The Trail System

Quantico's mainside trail system provides a unique experience to mountain bikers as well as hikers, joggers, and equestrians.  QMTB is dedicated to maintaining the enjoyability, sustainability, and usability of the trails in partnership with land managers and other user groups.

Trails range from fire roads to technical singletrack.  The soil is generally sandy and fast-draining, with low clay content and few rocks.  There are a number of mountain-bike friendly features such as bridges and ramps, with options for riders of varying ability.  To download a PDF of the MCBQ trail guide, click here (note that this guide does not show the QMTB mountain bike loops defined below).

For more information about the characteristics and conditions of individual trails, download the Trails Inventory.  

Trailheads

QMTB identifies two main trailheads (click here to link to a Google map):  Butler Trailhead, at the intersection of McCard Road and John Quick Road (above Butler Stadium and Barber Gym); and the CDC Trailhead, at the southeast corner of the parking lot of the Child Development Center off Purvis Road.

Mountain Bike Loops

QMTB defines two standard loops, both of which begin and end at the CDC trailhead.  The "Race Loop," marked with white arrows at all trail intersections, is approximately 9 miles in length, and features extensive climbing and descending on some of the more technical singletrack in the trail system.   The "Recreational Loop," marked with yellow arrows at all trail intersections, is about 4 miles in length, with gentler climbs and descents and fewer technical sections.  Both loops can also be accessed from the Butler Trailhead via Stadium Trail. 

Click here or on the map pictured above to download a printable JPEG of the trail map (for best results, print in Landscape at 50% size).

Trail Etiquette and Responsible Riding

QMTB supports the use of the mainside trails by all user groups, including hikers, joggers, and equestrians.  We follow the "Rules of the Trail" established by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA):

1.  Ride on open trails only.  Old Butts and Arboretum trails (in the darker green area with red hash marks on the map above) are not open to mountain bikes.
2.  Leave no trace.  Avoid riding on muddy trails, and ride over obstacles rather than around them.
3.  Control your bicycle.  Be aware of other trail users and ride within your limits.
4.  Always yield trail.  Foot and horse traffic always have the right of way.
5.  Never scare animals.  Horses can be especially frightened by bicyclists.
6.  Plan ahead.  Know your ability, your equipment, and the trail conditions and prepare accordingly.

Trail Maintenance

Quantico's mainside trails require regular maintenance in the form of raking leaves, trimming bushes and trees, and removing fallen limbs.  After big storms there are typically one or more fallen trees that require removal with a chainsaw.

Approximately quarterly, QMTB sponsors trail maintenance days to undertake larger projects such as trail rerouting, bridge construction or repair, and major tree removal.  Trail maintenance days are listed on the Events Calendar and announced on the home page.  All major trail maintenance is conducted under the auspices of the Quantico NREA Conservation Volunteer Program (CVP).  To become a Conservation Volunteer, download the CVP Application, fill it out, and fax to 703-784-5809.  If you have questions about this program, please contact the QMTB Trail Volunteer Coordinator.  QMTB guests who wish to participate in trail maintenance workdays must sign a waiver of liability.  This can be downloaded prior to the event or signed on-site.

If you observe a trail section that needs work, please contact us.  If you encounter trail hazards or unridable conditions, post a message to our e-mail discussion group, "Trailside Chat."