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Mount Airy Rails to Trails (R2T) is currently 1 mile long split into two unconnected half-mile sections. Following a former railroad corridor, it will one day span nearly 4 miles across the Town of Mount Airy and through a scenic, wooded area.
About the Route
The western section (R2T West) runs just over half a mile (0.6 miles) between Hill Street and Rambling Sunset Circle/Winding Way. The southern end can be accessed from either Rambling Sunset Circle or Winding Way. This section is paved, wide and flat. All entrances to the trail are paved, but the Winding Way entrance may be difficult to access with a wheelchair. A future section will continue south along the former railroad corridor.
The eastern section (R2T East) runs roughly half a mile between the Mt. Airy railyard (1 N Main Street) and Walkins Park (615 Center St). The rail-trail connects Watkins Park to Main Street shops and restaurants. The park is ADA accessible and has restrooms, drinking fountains, a playground, a variety of sports fields and courts, and pavilions with picnic tables. The portion of the trail near the Main Street entrance is paved. The portion of the trail near the Watkins Park entrance is currently gravel, but is expected to be paved spring 2024. There is a wooden boardwalk connecting the asphalt and gravel sections. A future extension will continue head east, crossing Route 27 and connecting to Watersville Road.
The trail is sometimes referred to as the Old Main Line Trail, as it runs along a former B&O railroad dating back to 1838. Passenger service ended on the line in the 1950s and a volunteer group, Mount Airy Rails to Trails, has been working to covert the corridor to a trail.
Mount Airy is at the heart of the four county community, known as such because the Mount Airy zipcode includes portions of Carrol, Frederick, Montgomery and Howard counties. The eastern section of the trail is in Carroll County and the western section is in Frederick County.
Mount Airy Rails to Trails runs between Hill St and Rambling Sunset Cir/Winding Way, and between Main St to Watkins Park (615 Center St, Mt Airy). The trail is within walking distance of downtown Mt. Airy.
For the western section, there is limited street parking near both the Rambling Sunset Circle entrance and the Winding Way entrance. At the Hill Street entrance, parking is available in nearby Prospect Park (107 Prospect Ave).
For the eastern section, parking is available at Watkins Park (615 Center St, Mt Airy, MD) and along Main Street. From Main Street, walk eastward past the historic B&O train station.
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
Plentiful parking downtown and at Watkins Park on Route 27. East section is picturesque along smooth gravel, decked, and paved sections between interesting rock formations with varied vegetation. Museum in original train station depot is opposite beautifully restored caboose where right of way ends. To reach west section must walk north on Main Street and west on Prospect Road past castle to Hill Street entrance. West section is nicely paved with benches and trees carved with nature scenes. Also can walk up Hill Street, down Baker Street, and ascend stairs behind shops to reach Main Street. This will be a five star trail once the rail connecting east and west sections becomes accessible!
Parked only to find a trail closed sign and some construction equipment on it. This is the center street end. The park end was blocked due to a long line of cars for a recycle event.
This is a simple and easy stroll through a very interesting area. There are some really interesting rocks and trees along the way and plenty of squirrels and birds. The old tracks are scenic and once the trail is completed it will be even better I think.
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