The Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve Route Guide
The “MCAR” was created in 1980 to protect Montgomery County, MD’s agricultural heritage by restricting residential, industrial and commercial development. The Agricultural Reserve’s 93,000 acres is more than twice the area of Washington, D.C and is within riding distance, or a short drive, from the city. This section of the County has been specially zoned to encourage agricultural uses, however in addition to promoting small-scale farmers, the reserve and additional conservation easements have preserved a picturesque pastoral landscape with a cross section of quiet country lanes, gravel roads, and trails perfect for our brand of adventure riding.
On the page below you’ll find a collection of our favorite MCAR routes, developed across a decade of riding the MCAR, and curated by team map-master Andy that suite different bikes, riders, and weather conditions. All routes begin and end at the Seneca Aquaduct parking area, allowing access to the routes from DC either by short car trip or a 20 mile bike ride down the C&O canal from Georgetown. Each route combines a difference balance of quiet B-roads, gravel roads, and singletrack that generally suite drop bar or adventure style bicycles. For mountain bike rides in the area, we encourage you to consult MORE.
MCAR PAVE
For the road or all road bike, the MCAR Pave route includes 96% paved surfaces, a store stop around half-way, and a rewarding but optional climb up Sugar Loaf Mountain to a view of the entire MCAR below. Most roads are quiet, unpainted B-roads.
MCAR GRAVEL
For the cyclocross or gravel bike, the MCAR Gravel route is about 60% unpaved surfaces and includes most of the gravel roads in the MCAR, a wide but shallow stream crossing, and a short section of trail. Riders should plan to bring provisions, however a store stop is available just off route at mile 41.
MCAR ADVENTURE
The Magnum Opus of MCAR adventure riding, the MCAR Adventure route is designed for underbiking, long days, and a sense of adventure. We recommend a cyclocross or gravel bike with tubeless tires at least 40mm in width and confidenet off-road handling abilitities. The 80 miles route is 70% unpaved and includes canal miles, gravel roads, and singletrack. Resupply is avialable at miles 21, 51, and 66 for those long hot summer days.
