The Backyard

The Backyard is a short, easy mountain biking trail on the Loch Raven Reservoir in Maryland, about 0.8 miles long and with a manageable 148-foot elevation gain. It's a green circle, an out-and-back route that works well for new riders or anyone wanting a quick session on singletrack. The trail runs through typical Mid-Atlantic terrain, and its gentle, rolling profile makes it a perfect way to build basic skills without facing steep or technical sections. The climb is rolling, with the high point at about 458 feet and the start near 456 feet. The steepest stretch comes early on, around 0.05 miles in, with a 10% grade. The round trip adds up to about 1.6 miles, and the total elevation gain and loss each come to about 356 feet. The trail sits within the Loch Raven Reservoir area, and dogs are allowed on leash. For a longer outing, nearby hikes like Foundation Run and Merryman's Mill Trail are each about 0.2 miles away. The Loch Raven Reservoir fishing access is roughly 1.6 miles off, and the Big Gunpowder Falls - Hereford climbing area is about 4 miles away.