Nice pond – Antietam Reservoir valve house loop from Lower Alsace Township
Nice pond – Antietam Reservoir valve house loop from Lower Alsace Township
4.9
(1181)
18,786
riders
Nice pond – Antietam Reservoir valve house loop from Lower Alsace Township
01:05
11.3km
210m
Mountain biking
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Tips
Includes a very steep uphill segment
You may need to push your bike.
After 1.04 km for 182 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
41 m
Forest Trail in Mount Penn Preserve
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
3.32 km
View of Reading from Mount Penn
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
5.55 km
Mount Penn Preserve
Highlight • MTB Park
Tip by
8.03 km
Nice pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
11.1 km
Antietam Reservoir valve house
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
11.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.71 km
1.07 km
362 m
162 m
Surfaces
9.34 km
786 m
604 m
366 m
201 m
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Elevation
Highest point (320 m)
Lowest point (160 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 27 June
25°C
20°C
73 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a mountain biking route that offers a mix of technical challenges and scenic beauty, the Nice pond – Antietam Reservoir valve house loop from Lower Alsace Township is a solid choice. This moderate 7.0-mile (11.3 km) mountain biking route features 704 feet (215 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. It's a great option for riders who appreciate varied terrain and historical landmarks, especially if you enjoy a bit of rock and root work.
What to expect on Nice pond – Antietam Reservoir valve house loop from Lower Alsace Township
This loop takes you through Antietam Lake Park, offering a dynamic ride with both fire roads and singletrack. You'll encounter technical sections with roots, steep descents, and extensive rock gardens, so be prepared for a workout. The scenery is a highlight, with tranquil views of Antietam Lake and distant rolling mountains. Keep an eye out for the historic octagonal brick valve house, a distinctive landmark along the route, and you might even spot a 60-foot waterfall or an ancient spring house. This trail is best suited for intermediate to experienced riders who are comfortable with technical features, though some sections are smoother flow trails.
Planning your visit
Antietam Lake Park is a popular destination, so arriving earlier in the day can help ensure you find parking. The park's trails are actively maintained, providing a good riding experience. For the most stunning views, consider planning your visit during the fall months, from September to November, when the foliage around the lake is particularly vibrant. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for accessing the trails.
Trail details
- Distance: 7.0 miles (11.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 704 feet (215 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 4 minutes
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