The best cycling routes in Baltimore County

The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, also known as the NCR Trail, offers a fantastic touring cycling experience through northern Maryland. This moderate 26.1-mile (41.9 km) route, with a gentle 1330 feet (405 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete. You'll ride on a well-maintained crushed stone surface, passing through scenic river valleys alongside the Big Gunpowder Falls, with a pleasant mix of open and wooded sections. The restored Monkton Train Station is a notable stop, providing a glimpse into the trail's historical significance.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking available at various trailheads and amenities like restrooms and water fountains spaced along the route. It's suitable for year-round use, though heavy snow or ice can make it impassable. Be mindful that resurfacing work is scheduled through early 2026, which might cause localized closures, especially on weekdays.

This trail follows the corridor of the former Northern Central Railway, a vital transportation link during the Civil War, even carrying President Abraham Lincoln's funeral train. Its historical context, combined with its accessibility and connection to Pennsylvania's Heritage Rail Trail County Park, makes it a popular choice for cyclists seeking both recreation and a touch of history.

The Grist Mill and Trolley Line #9 Loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with significant historical elements. You'll pedal alongside the Patapsco River, pass through dense woodlands, and marvel at the striking 100-foot-high hand-cut granite bluffs on the Trolley Line #9 Trail. This moderate 15.0-mile (24.2 km) route, with its 710 feet (216 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete, making it a rewarding ride for those seeking varied scenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail primarily consists of paved and well-maintained surfaces, suitable for touring bikes. While the trail is generally accessible, be aware that the boardwalk section can be slippery when wet. The Ellicott City end of the trail provides easy access to local shops and restaurants, perfect for a post-ride treat or meal.

What truly sets this route apart is its rich historical context; the Trolley Line #9 Trail follows the path of an electric streetcar line from the late 1890s. Along the way, you can spot historical landmarks like the Bloede Dam and the ruins of the Orange Grove Flour Mill, adding a fascinating layer to your ride. It's a great option if you're looking for popular trails that combine exercise with a journey through time.

The BWI Trail offers a moderate 24.0-mile (38.6 km) touring cycling loop that uniquely encircles an international airport, yet still delivers surprisingly varied and peaceful scenery. You'll pedal through wooded sections, catch glimpses of a horse farm, and enjoy unparalleled views of aircraft from the Thomas A. Dixon, Jr. Aircraft Observation Area. With 905 feet (276 metres) of elevation gain, this route takes about 2 hours and 21 minutes, providing a good workout without being overly strenuous.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. Restrooms are available at Andover Park and the Amtrak Station, and the trail connects directly to public transportation via the Linthicum Light Rail Station and the BWI MARC/Amtrak rail station. It's an accessible option for most cyclists, offering a convenient and enjoyable ride.

What truly sets the BWI Trail apart is its distinction as the only trail in the U.S. that completely encircles an international airport, making it a prime spot for plane spotting. It also links to the Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail, expanding your cycling options, and is part of the developing East Coast Greenway, highlighting its significance in regional trail networks.

Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure around Prettyboy Reservoir, covering 15.5 miles (24.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1183 feet (361 metres). This route offers a rewarding ride that typically takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. You will cycle through varied terrain, enjoying scenic views of the reservoir and passing by the impressive Prettyboy Dam, a key landmark along the way. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved sections as you explore the natural beauty of the area.

When planning your visit, consider that the roads around Prettyboy Reservoir generally have light traffic, which is ideal for touring cyclists seeking a peaceful experience. While some parts are paved, other segments may be unpaved, so choose your bike and tires accordingly. You can find parking at various access points surrounding the reservoir, making it convenient to start your ride.

