Photo Courtesy of David Beugelmans
ANNAPOLIS WATERWORKS
Annapolis, MD
ANNAPOLIS WATERWORKS
This trail system can be ridden individually or in conjunction with Bacon Ridge. Those who wish to combine Bacon Ridge and Waterworks can park on Bacon Ridge Road in Crownsville to access Bacon Ridge for a ride south down to Waterworks. Alternatively, you can park on Housley Road to access Waterworks to ride north to Bacon Ridge.
Please park at the Housley Loop trailhead near 100 Housley Road to access the southern trailhead. To access the northern trailhead, please park at the Generals Highway Corridor Park and ride in, or ride from Bacon Ridge.
Do not park in the Defense Highway Parking Lot, which is reserved for permit holders using the fenced Waterworks Park, or on Honeysuckle Lane, which is narrow and does not have room for parking. Finally, do not park on Gomoljak Lane off Honeysuckle Lane. Gomoljak Lane is a private road and all cars parked there will be towed at the owner's expense.
Watch a ride video of Annapolis Waterworks by Sploosh MTB.
GETTING THERE
TAKE ACTION - DONATE NOW!
Donations made directly through this page go directly to the selected trails system and help MORE and its trail liaisons purchase materials, tools and hire the expertise necessary to help us maintain and sustain world class trails in the Washington DC Metropolitan region.
$10 Minimum Donation. Please change the quantity to increase your donation.
* When donating to a specific trail system MORE will endeavor to use your donation as it was designated, but under extenuating circumstances may assign the funds to other trails/projects in consultation with the appropriate trail liaison or project leader in such cases as, including but not limited to, the closure of the park, failure of the project to move forward, completion of the project under budget, extended periods of inactivity and/or other factors limiting the ability to apply the funds to the original intended designation.
The trails at Waterworks are suitable for riders of all abilities but include sections more suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. MORE subscribes to IMBA's trail difficulty ratings
MORE Volunteer David Beugelmans is leading a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers to create riding opportunities in Annapolis.
Please visit Downtown Annapolis for drinks and food after your ride.
Food:Market House25 Market SpaceAnnapolis, MD 2140 Brewery:Forward Brewing418 Fourth StAnnapolis, MD 21403 741 Generals Highway
Ste 106
Millersville, MD 21108(410) 923-2121 1286 MD-3Crofton, MD 21114(410) 721-8244
Ste 106
Millersville, MD 21108(410) 923-2121 1286 MD-3Crofton, MD 21114(410) 721-8244
Written by an anonymous user on
Customer Reviews
based on 3 reviews
What a BLAST!
Written by Marco D. on 12/28/2022
I recently had the opportunity to mountain bike on the Annapolis Waterworks Trail and it was an absolute blast! The trail itself is incredibly well-maintained, with smooth and flowing terrain that is perfect for all levels of mountain bikers. The scenery on the trail is absolutely stunning, with beautiful views of the surrounding forests and waterways. The trail winds through a variety of different environments, from dense woods to open meadows, providing a constantly changing and visually stunning experience. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, the trail itself is expertly designed for mountain biking. The flow of the trail is seamless and natural, with just the right mix of challenging technical sections and smooth, fast sections. I especially appreciated the variety of jumps and drops on the trail, which added an extra element of excitement to the ride. Overall, the Annapolis Waterworks Trail is an absolute must-visit destination for mountain bikers.
Fast and flowy (a climby :)
Written by Chris on 12/1/2020
This trail rocks!!! If you do the the entire trail system, taking all lefts or all rights from the main parking area off of Housley (PLENTY of parking at a shopping area a stones throw away), you’ll end up with about 10 miles and 1300’ of climbing. Most of the trial is flowy with short punchy climbs. Some of the climbs are a tad longer and will get your legs and lungs pumping. But those climbs make for nice fast downs as well. Average speed here will range from 5-10 miles per hour depending on your conditioning and how much you want to suffer 😃 I ride this trail at least a couple times per week and it never gets old.
Sweet trail but permit parking? Really?
Written by Stacey L. on 7/27/2020
Am visiting from out of state and was looking for a place to take my niece to hike. Found this little gem that I would have given 4 stars to if it wasn't for the parking. Parked off of Housely Road (probably got the last spot) and hiked the Housely Loop and the Defense Highway Connector. Would love to do the other loops, but would want to park at the permit parking area to do it. The incline was relatively flat, though some hills, and the paths well defined. Was great being in the shade of the trees given how hot & humid it was. In the woods, we saw the usual squirrels, but also a couple of box turtles and two black snakes (a small one, and one about 2 feet long!). Lots of turtles in the creek area adjacent to the dam. Lovely little area. Please consider an option for daily parking. Would love to come back!