NCR Trail is a great place for hiking and biking in Baltimore County

The NCR trail is 20 miles, extending from northern Baltimore County all the way to the Pennsylvania State Line. The trail is 10 feet wide and its surface is entirely stone dust making it ideal for bike riding, running, and even horseback riding. The easy terrain is also a great choice for even the youngest hikers. While the stone dust makes for a smooth walk, it is definitely not as smooth as pavement. A jogging stroller may do the trick if you’re bringing along an infant, but a conventional stroller is probably not advisable.

The trail is mostly well shaded, so it can be enjoyed even when the weather gets hot. Visitors can also gain access to the Gunpowder River on the southern half of the trail. Fishing and tubing are permitted for those looking for an up-close experience with the water.

There are parking lots available at various points along the trail. Each lot has access to different amenities. You can find portable toilets, water fountains, and picnic tables at some.

The parking lot at Sparks also provides access to the Sparks Bank Nature Center that is open on weekends (10am- 3pm). There's no official trail map, but you can find detailed directions to the major lots as well as the available amenities on citizen created sites. You can also find the parking lots on Google Maps. The trail is indicated by the green dotted lines and parking lots are pinned on the map. All areas are trash-free so visitors should be prepared to pack out what they bring in.

The southern portion of the trail tends to be the busiest and the lots can fill up on weekends. You’ll find the northern side to be less crowded and easier to navigate if you’re bringing a new walker or bike riding with kids.