The Prettyboy Reservoir is a vital 1,500-acre water source for Baltimore, making this route more than just a scenic ride. As you cycle through the Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, you might spot diverse fish, bird, and plant species, adding an ecological dimension to your journey. The area's natural environment provides a rich backdrop for your touring cycling exploration.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride around the Loch Raven Reservoir, where you will enjoy expansive water vistas throughout your journey. This 16.2-mile (26.1 km) loop offers a pleasant experience, featuring 1046 feet (319 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete the route in about 1 hour and 39 minutes, cycling past lush greenery and the shimmering surface of the reservoir itself. Keep an eye out for various birds and wildlife that frequent the water's edge, adding to the natural charm of your ride.

For a more serene cycling experience, plan your visit for the weekend. During these times, a 1.7-mile section of Loch Raven Drive is closed to cars, providing a car-free environment with excellent views of the water. The route is easily accessible if you are coming from Towson or Baltimore, making it a convenient escape into nature. Parking is available at various points around the reservoir, so you can choose your starting location.

The Loch Raven Reservoir loop is notable for its rich natural environment, spanning 1,600 acres of water and surrounding woodlands. You might spot diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer and Canada geese, alongside various bird species like ravens, cardinals, and even bald eagles. This trail offers a refreshing outdoor activity close to urban areas, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty for your touring bicycle adventure.

This difficult 31.2-mile touring cycling loop from Butler explores the East Coast Greenway in Northern Maryland, gaining 1690 feet.

The Patapsco Traverse and Grist Mill Trail Loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending smooth, paved sections with more rugged unpaved paths and even some singletrack. This moderate 12.4 miles (20.0 km) route takes you along the Patapsco River, through dense woodlands, and past the iconic Patapsco Swinging Bridge, with 865 feet (264 metres) of elevation gain to keep things interesting. You will encounter varied scenery, from the tranquil waters of Lost Lake to historical mill ruins, making for a journey that feels both natural and steeped in the past.

Plan for a ride that typically takes around 1 hours and 33 minutes, though you might want extra time to explore the historical landmarks. While the Grist Mill Trail portion is flat and accessible, the full loop includes more challenging terrain, so a good level of fitness and some cycling experience are beneficial. Be ready for sections where you might need to dismount and push your bike, especially on unpaved segments. This route is a great option for those seeking a varied cycling adventure within Patapsco Valley State Park.

Beyond the physical challenge, this loop is rich in local history, passing by remnants of old grist mill towns and granite quarries, and featuring connections to the B&O Railroad and even Harriet Tubman. The continuous views of the Patapsco River and the heavily wooded environments provide a beautiful backdrop, offering glimpses of wildlife, particularly around Lost Lake. It is a notable route for its ability to combine well-maintained paths with more natural, engaging sections, providing a comprehensive overview of the park's natural beauty and historical significance.

If you're seeking a rigorous touring bicycle adventure, the Dulaney Valley loop delivers a challenging experience with diverse terrain and rewarding scenery. This 43.5-mile (69.9 km) route features a mix of paved roads, unpaved fire trails, and technical singletrack, especially as you navigate around the scenic Loch Raven Reservoir. Expect significant elevation changes, with 2633 feet (802 metres) of climbing, and be prepared for steep sections that might require pushing your bike. The ride offers picturesque views along ridges and through greener, park-like environments, making it one of the best cycling loops near Dulaney Valley for experienced riders.

Planning your visit requires preparation for the route's demanding nature, which is rated difficult and takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes to complete. While the trail system is extensive, offering many options, some sections on Dulaney Valley Road can have blind curves and moderate traffic, so stay alert. There are no specific parking instructions provided, so consider starting from a convenient public access point near the loop. This route is explicitly not for beginners and demands very good fitness.

What makes this loop stand out among Dulaney Valley cycling routes is its unique blend of natural beauty and rigorous terrain, distinguishing it from simpler rides in the region. It serves as a popular alternative to other Baltimore bike trails, appreciated for its challenging climbs and technical sections. Many side trails lead down to the Loch Raven Reservoir, offering additional scenic viewpoints and opportunities to extend your exploration.

Cycle the difficult 37.0-mile Gunpowder Falls loop near Cockeysville, featuring riverside views and a mix of woodlands and meadows.