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This ride features a GREAT new trail at Deep Creek Lake State Park.


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Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.1

KM

90%

Singletrack

3,007' 916 m

High

2,514' 766 m

Low

663' 202 m

Up

663' 202 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly A very scenic trail.

Overview

This ride uses the new trails that were recently completed and some existing sections of the old Indian Turnip Trail in Deep Creek Lake State Park. The new trail sections were built by the International Mountain Bike Association.

They are mostly singletrack with great flow and a mix of technical rock gardens, smooth meadow sections, fantastic downhill sections and great mountain scenery. Riding the loop clockwise is how most riders enjoy it.

Description

The ride begins at the State Park HQ with a nice little warm-up down State Park Road to the trailhead (on the right). There are several ways to access the trail and ride it. Check at the State Park HQ for up-to-date maps.

If ridden as shown, the ride is a gradual climb to the top of the mountain starting on Beckman's Trail and turning left onto Indian Turnip Trail after 1.7 miles. Continuing upward, this trail brings some difficult sections. This section is definitely a good cardio climb with challenging rock gardens in a few spots.

The trail eventually levels off at the top and winds through a beautiful fern meadow forest before meandering over the top through a forested area with great flow and some great sections and a few rock gardens.

After cruising over the top of the mountain and just after crossing the Meadow Mountain Trail for the last time, the trail begins its descent back to the bottom. Enjoy the great flow but watch for some sharp switchbacks!

After reaching the bottom, there are some very technical rock gardens to navigate through. You eventually have the option of dumping off at the State Park HQ or riding back up and tying into the loop again and re-tracing some of the trail that was ridden as a part of the climb.

The trail is also great for hiking and is pet-friendly. Don't forget your helmet, and enjoy the ride !

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Colvill

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 34 votes

#427

Overall
  4.7 from 34 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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in Maryland

#427

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Photos

Downhill section on the new Indian Turnip Trail - Deep Creek Lake SP.
Aug 24, 2016 near Mountai…, MD
Deep Creek Lake Loop in Maryland.
Oct 21, 2017 near Swanton, MD
Rock garden on the new Indian Turnip Trail in Deep Creek Lake SP.
Aug 24, 2016 near Mountai…, MD
Rock Berms
Sep 21, 2020 near Swanton, MD
fast wide, mild rocks, top the hill
May 15, 2023 near Swanton, MD
Uphill!
Aug 24, 2016 near Mountai…, MD
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