Seneca Creek State Park Trail

A few updates: The trail has a new (2018) reroute that bypasses a section that was frequently eroded by heavy rains. The trail also connects to the new Pepco trail which connects to both the Germantown Rec (to the north) and the Muddy Branch trail system to the south. Excellent job by MORE.

This is a 3 mile trail that circles Clopper Lake. There's no elevation change although there are plenty of roots. Given the large number of hikers and runners that frequent this trail I would not recommend this trail for mountain bikers especially when there are soooo many other trails nearby.

Great flowing trail. I started at Schaefer farm and rode till the old mill where I hooked up with the trail. Not a lot of elevation change but a few quick climbs give way to longer descents. The trail is all single track and fairly smooth minus a few roots. For a much longer ride you could combine the two sets of trails and easily do 20 miles. Will defiantly go back to explore more.

Had a fair amount of roots and a large amount of hikers. That said, it had great views, no real climbs, and I had a great time.

I concur with the other reviewers. The SRT is fast, flowy, occasionally scenic, and not crowded. The trail is mostly hardpack with little in the way of roots or rocks. There are a handful of creek crossing and deep "whoops." The most strenuous section is Germantown Rd to Black Rock Rd. which is particularly hilly. The trail is not technical, so intermediate and even many experienced novices should be able to ride the entire 12-mile out and back without needing to dismount (with the exception of one fairly large log across the trail at the moment).

It's not world-class riding, but it's up there with some of the best riding I've experienced in the greater DC metro area. The links to other trails (Seneca Bluffs & Schaeffer Farms) is an added bonus. Thanks, as always, to MORE for their great work building and maintaining these trails.

For my $, the best trail of the 4 trails I've tried in MD (comparing to Schaeffer, Rosaryville, and Cabin John). I do the out and back from Riffle Rd. and it's a quick climb and then some really fun, rolling sections. A few water crossings to keep things interesting and really great views along the way. It never seems too crowded (though I do ride early). The blazes keep you on track and it has the added benefit of linking up to Schaeffer for extra terrain, but for me the 12 miles - out and back - is plenty. You may encounter some hikers/runners near the Mill, but seems to be mainly a manageable amount of mountain bikers. Well worth a visit.

Very underrated trail in the area. Extremely flowy and fast. Dosen't seem like you climb all that much

This is without question my favorite trail system in the central MD area. I'll take Seneca Ridge over Schaeffer Farm any day. This trail absolutely rips!!! It's not technical at all, but it's nothing but super fast, flowing singletrack. There is pretty decent elevation throughout so you should always get a workout, especially if you go all the way down and back. I usually park right off rt 28 as parking near the mill can fill up fast, not to mention the downhill from 28 is fun. Love Seneca Ridge!

This is my go to trail! It is flow heaven, no huge climbs, no suicidal descents, just miles and miles of flowy single track, you go up some you go down some over and over for six miles each way. Plus as a bonus you can connect to other trail systems in the area for longer rides.

I ride this trail during the Winter when Shaeffer and others are closed/not safe. It is fun. Go either clockwise or counter clockwise. Lots of views of lake. Lots of roots in sections. No climbs though. Takes 40 to 45 minutes to do circle

I really like this trail. Although listed as 6 miles, it's a 12 mile ride (out and back). Very nice flowing singletrack. Nothing too difficult or technical (there's one climb on the last mile heading back toward Black Rock Mill that's somewhat challenging but certainly doable.) You can really pick up some speed on the downhills and keep your momentum for extended periods. There are a few stream crossings to keep it interesting. Only heads up is that the trail tends to dry slowly so it is not uncommon to have quite a few muddy spots in the spring or after a storm. This trail is a great extension to a ride at Schaeffer and connects with other trails in the network as well.

Awesome fast flowing trail and a great addition to a day at Schaefer Farms or Seneca Bluffs. Great trail to ride in either direction best when not too crowded so you can maintain speed.

I will definitely not say is for beginners, a lot of roots and pretty steep uphills. Lots of fun, nice view of the lake. If you are looking to have fun and work out this is fine. If you are a Pro and you are looking for a challenge, do not go. Too many walkers with pets and hikers.
PS: I dropped my keys and the rangers at the park were very helpful with the search. At the end a walker found it and took it to the office.

While rated "beginner", I don't think a true beginner could get past all of the roots along the way. It is a good Winter course for an intermediate rider. Lake is pretty, and lack of long uphills are nice when the weather is in the 40s.

Rode this trail in 2010, pretty good trail for beginners

I rode this three years ago. I find hiking it easier.

Did this as a loop from Seneca Ridge Trail for well over 20 miles stating at Black Rock Mill. I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity and relatively technical features provided by the trail. At points, it is wide and flowy, but then you deal with trees downed by beavers, root gardens on a 10% incline, a few decent rock gardens too, and very little down time. You are either climbing or pedaling along a brief flat section. There are not many hills. And if the main trail is too little for you, head off on Mink Hallow or Long Draft Trails towards Seneca Ridge, you will not be dissapointed. Maybe try and ride the main loop on off days (I hit it on a Friday day off and encountered only a few people) as I'm sure it gets a great deal of use.

A fun trail, good for out-and-back if you have the time, or team up with someone and park a car at each start/finish point and enjoy a quick but overall satisfying workout.

This trail is awesome! Just rode the whole trail yesterday with my 11 year old son. We started at Black Rock Mill and
rode in the eastbound direction before turning around at Riffle Ford Rd for the return trip. Lots of fast singletrack with some nice gradual climbs and beautiful scenery. Mostly through peaceful, dense forest. This trail does not yet have a lot of exposed roots like nearby Schaeffer Farm. Congrats to MORE and everyone that has worked hard to make this a great trail!

Great beginner trail and/or a warm up to hit before riding Schaeffer or any of the other singletrack trails in the area. Found some roots, no climbs to mention, and good views.