This Community Clinched A National Designation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The state of its outdoor spaces just earned Germantown a mountain biking recognition: the region is now a 2026 IMBA Trail Town.

The designation, issued by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, is given to communities across the U.S. that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to trail systems and ensure they remain accessible to the public.

Germantown was one of two Maryland communities recognized by the nonprofit group. Also named in the list of 28 towns was the City of Annapolis, in Anne Arundel County.

Related: Annapolis Wins National Recognition

IMBA specifically highlighted Germantown for its annual MoCo Epic festival that "celebrates the area’s 160 miles of trails and the diverse community that powers them."

Over the last several years, funding pooled from the event has helped replace rotting bridges, obtain maintenance equipment, and rebuild and create trails for newcomers and advanced bikers.

MoCo Epic marked its 15th anniversary in 2025. Efforts to build out a mountain biking community in the region dates back to the 1990s, with the build-out of the White Trail near Schaeffer Road.

IMBA Executive Director David Wiens described the trail recognition as "more than a badge of honor. It's national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them."