| Cycling | |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Mary's College or St. Mary's City St. Mary's County |
| Trail Access | Public parking lots in St. Mary's City area |
| Distance | 13.8 miles |
| Time | Varies with time spent at attractions |
| Trail | Flat to rolling Dirt and gravel bike trails Highway with a wide shoulder Some side road sections with no shoulders |
| Skill Level | Moderate |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes, taking into account the ages and experience of the children |
| Hazards/Restrictions | Bike trails are also used for hiking. Watch for traffic along the highways. You may encounter the occasional family pet dog. |
| Potable Water | St. Mary's City Visitor Center There is one commercial establishment along the highway in St. Inigoes. |
| Natural Features | Flat and rolling country, beautiful views of the St. Mary's River. |
| Historic/Cultural Features | Maryland began in St. Mary's City, when Roman Catholics seeking religious freedom settled the area in 1634. When Maryland abolished freedom of worship in 1704, the Catholics of St. Mary's City fled downstream to the grounds of St. Inigoes Manor. The Manor House is no longer there, but St. Ignatius Church, built in 1785 survives. The tour also stops at an 18th century manor, as well as a rarely visited Memorial erected to remember seaman blown up in a Civil War maritime disaster. St. Mary's City has many sites to visit including: the reconstructed 1634 state house, a reconstruction of the colonial tall ship Dove, a reconstructed Native American long house and a colonial plantation. |
| Bike Rentals/Service | |
| Camping | Point Lookout State Park: 1-888-432-2267 |
| Other Points of Interest | St. Mary's College |
| Other Accommodations | Motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area |
| Fees or Permits | There is a charge to enter parts of St. Mary's City |
| Description | Follow signs along Point Lookout Road to the St. Mary's City Visitors Center on Rosecroft Road. Much information can be obtained here including a map of their trails. After you leave St. Mary's City, travel south along Point Lookout Road. Turn west onto Villa Road, and then right when you get to Grayson Road. When Grayson Road makes a 90 degree turn to the right, you want to go left onto the gravel road. This driveway will lead you to the USS Tulip Memorial. When you return to Villa Road, turn right and the road will take you the short distance to St. Ignatius Church. |
ResourcesRecommended Gear and Safety Tips
- Southern Maryland Bicycle Map, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Boards of County Commissioners
- 25 Bicycle Tours in Maryland, (Anne Oman)
- St. Mary's City Visitor Guide
- St. Mary's County Road Map
- Point Lookout State Park homepage
- Be aware of your skill level and make safety your constant companion
- Tire repair kit or tube
- Bike pump
- Helmet