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Bike the NCR Trail

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Visit Gunpowder State Park's NCR Trail

Whether you are biking, toting a camera, horseback riding or taking an invigorating walk with family and friends, the NCR hike and bike trail in Northern Baltimore County is a convenient location for outdoor recreation. Extending for 20 miles from Ashland in Cockeysville northward to the Maryland and Pennsylvania state lines, this scenic bike path offers beautiful vistas of the Big Gunpowder Falls river, a historic train station and even an art gallery to visit. Avid cyclists can combine this trail with the York County Heritage Trail for a 41 mile ride complete with rustic scenery, wildlife and nature, and the 10 foot wide trail is easily shared with walkers and joggers. NOTE: This rail trail is part of the Gunpowder Falls State Park system. ADMISSION IS FREE.

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Official Map of the NCR Trail

Official map of the Torrey C. Brown Trail, formerly know as the NCR trail.
The NORTHERN CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL MAP
The Torrey C. Brown Trail, formerly known as the Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCRT) extends 20 miles, stretching from Ashland Road in the Hunt Valley area to the state line. The trail is 10 feet wide with a stone dust surface. Parking areas from Monkton south are often filled. The trail is less congested and parking is more available at the northern end during peak times.

Current Weather in Monkton

Current weather conditions in Monkton, MD (21111)

Local Pollen Reports

63°F (Feels like 63°F)

Last update: 6/3/12 8:45 PM EDT

Humidity: 82%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 57°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.75in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: calm From: Airport Conditions
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Tonight


Low
Low: 55°F
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
Sunset: 8:29 PM
 

Monday
Jun 4 


N/A
High: 68°F
Low: 51°F
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
Sunset: 8:30 PM

Tuesday
Jun 5 


Mostly Sunny
High: 69°F
Low: 51°F
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
Sunset: 8:31 PM

Wednesday
Jun 6 


Mostly Sunny
High: 70°F
Low: 53°F
Sunrise: 5:39 AM
Sunset: 8:31 PM

Gunpowder Falls River

All images copyright © 2009 Chris Scroggins Photography

A typical view of the Big Gunpowder River from the trail.© 2009 Chris Scroggins

Official Information from Maryland's DNR

The rail trail is part of Gunpowder Falls State Park

GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK
Purchase maps, get facts and info on all the areas of Gunpowder Falls State Park.

NCR TRAIL at Monkton Station

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

Bike Rentals

Located off of Paper Mill Road in Cockeysville, Maryland.
HUNT VALLEY VILLAGE
Rent bikes and tubes from Hunt Valley Village, LLC.

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Bike Helmets

Remember: children under 16 years old must wear a bicycle helmet in Maryland

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Diddywops and Keefers Art Gallery

Unfortunately this beloved art gallery had to close. We will miss browsing all the beautiful fine art and crafts!

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

Monkton Train Station

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

Monkton Parking Lot

Parking is very limited at this lot.

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

York County Heritage Trail

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

Recently I saw a fully mature bald eagle fly across the river at the Ashland area of the trail. Imagine seeing this magnificent bird just 3 miles from busy Rt. 83 North. Needless to say I was thrilled!

Maryland Bicycle Laws

MARYLAND BYCYCLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS
New to Maryland? Learn about Maryland bicycle laws here.

NCR Trail Guest Book

If you liked this page please give me a thumbs up. Thanks!

Have you seen unique wildlife or birds on the trail? Maybe you have a special memory of a bike ride or walk on the trail. Please sign the guest book, I would love to hear from you.

  • Inkhand Jan 4, 2012 @ 9:48 am | delete
    NCR trail is beautiful. A great lens.
  • Saladin Nov 6, 2011 @ 12:43 am | delete
    I really enjoyed your lens! The photos are serene and peaceful. keep it up.
  • EchoTarpeian Aug 31, 2011 @ 8:49 am | delete
    beautiful lens... simply lovely;) thanx
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Aug 18, 2011 @ 6:12 pm | delete
    Beautiful and informative. If I lived over your way, I would be checking out this trail in a heartbeat. It was nice to take this virtual journey. Great photography, as always. :-)
  • anaamhussain Aug 9, 2011 @ 8:06 pm | delete
    The trail looks like the perfect place for biking. Great lens :)
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NCR TRAIL at Ashland

Here are some photos taken on December 31, 2009

A snowy winter day is a great time to enjoy a walk on the trail. © 2009 Chris Scroggins

The Gunpowder River

A view of the Gunpowder River dusted with snow. © 2009 Chris Scroggins

Cross Country Skiing

"In the woods we return to reason and faith"- Emerson © 2009 Chris Scroggins

The Intrepid Cyclist

© 2009 Chris Scroggins

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