Description: Atop Backbone Mountain in Potomac-Garrett State Forest are 8.7 miles of snowmobile trails that double in the summer as a great mountain bike alternative.  The trail is consists of old logging roads, and is relatively level through the forest with some stream crossings. This area does have active logging and the trail is occasionally rerouted around cutting areas.

Use: Mountain Biking, Hiking, XC Skiing and Snowmobiling (some portions allow ORV use with State Forest permit)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Directions: 29 minutes, 20 miles from Visitor Center Drive; Turn right onto 219 S 7.0 miles, turn left onto Sand Flat Rd 4.4 miles, turn left onto MD-135 E 2.6 miles, turn right onto MD-135 E 5.9 miles, turn left to park. To access the alternate trailhead continue on 135 ~300 yards and make right on Walnut Bottom Road. The trail crosses this road after 300 yards.

Get directions to park on Google Maps

Resources:

• Potomac-Garrett State Forest Website

• ORV Regulations – Backbone Mtn/Burkholder Road ORV Trail

• Maryland DNR Trail Atlas – Backbone Mountain Trails