Explore the best rated trails in Joppatowne, MD, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Heritage Trail (PA) and Elizabethtown Connector Trail . With more than 127 trails covering 569 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I was in the area visiting my parents in Ellicott City and found this trail that looked like a good target for a 5 mile morning walk. I parked at the Ilchester Rd end and found the trail head. The trail seems very well kept, 2 of the bridges were new and I didn't see any litter, fallen trees or other maintenance issues. I am thinking the trail must have been recently paved as it was very smooth with no roots cracking and bending the asphalt. A lot of people using the trail and swimming in the river. Great to see so many getting out on a nice summer day. When I finished my walk and went back to the parking lot my dad's truck was not there. My first thought was why would someone steal that 20 year old truck. As I was pondering what to do next, I noticed a sign at the end of the parking lot and went over to take a look. It showed that it was private parking and patrolled by Paladin Impound and showed the address of the Impound lot. A $30 Uber ride and a $280 fine and I got my dad's truck back. I obviously should have paid closer attention to the parking but I feel it is a bit of a trap. The Private Parking sign is kind of a conspicuous location like they are hoping you don't see the sign and do park there so they can collect their bounty. I wasn't the first car parked in the lot, and someone else was parked there when I was waiting for Uber. Anyway, if you do check this trail out be very careful to make sure you are parking in the correct trailhead parking lot.
Enjoyable trail with plenty of shade, river views, communities, points of interest, parks, and services along the way.
This was a ride done during the day prior to a wedding we attended in MD. We picked up the trail on rented bikes by PaperMill Road and headed north. Some of the surface was muddy from heavy rain but still passable. We had lunch at Monkton Hotel. There was a museum too that we were able to tour along the trail. Would recommend being ready for bugs but overall still a great ride.
Liked the trail very much. However, I’ve seen other maps that show this trail actually begins on the north side of Rt-50 on the westbound side and connects to the trailhead. Is that portion part of this trail? It would make for a much longer route.
I ride this trail end to end around 2-3 times a week. It needs to be repaired off the Summit/Lums Pond parking lot. There needs to be a speed limit set for EV bikers. Dog owners need to keep their dogs on leash at all times. I've been run at by off leash dogs at Summit where people can camp overnight. Not a great experience.
It is a beautiful ride. Just be considerate of others and share the trail, please.
While the trail in town is very lovely, relatively short, it’s very clean and enough meandering through green space, I really enjoy the less known western spur more. That trail spur on the opposite side of Easton Parkway is really awesome. I love riding through the well laid curves and tree canopies. Enough trail benches and smooth pavement. Love it!
Very nice trail. I just discovered the western spur the other day and it’s very nice. Was curious that it’s not on the trail map though.
Rode this on 6/13/24 with a friend, covering 20 miles. Parked at the Ropewalk Pavilion, 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg. Restroom here was clean. Trail is well marked with trail signs except for about 1/2 mile were you are traveling through a neighborhood on the streets. Lots of turns and small hills make it pleasant to ride allowing you to rest some while coasting. Most if the paved trail is only about 6 feet wide so you need to stay on your own side especially at the blind turns. Condition of the asphalt was good although some of the boardwalks were a little rough. This trail takes you past some beautiful scenery in MD and DC. There was a 400 yard section by the Wash Navy Yard where you are supposed to walk your bike.
Long, mostly straight, subtle gentle hills, nice views, and a reasonably low amount of road crossings. My personal go-to for long runs.
Trail in disrepair about 1 mile from trailhead basically unpassable looks like it's been that way for a while :(
We had heard good things about this trail, and were able to visit and ride circa 26 miles out and back yesterday, (June 4). This is a wonderful and very scenic trail with amazing views of the river and bucolic landscape. Much of the trail is shaded which helped during the heat but also adds to the allure of the trail. The Trail Welcoming Center is well maintained and the staff there very friendly and helpful. In addition, the rest room(s) were immaculate! I can't recommend this trail highly enough, and we will absolutely, (the Good Lord Willing), return to ride anytime we have the opportunity! Thanks for developing and maintaining such a marvelous and beautiful venue for relaxing and enjoying nature at its finest. We also stopped and had lunch at a wonderful tavern about 10 miles from the Welcome Center that is right along the trail. Very welcoming, great food, and very friendly clientele! Fantastic all around Great Experience!
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