The best cycling routes around Timonium

There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Timonium, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 5 easy routes, 16 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Timonium offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. One excellent option is the Monkton Train Station – Monkton Station loop from Hunt Valley, which is 22.1 km long and features a relatively flat profile, making it enjoyable for those new to touring cycling.

For scenic views, the Loch Raven Reservoir loop offers spectacular vistas of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands. Another great choice is the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, which parallels the scenic Gunpowder Falls River and winds through green nature and woodlands, occasionally revealing overlooks and waterfalls.

Yes, several circular routes are available. The Loch Raven Reservoir loop is a popular moderate 26.1 km option. For a more challenging experience, consider the Dulaney Valley loop, a 69.9 km route through rolling hills and wooded areas.

Timonium's touring cycling routes feature varied terrain. You'll find extensive rail-trails with a stone dust surface, such as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, as well as paved sections along reservoirs like Loch Raven Drive. Routes also traverse rolling hills and wooded areas, offering a mix of flat paths and routes with elevation changes.

Yes, the area is suitable for families. The flat, wide, stone-dust surface of the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is generally considered family-friendly. Additionally, local parks like Valley Fields North offer well-maintained trails for casual rides, complete with amenities like playgrounds and picnic sites.

Along the routes, you can explore significant natural and historical features. The Loch Raven Reservoir offers beautiful water views, while the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail passes by the restored 1898 Monkton Train Station and the Sparks Bank Nature Center. You might also encounter the Loch Raven Wildlife Area and various smaller trails like Morgan Mill Trail.

The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for touring cycling in Timonium, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on shaded trails, but be mindful of higher temperatures. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may vary with snow and ice.

Yes, a notable car-free section for cyclists is a 3-mile stretch of Loch Raven Drive, between Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road, which is closed to car traffic on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. This provides a safe and scenic environment for touring cyclists around the Loch Raven Reservoir.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from scenic rail-trails and reservoir-side paths to peaceful wooded areas, and the well-maintained nature of the routes.

Parking is available at various access points for the major trails. For the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, you can find parking at its southern end in Hunt Valley, near Ashland Road. For routes around Loch Raven Reservoir, parking areas are typically available along Dulaney Valley Road or near access points to the reservoir.

Yes, for longer rides, the Dulaney Valley loop covers 69.9 km. Additionally, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Monkton Train Station loop from Hunt Valley offers an extensive 73.6 km ride, extending the experience on the popular rail-trail.