By PAhikerbiker on July 18, 2010
We (2 60-year-olds) rode this trail on 7/17/10 starting at the northern end of the trail. Tried to find the trailhead using the google directions from the traillink website, but no success--find another way to get your directions! We parked in the courthouse parking lot and hit the trail. Trail is asphalt and in really good condition all the way. As others have reported, there's a very slight grade up on the return, but nothing we couldn't easily do in moderate gear on our hybrids. Lots of folks out using this trail today, in spite of the 94 degree weather--bikers (both leisure and more serious), roller bladers, families, walkers and joggers--but it was never a problem to keep moving on the trail. People were really good about keeping to the right and passing on the left. About a mile from the end, we found Naval Bagels in a small shopping center just off the trail. Had a couple bagel sandwiches and enjoyed their a/c for a bit on our return. (A Subway is in the same center if you don't like bagels). We started our ride about 11 am, and there wasn't much shade; but, in spite of that and the heat, it was a really great ride! The only negative is that there is really only one restroom on the entire trail--at the rangers station.
By lesliegirard on June 16, 2008
My boyfriend and I enjoyed a wonderful bike ride while staying the weekend in Annapolis. We stayed at The Westin Hotel centrally situated in the city not far from the Maryland state capitol building and close the waterfront. We rode down to the waterfront, around the outside of the Naval Academy (bikes are not allowed inside), then took the rode over the bridge - following the "Bike Route" signs. It must have taken us about 4 miles to get to the start of the B&A Trail. This section was hilly and the hardest part of the ride.
We had a wonderful ride and made it to the 7.5 mile marker before turning around. There is a coffee/tea shop right on the trail in Serverna Park that is open for business on weekends – catering to the trail riders. It was great to stop, rest, and enjoy a delicious snack and cold drink.
I'd recommend starting your ride on the Annapolis side of the trail. Even though it's a leisurely ride along a very flat asphalt trail there is always a slight directional grade. So it’s easier to ride from Glen Burnie to Annapolis. So our start in Annapolis allowed us to get the harder part over in the beginning of our ride when we had more energy.
Really enjoyed this ride - can't wait to do it again!
By Don Leaman on September 21, 2004
"My wife and I capped off a short trip to Annapolis with a bike ride on this trail. We started at the parking lot off of 450. It is true that you must begin with an uphill pedal to access the trail. We went all the way to Glen Burnie turned around and made the return trip.
I really enjoyed the southern part of the trail. It was very rural with a lot of foilage. The northern portion is not very scenic. There are lots of stores, malls, and highways.
Be careful when crossing streets. There were a few crossings on curves where you had limited sightlines. All and all it was an enjoyable outing."