Gwynns Falls Trail:
Maryland
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Description:
The Gwynns Falls Trail is a 15-mile continuous corridor connecting dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods with parks, historical and cultural landmarks and the urban business district. The trail leads a circuitous route through its namesake park and southeast to downtown Baltimore.

The greenway provides a fantastic off-road way for cyclists and pedestrians to access the city and urban nature corridors, including more than 2,000 acres of publicly owned land within the Gwynns Falls stream valley. The Gwynns Falls Trail generally follows the creek to the Middle Branch the Patapsco River and also Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park itself has 10 miles of natural paths.

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Parking & Trail Access:
From I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), take Exit 16/Rt 70 East Park & Ride to merge right onto Security Boulevard. Turn right on Forest Park Avenue and right. Turn right on Franklintown Road; at the stop sign turn left to continue on Franklintown Road. After about 1.5 miles, you'll find the trailhead at Winans Meadow on the left.

From I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway), take the westbound North Avenue Exit. Continue past Hilton Parkway and turn left onto Morris Road. Turn left onto Franklintown Road. The trailhead at Leon Day Park is on the right.

From downtown Baltimore, take Franklin Street westbound (or I-70 in the city) to Edmondson Avenue. Take Hilton Parkway northbound and turn left onto North Avenue. Turn left onto Morris Road and left onto Franklintown Road. Look for the trailhead at Leon Day Park on the right.

For other access points, visit the Gynns Falls website (link to the right under "Related Links").

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Nice, but definitely urban
By redcat72 in June, 2010
We got on this trail from the Carroll Park area. It is quite urban for the first couple of miles, and there are a few hills which will be challenging for beginners. But the later part is mostly flat or rolling. This trail has several road crossings, and the cars do not even think about stopping. Be very careful at these intersections! The trail is also not very clearly marked in some spots, so you do have to look around for the signs to figure out which way to go. After about 3-4 miles, the trail gets nicer, more rustic and wooded. There are some nice views along the river despite the occasional graffiti and plastic bottles floating. There is a packed gravel section we followed on the way back which was a bit bumpy for a road bike, but manageable. There are bathrooms & a water fountain at Winans Way which was a good point for a break. It was a nice enough trail, but I probably wouldn't make a special trip to go back.
I loved it
By rickcastelli in September, 2009
My free membership bike club, the C3 Riders (www.orgsites.com/va/c3), (shameless plug) rode the GF trail for the first time Saturday (9/19). We used hybrids. Everyone had a great ride, and I personally was nearly delirious with how much I enjoyed the ride. The incredible scenery, the history and ruins along the entire length, the challenge of some hills in balance with pleasant relatively flat stretches, the overall condition of the paved and unpaved path, the intelligent switchbacking on steep descents/climbs, how it travels through recreational parks (for activity watching) and how it ends right into the waterfront area...I cannot say enough. Best ride I've had this year, hands down! The only thing that surprises me is how underused it was that day. But we're happy it was.

The only downside was in two spots where there were fallen tree limbs partially blocking the path. As for the criticism about how the trail is marked, yes, I understand the disappointment of others, but exploring the trail branch-offs is equally cool as far as I am concerned. The crossing through Frederick Rd. was okay -- a little narrow on the sidewalks, but at no time did anything seem sketchy, and that was over and done with quickly.

The whole ride is an adventure that is never boring. I highly recommend it.
dark at night
By omlig in September, 2009
I have ridden on parts of the trail which get very dark because there is no lighting. Like the previous writer, I have never felt threaten on the trail. My fears are more about getting lost because sometimes the signage is not clear and hitting a pothole or obstruction when it gets dark at night. Even riding through the neighborhoods which generally aren't considered the best around is fine. I am a female and I have never been scared on the streets there.

The trail is trashy is some areas and the stream obviously polluted. I really get annoyed about people not being careful with their waste.
Gwynns Falls Trailhead Sign
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park to S. Hanover St. at Middle Branch nr. Harbor Hospital
Counties: Baltimore
Trail Length: 15 miles
Trail Category: Greenway/Non-RT
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6032502

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic rail-trails in RTC's Mid-Atlantic Guidebook.