Chaptico Loop

Take in War of 1812 and Civil War history, cycle past tobacco barns and historic churches. Near the end of your ride, stop at Chaptico Market for some of the best fried chicken on planet Earth.

25.5 miles, 803 feet of climbing. All paved roads. Requires a moderate level of fitness, as there are a few small climbs to challenge you, such as here, here, and here. These roads are either lightly traveled, or have buggy-wide shoulders. Mid-ride rest stop.

Park at: Chaptico Park 26600 Budd’s Creek Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. This park sometimes does not show up on electronic maps. It is opposite Indiantown Road. Chaptico Park gate is closed in the winter, but you can park on the side of the driveway in front of the entrance.

Bathrooms: at Chaptico park (mid-Spring through mid-Fall), 7th District Park (year round).

From the park, turn left onto MD-234/Budds Creek Rd. At the roundabout, turn right onto MD-238/Maddox Rd, and follow this for 6.5 miles through the rural 7th District. Make a right onto Bushwood Rd, and follow this until you see water. This is Bushwood Wharf on the Potomac River, previously Port Wicomico, which was an important port in the early history of St Mary’s County. Returning from the water, turn right onto MD-239/Bushwood Wharf Rd, and then left onto MD-242/ Colton Point Rd. On MD-242, you will pass Moore or Less Farm (organic meats, fruits, alpacas). Just after the intersection with MD-238 is the 7th District Community Park, which is your mid-ride rest stop. After a break, continue left on MD-242. Go straight at the blinker light in Clements. Enjoy the climb up to Chopticon High School. Turn left onto Dr Johnson Rd and then left onto Chaptico Rd. Enjoy the descent. At the roundabout, if you can get past the aroma of the chicken from Chaptico Market, turn right onto MD-234/Budds Creek Rd and return to Chaptico Park.

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