1.
Lake Elkhorn – Little Patuxent River loop from Columbia
17.5km
01:11
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides around Columbia
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Columbia, you know how quickly the options can pile up, leaving you wondering which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort. It's easy to get lost in a sea of possibilities, trying to tell the real highlights from the filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, and we've distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist designed to save you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Columbia is all about embracing the water. Expect a delightful network of paths that hug the contours of lakes and rivers, offering a mostly flat to gently rolling landscape that’s perfect for accessible cycling. It’s a blend of urban greenways and natural corridors, making it easy to connect with nature without straying too far from town. With routes ranging from easy loops to more moderate journeys, there’s something for every pace and preference.
If you're looking for a classic, easy ride with beautiful views, we'd start with the Little Patuxent River – Patuxent Branch Trail loop from Columbia. This 11.0 miles (17.8 km) route takes you through river valleys and wooded areas, offering a peaceful escape. For something a bit longer that still keeps things easy, the Lake Elkhorn – Little Patuxent River loop from Columbia, at 9.4 miles (15.2 km), is a local favorite for its extended lakeside views. With over 200 touring cyclists having explored Columbia using komoot, you know these routes come highly recommended.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Elkhorn – Little Patuxent River loop from Columbia | 17.5 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Little Patuxent River – Patuxent Branch Trail loop from Columbia | 17.8 km | 100 m | Easy |
| View of Centennial Lake – Centennial Lake loop from Harper's Choice | 29.4 km | 240 m | Moderate |
| Centennial Lake – View of Centennial Lake loop from Dorsey's Search | 48.9 km | 570 m | Hard |
2.
Little Patuxent River – Patuxent Branch Trail loop from Columbia
17.8km
01:20
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
View of Centennial Lake – Centennial Lake loop from Harper's Choice
29.4km
01:49
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Centennial Lake – View of Centennial Lake loop from Dorsey's Search
48.9km
03:06
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
mtm05005
January 23, 2025, Bridge aloing the Patuxent Branch Trail
Nice pedestrian bridge over the Little Patuxent River. It is popular with cyclists and walkers, so make sure you look out for other trail users.
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mtm05005
January 23, 2025, Lake Elkhorn
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.
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mtm05005
January 23, 2025, Lake Elkhorn loop trail
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.
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oliviakellis
January 22, 2025, View of Centennial Lake
Centennial Park is a serene spot for outdoor adventures, with scenic walking paths that loop around Centennial Lake. Ideal for a casual stroll, run, or bike ride, the park’s open green spaces, picnic areas, and shaded trails offer plenty of variety. The beautiful lakeside views, playgrounds, and wildlife sightings make it a favorite for families and fitness enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the peaceful reflection areas and vibrant seasonal foliage.
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Jamie S.
February 26, 2024, Centennial Lake
Centennial Lake is an attractive suburban lake that is open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. There is a large paved path that goes around the lake that is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. There is also a boat launch (but you need a boating permit), which is a popular spot for fishing.
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Matthew
February 13, 2024, Centennial Lake
Centennial Lake is a 54-acre reservoir within Centennial Park in Maryland. The lake is most popular for fishing, but there are also paths circling the waters that are great for walking and running. The park is open from dawn to dusk and can easily be accessed from other parks through the city's trail network.
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AverieOutside
February 7, 2024, Patuxent Branch Trail
The Patuxent Branch Trail is a multi-use, paved 10.4-mile trail that follows the Little Patuxent River.
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Lisa
January 18, 2024, Centennial Lake
This pretty suburban lake is open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. It has a boat launch (you need a boating permit) and is popular for fishing; people catch large channel catfish here. You can also walk a paved trail that goes all the way around the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Columbia?
There are over 20 traffic-free touring cycling routes around Columbia, offering a variety of options for cyclists looking to avoid vehicular traffic.
What is the general difficulty level of the no traffic touring routes in Columbia?
The majority of the no traffic touring routes in Columbia are classified as easy, with 20 easy routes available. There are also 2 moderate and 2 difficult routes for those seeking more of a challenge.
Are there any circular no traffic touring routes in Columbia?
Yes, many of the routes are circular, perfect for starting and ending at the same point. For example, you can explore the Lake Elkhorn – Lake Elkhorn loop from Guilford or the Little Patuxent River – Patuxent Branch Trail loop from Columbia.
What natural features can I expect to see along these no traffic routes?
The routes often feature beautiful natural settings. You can expect to cycle alongside lakes such as Lake Elkhorn and Lake Kittamaqundi, and through forested areas like the Hollofield Area.
Are there any interesting landmarks or points of interest near the no traffic cycling routes?
Yes, several routes pass by notable landmarks. You might encounter the Swinging Bridge and Patapsco Riverbank, the Brighton Dam and Triadelphia Reservoir, or the Swinging Bridge on Grist Mill Trail.
What do other touring cyclists think about the no traffic routes in Columbia?
The no traffic touring routes in Columbia are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene environments and well-maintained paths.
Are there any longer no traffic touring routes for more advanced cyclists?
While many routes are easy, there are options for longer rides. For instance, the Lake Elkhorn – Lake Elkhorn loop from Beth Shalom Congregation covers approximately 23 kilometers, offering a good distance for experienced riders.
Are the no traffic touring routes in Columbia suitable for families?
Given that 20 out of 24 routes are classified as easy, many of the no traffic touring routes around Columbia are well-suited for families, providing safe and enjoyable cycling experiences away from vehicle traffic.
Can I find routes that feature both lakes and rivers?
Yes, some routes offer a mix of aquatic scenery. The Little Patuxent River – Patuxent Branch Trail loop from Columbia, for example, follows a river and is in proximity to several lakes.
Are there any routes that focus specifically on Lake Elkhorn?
Absolutely. Lake Elkhorn is a popular feature for no traffic cycling. You can enjoy routes like the Lake Elkhorn loop trail loop from Lake Elkhorn, which offers scenic views around the lake.
What is the typical elevation gain on these no traffic touring routes?
The elevation gain on these routes is generally modest, reflecting their 'easy' classification. For example, the Lake Elkhorn – Lake Elkhorn loop from Columbia has an elevation gain of just over 21 meters, making for a relatively flat ride.
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