Cross Island Trail (Kent Island) + Optional "Beach Hopping"

**Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is 50% or above for two or more hours or if wind speed or wind gusts are 15 mph or above for more than one hour (per Accuweather) **

ABOUT THE TRAIL
If you're like me and look forward to a day of water views and feeling sand between your toes, then this bike trip is for you! Be sure to bring water shoes (or even wear them while biking) so you can enjoy some of the many beaches we'll encounter on this island.

The Cross Island Trail is a fairly flat, 6.5-mile-long rail trail (asphalt and boardwalk). It was completed in 2001 and is part of the American Discovery Trail. The first half of the trail is asphalt and passes through woods, so the trail is shaded by a canopy of large trees. The second half will start to have more boardwalk than asphalt and it won’t be shaded. The trail crosses several small creeks which offer a change in scenery. After we cross the Kent Narrows drawbridge, we’ll be riding mostly on low wooden bridges over swamps for the last 1.5 miles. The County Connector Trail is paved sidewalk.

BIKE ROUTE
We will ride from Terrapin Nature Park eastward to the Long Point Park using the Cross Island Trail and the County Connector Trail. On the return, we'll have a lunch break stop at the Kent Narrows Marina where there are about four places to drink/eat.

On the way eastward, we will regroup/stop at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center with the option to go inside and/or go up to the observation tower to enjoy panoramic views. Another option is to take the trailhead to Ferry Point Park at the visitor center. The 2-mile trail features a wooden bridge that leads to scenic vistas and a sandy beach.

If you’d like to go at a different pace than us, put “Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center” (425 Piney Narrow Rd, Chester, MD) in your navigation app, switch it to “Bike” mode, and use that to get to the first major stop.

The next planned stop in Long Point Park (unless you're doing a shorter ride). We'll return the same way but stop for a lunch break at Kent Narrow Marine (mile 9). Then we'll return back to the starting point.

NOTE: We may meander off the trail to go visit local beaches. Feel free to skip those parts and bike on!

DISTANCE OPTIONS
OPTION A: Bike a shorter distance, for example, 5 miles to the Visitor Center, and turn back.

OPTION B: Bike 6.5 miles to Waterman's Way Trail along the Kent Narrow Marina. Option to stop for a lunch break before returning.

OPTION C: Bike the planned ~9 miles to Long Point Park, Grasonville. We'll use the Cross County Connector Trail (I haven't biked this before so I hope it's in good condition!) On the way back, we'll stop at the Kent Narrows Marina for a lunch break

OPTION D: Bike a longer distance, for example, go over the bridge to Grasonville and explore the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.

BACK AT TERRAPIN PARK
There is a dirt loop trail near the trailhead that takes you to the Chesapeake Bay, but after a mile, the dirt trail turns into sand which makes it hard to bike.

Amenities: There are several gas stations just off the trail where you could get drinks/snacks if needed.

REQUIRED
Participants must wear a helmet while riding.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Water bottles, electrolytes, gloves, spare tire, biking cap with visor, helmet visor, or sunglasses/bike cap, pocket or travel pouch, hand sanitizer, sunblock, water shoes, backpack, towel, change of clothes, bike lock, bug repellant, folding beach chair,

Keryn will have a first aid kit in her backpack.

Bike bell: They’re good for letting people know you’re approaching from behind and for letting a group rider know you need their attention.

Carpooling is encouraged due to the bridge toll and distance to the meeting point. Post a comment if you are offering a ride or would like a ride with someone else.

I have a lock that will fit 3-4 bikes (if I remember it!)

BATHROOMS
Clean restrooms at Terrapin Park and at the Heritage and Visitors Center.

Suggested bike tires
I recommend hybrid or thicker due to riding on older wooden bridges and riding on a short sandy trail (optional). But we've ridden this with our not-so-thin road tires and were fine.

**Participation is at your own risk**