Riding the Indian Head Rail Trail

My husband and I love to ride the converted railroad trails, and this weekend we chose the Indian head Rail Trail. Our son was competing in a triathlon in Smallwood State Park in Indian Head, Maryland, so we decided to make a day of it. The weather was perfect for riding, partly sunny and in the low 70s. However, as we soon found out we were riding into a headwind. And I’m not a fan in riding into the wind!

 

The entire 13 mile trail is paved and very wide. Since we were going in the afternoon, it wasn’t too crowded, however I’m sure that wouldn’t have been the case if we’d started in the morning. We passed many cyclists going the other direction when we started. From Indian Head the trail is a gradual incline toward the end in White Plains. Along the way, you pass by some really pretty scenery and wetlands. As I have found from our many other rides, and if you’ve read my blog post Cross That Bridge When You Come To It, you’ll know that I’m not much for inclines, boring scenery or wind. So I was really happy there were lots of backyards, creatures, and various other views to keep my mind off the fact that we were going uphill. But, really, the incline is only a degree or two.

When we reached the end of our 13 mile slight incline, it was time to stop for lunch. We had packed the usual PB & J and chips, and were pleasantly surprised that when you reach the end of this trail at White Plains, there is a train depot, restrooms (not port-o-potties), water to refill if needed, and a nice picnic area. After a nice rest, we snapped a few pics before heading back to Indian Head.

 

This was a cool windmill made from a bicycle in the top of the rest area.

 

 

 

This beautiful mural depicts the trail and scenery along the way.

 

 

 

We of course had to get a picture with the caboose!

Once we were done taking selfies, it was time to head “downhill” back to Indian Head. Ok, maybe one more selfie!

The wind, indeed was at our back, and it was more downhill. However, I expected to coast back to Indian Head. Not the case. Still had to peddle. But it was easier than going the other direction. In fact, it was about 10 minutes shorter. Not much, in the grand scheme of things, but oh well.

All in all, it was a beautiful, relaxing ride that I would highly recommend if you ever find yourself in Indian Head, Maryland with your bicycle.

Oh, as for my son’s triathlon. He finished 9th overall and 1st in his age group!

If you’d like more info on the Indian Head Rail Trail, here’s the link: https://www.traillink.com/trail/indian-head-rail-trail/.

Thanks for reading!

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