 6 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes available?

Many of the mountain bike routes in Brooklyn Park are designed as loops. For instance, the Lost Lake – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Belmont Estate is a moderate 16.6 km circular route, offering a complete riding experience back to your starting point.

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now
Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.

Severna ParkArnoldCrownsvilleRivaParoleHerald HarborEdgewaterAnnapolis NeckAnnapolisPatapsco Valley State Park Halethorpe Ponds AreaLinthicumFerndaleOdentonCroftonArden On The SevernGambrillsSevernNaval AcademyMaryland CityGlen BurnieMayoFort Meade
background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesRedeem a voucherHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy