Reviewed by: brian , from rockville, maryland, usa

Summary:
there are some challenging hills here and a lot of hills for inermediats and begginers, you can find many hills to suite your style and skill level.

Recommended Route:
anywhere it is all good i prefer to go on the paved bikepath and veir off to find really good trails, you might have to hike up some hills.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
great falls

Reviewed by: Bunty , from Rockville, MD, USA

Summary:
This is trail is all road with surround forest and some creek. It's about 3-4 miles to the lake itself. It's also surrounded by trees to block off the sun. You don't want to fall off the trail because of all the rocks and logs so STAY ON THE TRAIL! Not long after the trail begins, there will be a fork in the road. Go to the left to go to Lake Needwood, go right if you want to go to D.C. You will have to cross 3 small highways, not a bog obstacle though. This trail is mostly mostly flat/very little steep/very little downhill. There are very few parts where it gets really steep/really downhill. Be carefull because some of those hills curve as they go down, so GO SLOW or else you'd be thrusted off the trail. This trail is good for beginner-intermediate but advanced might find this a little weak for them. Have fun!

Recommended Route:
Starting on the biker/hiker trail at the intersection of Greenspan Lane and Parkvale Road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
After you get to the lake, you can find some mroe trails that circle the lake as explained in other reviews.

Reviewed by: Julian , from Rockville, MD

Summary:
I found this trail to be a good workout. Their weren't many logs, but lots of rocks and rolling hills. This is a great short loop to build cardiovascular endurance. If you want something more technical, I would suggest Schaeffer Farms in Gaithersburg. This trail is great if you are a newbie like me trying to build your legs and lungs. More experienced riders will most probably find this trail uninteresting.

Recommended Route:
From the main parking lot near the boat launch.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Schaeffer Farms and Wakefield

Reviewed by: Joshi Sachs , from Silver Spring, MD

Summary:
looks like gravel from my vantage point.

Recommended Route:
I've never actually ridden this trail, because once I get to the lake, I'm too tired to do any trails. I usually just ride back home. Next weekend I'll go there and do the trails.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I like the horse trails off Beach Dr. in Rock Creek Park.

Reviewed by: Drew , from Rockville, MD

Summary:
I'm a newbie, and have to walk some of the more root-infested sections. Otherwise great fun, exciting, truly hones your skills. Once I can do a whole circuit without dismounting or rolling into the lake, I figure I'll be ready for anything! The trail all but disappears on the East side of the lake - practice your bunny hops! Eye protection and helmet are a must!

Recommended Route:
Head North on the Rock Creek Park hiker/biker trail, anywhere from Thompson's boathouse in downtown DC on up!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Haven't had opportunity to check anything else out (job, kids, unsympathetic better half - all conspire against me!)