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Ride Summary:
Old railroad grade, mild climb out, descend on the way back. Not technical.
Trail Description:
The Northern Central parking lot head north on the trail. It's hard to get lost as the trail is well marked and easy to follow. There are some landmarks that may come in useful. The town of Sparks, MD is 4 miles into the ride. At 7.5 miles you'll pass through Mokton. There are restrooms and services if needed. 12.9 miles is the town of Parkton followed by Bentley Springs at 15. 7. At 18 miles you'll come to Freeland and at 19.7 the Maryland-Pennsylvania boarder. Time to turnaround and enjoy the mild descent back to Ashland.
How to get there:
From Baltimore, head North on I-83 for about 5.5 miles taking the Shawan Road exit. Take a right on York Road. Pass the shopping center and stay on Ashland Road until reaching the parking lot for the Northern Central Railroad Trail.
Additional Notes:
There's a bike shop in Monkton if you need supplies or repairs. The trail falls under the jurisdiction of Gunpowder Falls State Park (301) 592-2897.
| Posted by: Gwyn on 3/5/2007 |
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Check out HuntValleyVillage.com the Nature Tourism Provider at the South End of the Trail (Paper Mill Rd) where they have bike rentals, sales, service, river tubes adventures. And Sno-balls and snacks.
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| Posted by: Malcolm on 1/20/2006 |
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I rode this trail maybe 6 times in 2005. It is good for a cardio workout but not a mountain trail. The southern is crowded but as you get further north becomes much less crowded. nice river views, some old railroad signals. i like it.
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| Posted by: Michele on 7/28/2005 |
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I have been riding this trail for 20 years, it has been improved all the way North near Hanover Junction, PA. It is not a mountain trail (or trains would not have run on it) In the Northern part the inclines are steady but not mountainous. Gravel is mostly tightly packed.
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| Posted by: Julie on 7/14/2005 |
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easy trail, flat no hills, it can get boring if you do it to often but theres a bunch of parking lots all down the trail so its more interesting to try different parts.
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| Posted by: JS on 5/29/2005 |
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Definitely not a challenging ride, other than maneuvering around the people who clog the Southern end of the trail on weekends. Best for a leisurely ride to take in the scenery and wildlife.
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| Posted by: dirtlover on 8/16/2004 |
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not a mountain bike trail. my dad rides his 1972 road bike here
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| Posted by: Biker on 8/8/2004 |
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It was great the first few times we went on it
but after a while it startes to get boring. it is
great if you just want to relax because it has
very few hills. Perfect for kids just learning
how to ride.
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| Posted by: chuck on 7/14/2004 |
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good for a stroll and taking in the scenary. nice tail on warm days. good for going balls out fast
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| Posted by: Icaboyd on 6/28/2004 |
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Its a good trail if you want to relax and enjoy an easy ride. But it is no challenge for the serious mountain biker.
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| Posted by: Kate Wright on 4/17/2004 |
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At the south end of the trial is a family owned and operated bike rental, sales, service and sno-ball and snack shop - Chakra Cycles Station. This shop is the Nature Tourism provider for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland State Forest and Park Service. Open since 1995. Stop in for a family friendly atmosphere with play area and animal to visit. ChakraCyclesStation.com
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