How to Clear Your Head: Cycling Historic Tilghman Island

St. Michaels to Tilghman Island Bike Route

This 32 mile roundtrip ride takes you down beautiful, asphalt-paved highway with wide shoulders, down a wind-swept peninsula to historic Tilghman Island. This is the island farthest into the Chesapeake Bay. It’s practically in the center of the bay, yet reachable by bicycle across the narrows. 

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OVERVIEW OF ST. MICHAELS TO TILGHMAN ISLAND

This route seems easier than it is. Yes, it’s a flat route. But, you’re peddling constantly. There’s no restful coasting. The longer you go, the harder that is.

Then, there’s the wind. There’s a constant breeze from the Chesapeake Bay, and the Bay is just on the other side of farm fields that you’ll be riding by. On a light air day, that’s wonderful. On a breezy day, it’s like going uphill but there’s no downhill. No coasting.

This route doesn’t have much shade. The trees are cut far back off the road due to the farm equipment, and sometimes cyclists have to share the shoulder with a combine. On hot days, it feels like cycling through Arizona.

Those are just extra challenges.

You can go as fast as you want on the smooth road. And, you get to play on Tilghman Island halfway through the ride.

If you’re on an e-bike, just go and enjoy!!

ST. MICHAELS TO TILGHMAN ISLAND Bike ROUTE

We start you at the St. Michaels Nature Trail (across the road from a bike shop). It’s a one-mile asphalt-paved trail that acts as a busy downtown by-pass and an easier getaway out of town after the ride. It’s also a very pretty ride.

The trail ends after a mile and a half at Bradley Park. It’s a pretty park with a portable toilet and a playground. Go through the gravel parking lot and turn right.

This is a ride down a traditional St. Michaels neighborhood full of eclectic houses. It takes you to the northern end of downtown St. Michaels. Take a look around at the busy, cool city center and remember that you’ll be returning to it.

Off you go in the other direction toward Tilghman Island.

There are no convenience stores along the way. There’s Chesapeake Landing restaurant about a quarter of the way, a crab shack that sells water and soda out of its cooler.

You’re traveling along farms and woods until you get to Knapps Narrows, the stretch of water separating Tilghman Island from the mainland. That’s your highest elevation. Going over the bridge.

Cycling Tighlman Island

Tilghman Island sits between the Chesapeake Bay and the Choptank River, at the southernmost top of Talbot County. It is literally in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, making it a layover stop for migratory flying things, such as butterflies and birds.

The island is dominated by watermen, but it also caters to wealthy tourists who don’t want to be noticed. That means Tilghman Island has an amazing number of foody restaurants with very fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood.

The most dramatic water views are at the tail-end of this ride just past the community of Avalon. That section used to be the town of Fairbank, but now it’s a nature preserve. The unusually wide road there is for professional fishermen to dry out their pound-nets.

You’ll also find great views by wandering down some of the side roads of the island.

If you have time, check out Dogwood Harbor. It’s full of deadrise boats, the crabbing and oystering boats used by professional watermen. There are also historic skipjack sailboats docked at that harbor.

Museums are open on the weekend. The Tilghman Island Watermen’s Museum is in what’s called a “W” House, built in the shape of the letter “W” and thought to be unique to the island.

For more on what to see and do on Tilghman Island, check out our Chesapeake Bay Islands section. There’s so much more to Tilghman Island.

Ride Back to St. Michaels

If you need a convenience stop, there’s a city park on the mainland side of the bridge with portable toilets. It also has a nice walkway to a Chesapeake Bay overlook.

This is when you remind yourself that a seat at a fun bar or restaurant awaits you at the end.

Settle in for the ride back. The wind that didn’t seem so bad on the way out could turn into a challenge, depending on which way it’s blowing. And, hot will seem hotter.

Check out our historic towns section for information on what to find in St. Michaels.

Neavitt Landing Side Route

If it’s a gorgeous day and you’re not tired, check out the Neavitt Landing route on your way back (another 20 miles roundtrip). The landing is beautiful.

Not much to the village of Neavitt, but it does have a shady park with a water fountain.

The shoulder on Bozman Neavitt Road is a bit narrower than on St. Michaels Road but it’s enough for a bicycle.

The shoulder close to Neavitt is a bit rough, especially on a road bike, despite being repaved in 2020. The section of the road where the cars ride is much better. Be aware that you might have to share the road with cars in that section.

The shoulder goes away altogether once you reach Neavitt.  

This is a very satisfying ride whether you want a workout or just want to cruise the sights.

Enjoy this time outdoors! It’ll raise your “happy” levels.