Old Trail System - North Loop
A machine-built trail at Margraff Plantation.
TodayPrime RidingTrail Conditions- Distance
- 1.4 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Climb
- 243 ft
- Descent
- 240 ft
- Hunting
- Hunting Area
Good For: Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Snowshoe, Nordic Ski
About This Trail
Local Note: Bluebird fall day! Trails are dry and awesome!
This loop is part of Margraff Plantation’s older trail system, south of the new Red, Blue, Orange and Purple trails that opened in July 2025. North Loop is a 1-mile popular blue singletrack trail located near Accident, Maryland. This multi-use trail can be used in both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 241 ft blue climb. On average, it takes 10 minutes to complete this trail.
Trail Type & Etiquette
Machine-built trail: holds water longer after rain.
Leave a Track, Turn Back. If your tires or boots are leaving a track, pick another trail. Don't Walk in Set Ski Tracks.
Updated Thu, Oct 29, 10:03 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.
Photos & Video
Plan Your Visit
- Trailhead
- Fratz Road, Accident, MD (Margraff kiosk). From Route 219, take Accident-Bittinger Road to Fratz Road.
- Fee
- Free. No trail fee.
- Restrooms
- None at the trailhead. Plan ahead.
- Dogs
- Welcome on a leash. There is no water on the trail, so bring some for your dog.
- Hunting
- Margraff is in Savage River State Forest, which is open to hunting, including Sunday deer hunting Sept. 13, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027. Wear blaze orange in hunting season.
- Managed By
- Maryland Forest Service, Savage River State Forest · 301-895-5759
- Accessibility
- The 2-mile Orange Trail is a beginner loop and Maryland's first adaptive mountain bike trail on state forest land. For adaptive riders it is rated aMTB blue (intermediate).
- Emergency
- Call 911. Nearest hospital: Garrett Regional Medical Center, 251 N. 4th Street, Oakland (301-533-4000).
Know Before You Go
- Four trails, all on one hilltop: two beginner loops, Red (1.4 mi) and Orange (2 mi), plus Blue (intermediate, 1.4 mi) and Purple (advanced, 1.2 mi). Orange is also Maryland's first adaptive mountain bike trail on state forest land.
- Drive slowly on Fratz Road. It runs through a residential area.
- Black bear country. Make noise and keep food packed away.
- Some sections cross the gravel road, which makes a handy shortcut back to the lot.
- Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the designated mountain bike trails here.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on the trail, and if you're leaving a track, turn back.
Make a Day of It
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Visitor details checked by Deep Creek Times in October 2026. Fees and hours can change; confirm with the managing agency.
More Trails at Margraff Plantation
See All 8 Trails
Hunting AreaMargraff PlantationBlue Trail (Intermediate)Moderate1.4 miMountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running
Hunting AreaMargraff PlantationOld Trail System - Central LoopModerate1.4 miMountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Snowshoe, Cross-Country SkiHunting AreaMargraff PlantationOld Trail System - South LoopModerate2.3 miMountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski