Waterworks by DimitriFotos
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The City of Annapolis has been recognized as a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a new national designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) honoring communities with an exceptional commitment to building, maintaining, and celebrating trail systems.
The IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes communities that are leading with trails by demonstrating strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Together, these criteria support healthy lifestyles, local economies, and outdoor recreation access.
Annapolis Recreation and Parks manages Waterworks Park, which has over 10 miles of multi-use, sustainable trails and mountain bike skills areas. Its proximity to the trail system in Bacon Ridge Natural Area which offers over 20 miles of trails and future trails planned forr the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park make Annapolis a destination for outdoor lovers. These trails are stewarded by the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE), the local mountain bike club and trail advocacy organization, in partnership with the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
"Trails are an important part of what makes Annapolis and Anne Arundel County such great places to live and visit," said Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann. "This recognition highlights how outdoor recreation strengthens the community and contributes to our local economy and quality of life."
Trail systems are increasingly recognized as important drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trails often see benefits including increased tourism, support for local businesses, improved public health, and stronger community connections to the outdoors. The American outdoor recreation economy continues to grow: in 2024, it reached $1.3 trillion in economic activity while employing 5.2 million people. Maryland contributed $10.6 billion to the nation's outdoor economy while providing over 85,000 jobs.
"Receiving the IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes the incredible collaboration between volunteers, local organizations, land managers, and community leaders who have worked for years to build and care for our trails," said MORE President Casey Anderson.
Waterworks by Dave Beugelmans
As part of the Trail Town designation, Annapolis joins 28 communities leading a growing national network of trail-forward places committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation.
"IMBA congratulates Annapolis on its IMBA Trail Town designation," said David Wiens, IMBA Executive Director. "IMBA Trail Towns are leading with trails by demonstrating how trails
support thriving, resilient communities. The IMBA Trail Town designation is more than a badge of honor. It's national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them.”
Local trail leaders say the recognition will help strengthen future partnerships and support continued trail development and stewardship.
For more information about local trails and how to get involved, visit more-mtb.org.
For more information about the IMBA Trail Town designation, visit https://www.imba.com/designation/trail-town.
About MORE : Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) is a 501c3 nonprofit that builds, maintains, and advocates for public, sustainable, natural surface trails in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. MORE volunteers put in over 17,000 hours of work annually, stewarding 975 miles of trail in 65 parks across the region.
About IMBA : The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. IMBA is focused on Leading with Trails by partnering with communities on trail advocacy, education, stewardship and sustainable trail solutions, so everyone has access to great places to ride and recreate.
