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Seneca Ridge Trail at Riffle Ford Road
4.8 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews · Running trail in Darnestown, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 50 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Seneca Ridge Trail at Riffle Ford Road's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring forest, creek crossings, and mountain biking opportunities.
What runners say about Seneca Ridge Trail at Riffle Ford Road
“Well maintained trail with plenty of parking along the street.”
“Beautiful hike but many bikers start coming out around 11 so if you are hiking you should get there early or you will be stopping a lot to let them pass.”
Beautiful hike but many bikers start coming out around 11 so if you are hiking you should get there early or you will be stopping a lot to let them pass. Photos are from May 17, 2020.
NICE NICE NICE! Came on a warm May Saturday and there were 7 cars in the parking lot and in the street, atleast 5 people were fishing and the rest likely on the trail. I took the Ridge trail to Germantown road (no side walk/crossing) and walked up the road to the Seneca Creek Greenway and walked back against the creek.
The segment east of Riffle Ford is very nice. Well maintained, lots of shade and ferns. Google Maps is not 100% accurate on the trail though. There is trail all the way back to Riffle Ford so that is a great loop to do if you have an hour or so.
Great place to hike/bike! Parking is convenient and trail connects to Clopper lake and Schaefer farms. Well maintained mountain bike trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Came on a warm May Saturday and there were 7 cars in the parking lot and in the street, atleast 5 people were fishing and the rest likely on the trail.”
“Can create trail loops of 5 to 100 miles by linking with Pepco trail, Greenway trail, Hoyle Mill trail, Muddy Branch trail, and/or Shaeffer Farm network.”
“Beautiful hike but many bikers start coming out around 11 so if you are hiking you should get there early or you will be stopping a lot to let them pass.”
“There is trail all the way back to Riffle Ford so that is a great loop to do if you have an hour or so.”
“IMO much more fun than Black Hills (ten mile creek) or lil B, comparable to Schaeffer with less variety.”
“Easy enough to navigate, canal m central hub with bathrooms, playgrounds scattered throughout.”
“We made a 7.5 mile loop (though you have to walk about 5 min on Germantown road).”
Plan your run at Seneca Ridge Trail at Riffle Ford Road
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance50 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.maryland.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Darnestown
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Seneca Creek State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,621 reviews
This 6,300 acre park of forest & farmlands offers hunting, fresh water fishing & hiking trails.
Clopper Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
Scenic state park with trails, picnic areas, and disc golf, plus kayak rentals.
Inspiration Lake Hiking Trail
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Quiet area offering trails around lakes and a pond, plus birding.
Seneca Ridge Trail at Black Rock Mill
4.6 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
Forest and stream offering biking and hiking trails, plus a preserved mill building.