Hunting Alert
Muzzleloader Season: Oct. 22–24 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Good news: there’s no hunting at Broadford Lake, so it’s a great pick today. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Hunting Alert
Bear Season: Oct. 26–31 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Good news: there’s no hunting at Broadford Lake, so it’s a great pick today. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Hunting Alert
Youth Hunt Weekend: Nov. 14–15 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Good news: there’s no hunting at Broadford Lake, so it’s a great pick today. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
Hunting Alert
Rifle Season Opening Week: Nov. 28–Dec. 5 (Starts Tomorrow)
On a handful of days it’s better to be safe than sorry by simply staying out of hunting areas. Good news: there’s no hunting at Broadford Lake, so it’s a great pick today. Wear blaze orange if you head out anywhere else.
DCAB Trail Conditions
Prime Riding
Prime conditions. Get out and ride!
Local Note: Bluebird fall day! Trails are dry and fast. Watch for slick leaf cover on descents and frosty spots early tomorrow morning.
Trail Type & Etiquette
Hand-cut trail: drains well and rides fine with a little rain.
Leave a Track, Turn Back. If your tires or boots are leaving a track, pick another trail.
Updated Wed, Oct 21, 11:55 AM. These ratings come from DCAB riders who are out on these trails all week. They are rated for mountain biking, so hikers, runners and skiers can use them as a general guide. Conditions can change fast, and trails are rarely closed; use your judgment.
Broadford Lake Park: Backbone Shaker
Trail System: Broadford Lake Park
Activities: Mountain Bike, E-bike, Hike, Trail Running
Difficulty: Black Diamond (Difficult)
Trail system is at Broadford Lake Park, a Town of Oakland park located in Mountain Lake Park, MD.
Backbone Shaker is the black diamond trail at Broadford, the most challenging ride in a park that is otherwise beginner to intermediate.
The trail’s direction is rotated regularly based on signage to help reduce braking bumps, curbs, and erosion. Hikers and Bikers are encouraged to go in opposite directions to promote increased visibility.
Address: 123 Recreation Ln, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550
Driving & Parking Directions: Check the map below.
Photos & Video
Plan Your Visit
- Trailhead
- 123 Recreation Lane, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550
- Fee
- Per-car daily entry fee from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (season passes available; seniors 65+ free with verification).
- Hours & Season
- Sunrise to sunset during the summer season.
- Hunting
- No hunting, except waterfowl hunting on Nov. 23–25, 2026.
- Managed By
- Town of Oakland · 301-334-2691
- Accessibility
- A 1-mile paved loop circles part of the lake.
- Emergency
- Call 911. Nearest hospital: Garrett Regional Medical Center, 251 N. 4th Street, Oakland (301-533-4000).
Know Before You Go
- Beginner-friendly: 3+ miles of beginner-to-intermediate singletrack, plus a 1-mile paved loop.
- Follow the arrows. Trail direction rotates, and hikers and bikers travel opposite directions.
- There are trailheads at both parking lots. Boats and pavilions are available to rent in summer.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on the trail, and if you're leaving a track, turn back.
More Trails at Broadford Lake Park (4)
See All Broadford Lake Park Trails
Make a Day of It
All DCAB Trails & ConditionsWhere to EatWhere to StayLocal WeatherUpcoming EventsAsk Garry
Visitor details checked by Deep Creek Times in October 2026. Fees and hours can change; confirm with the managing agency.