Maryland residents and visitors can explore the state’s bike trails, farms and fall attractions through a free digital program designed to pair outdoor recreation with agritourism.
Helmets & Harvest, part of Maryland’s AgriTrails initiative, offers four regional digital passes: Central Maryland, Eastern Maryland, Southern Maryland and Western Maryland. Each pass includes suggested bike routes along with agritourism destinations such as pumpkin patches, orchards, wineries, breweries, farm markets and restaurants that use locally sourced products.
Participants can sign up for a pass by region and check in at participating locations from Sept. 15 through Nov. 15. Check-ins earn points that can be redeemed for Helmets & Harvest prizes.
Participants who earn 10 points can receive a custom Helmets & Harvest sticker. A sports water bottle is available at 15 points, and a custom knit beanie is offered at 20 points.
The Western Maryland pass includes several well-known cycling destinations: the Great Allegheny Passage, the C&O Canal Towpath, the Western Maryland Rail Trail and the Margraff Trail System. The trail system has options for mountain biking, while the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath offer long-distance riding opportunities.
Western Maryland agritourism stops include Charis Winery & Distillery, Locust Post Brewery, Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, Black Ankle Vineyards, Linden Hall Farm, Lewis Orchards, FireFly Farms and Harvest House.
The program is intended to encourage visitors to combine a bike ride with seasonal activities, including pumpkin picking, farm visits, local food and drinks, and fall events. Maryland’s Best, which promotes Maryland-grown food and agricultural tourism, said each regional pass includes four or five bike trails and eight to 10 agritourism activities.
Organizers cautioned that some pick-your-own operations, especially orchards, were affected by the April 21 freeze. Apple-picking availability may be limited at some farms this fall, though participating businesses may continue to offer other products, events and activities.
The digital pass is web-based through the AgriTrails platform, allowing users to track visits and earn points without downloading a phone app.
More information and regional pass sign-up details are available through Maryland’s Best’s Helmets & Harvest page. Businesses interested in participating can contact Kristin Hanna at [email protected].
