This ride transits areas of Charles County (and a little bit of PG) where bands of the Piscataway Tribe (Moyaone, Nanjemoy, Potapoco) lived when John Smith was exploring the Chesapeake. Nanjemoy means 'one goes downward', referring to the rivers and creeks, but is the way I like to cycle. Unfortunately this route is a round trip, and what goes down...must go back up.
The ride starts with a section of the Indian Head Rail Trail and transits to Accokeek, named after the Moyaone band of the Piscataway Tribe. The route meanders through Piscataway National Park by the Accokeek Foundation, National Colonial Farm, and Marshall Hall Ruins that are all worth a view. The route heads south with a stop in Chapman State Park to see Mt Aventine Mansion, and continues to Indian Head for another section of the rail trail that skirts Mattawoman Creek before heading to the Nanjemoy band territory. The route stops at Nanjemoy creek (Friendship Farm Park) before heading east to Port Tobacco and the area of the Potapoco band. In the 17th Century, Port Tobacco was one of the largest international seaports in Maryland! The route rolls by historic Stagg Hall, Port Tobacco Courthouse, and a one-room school house before heading back to the start.
This route sells off Charles County in ABC’s Tour of MD.
The starting location is where the Indian Head Rail Trail crosses Middletown Road, a few miles from Route 301. The parking lot is right at the trail crossing on the east side of the road.
Refueling points include:
27.0: Dash-In in Indian Head (planned stop)
33.7: Pisgah General Store (as needed)
50.4: Scott’s II (mile 50.4) (as needed)
56.6: Murphy Store in Port Tobacco (as needed)
Post-Ride: Huntt’s Tavern in Pomfrey.
Ride with GPS Route is here.
Ride Leader is Chris Higgins. Date of the event will be adjusted awaiting a reasonable weather forecast of ~50 degrees or warmer. Register to let the ride leader know you would like to do this route, and receive ride updates.
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Posted by C Higgins
