Scenic Views

Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather by taking a walk, hike, bike ride, or even drive on one of the many scenic spots right here in Baltimore County. 

Benjamin Banneker Historic Park and Museum

This park and musuem, dedicated to the life of Benjamin Banneker - the first African American man of Science, encompasses 138 acres and contains extensive nature trails and a museum featuring a collection of Banneker's works, a community gallery, a gift shop, and a patio garden.

300 Oella Street
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-887-1081

Cromwell Valley Park

This 380-acre park is a stream valley park comprised of pasture, cultivated gardens, open fields, woods, hedgerows, orchards, and wooded piedmont hills. During your visit you're sure to also see a variety of wildlife, as the diversity of this habitat makes it an excellent area for them to call home. The valley has been settled since the early 1700s and was used for farming, iron ore mining, and lime production. You can still see remnants of the lime kilns throughout the park today.

2175 Cromwell Bridge Road
Baltimore, MD 21234
410-887-2503
http://www.cromwellvalleypark.org/index.html

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Gunpowder Falls State Park has nearly 18,000 acres of land in Baltimore and Harford Counties and has more than 100 miles of trails, including the 21 mile Northern Central Railroad Trail (see below). Additional park areas include the Hereford Area, along York Road in Parkton, the Central Area, which extends from Baldwin to Days cove, the Hammerman Area which is located in Chase near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Grace Quarters Road, and Dundee Creek Marina, also located in Chase. For more information about each of the areas located in Gunpowder Falls State Park and for entry fees, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/gunpowder.asp or call 410-592-2897. 

Northern Central Railroad (NCR) Trail

The NCR trail, located in Gunpowder Falls State Park, is a 21 mile long trail stretching from Ashland all the way to the Pennsylvania line. This abandonded railroad bed makes an ideal surface for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The trail has several entry and parking areas, to purchase copies of the NCR trail guide, also known as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/gunpowder.asp or call 410-592-2897.

Hampton National Historic Site

Visit Hampton for not only a walk through the beautifully kept gardens and a picnic under the shade trees, but also take a few moments for a tour of this historic Georgian mansion and imagine what the estate was like in the early 1800s. In its heyday Hampton covered it's current property and much more, it equaled half of the present-day Baltimore. 

535 Hampton Lane
Towson, MD 21286
410-823-1309
http://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm 

Historic National Road

Romanticize about life as it was for the rugged pioneers who traversed the Allegheny Mountains along the nation's first federally funded road - the "Road that Built the Nation". Today, you can experience more than 300 years of American culture, including inns, tollhouses, taverns, theatres, parks, and shops along the byway. The entire road is just over 824 miles and travels through five states before it reaches Maryland, where it passes through Catonsville in Baltimore County, and comes to an end shortly after in Baltimore City. For more information about the Historic National Road, visit http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2278. Loch Raven Reservoir

Loch Raven Reservoir

Loch Raven Reservoir is home to numerous picnic areas and wooded trails for runners, walkers, and bikers, all with breathtaking views of this watershed. In addition to the wooded trails, on weekends Loch Raven Drive between Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road are closed for pedestrians enjoyment. 

12101 Dulaney Valley Road
Phoenix, MD 21131

Maryland Scenic Byways

Mason and Dixon

Travel Maryland's northern edge to discover the boundary that symbolizes Maryland's role as a "Border State" during the Civil War.

Falls Road

Follow the Jones Falls Valley from the rolling countryside of Baltimore County to the bustling Baltimore City and see historic grist and cotton mills from Baltimore's early days.

Horses and Hounds

Located in the area traditionally known as hunt country - fox hunting and steeplechase races are still popular here - the farms along this byway are reknowned for producing world-famous thoroghbreds.

Charles Street

Charles Street, the Baltimore region's grandest and best-known artery, profides a journey through Baltimore County's wooded hills, and through the City's most fashionable and cultural residential and commerical areas. North Point State Park

North Point State Park

North Point State Park is located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural and historical resources. The Defenders Trail was used during the War of 1812 and passes through the park. North Point was also the site of the historical Bay Shore Amusement Park, a popular destination for summer visitors from 1906 until it closed in 1947. Visitors can see the original trolly shelter and fountain that have been restored. Come see how Mother Nature reclaimed the land where the amusement park once stood. The park has scenic views overlooking the water, a wading beach, a fishing pier, and hiking trails that lead you around the park and through protected wildlands.

8700 North Point Road
Edgemere, MD 21219
410-477-0757

Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike riding, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park's many pavilions. The park is nationally known for its trails and scenery, there are 170 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles identified as maintained trails. There are also hiker only trials and multi-use trails.

8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-461-5005
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapsco.asp