ABOUT THE NCRR
TRAIL
| The NCRR is a “Hiker/Biker/Horse”
trail built on the bed of original ”North Central Railroad”.
It runs through the valley of the Gunpowder Falls Watershed,
portions of which are now State Park. The southern twenty
miles are in Northern Baltimore County and run to the Pennsylvania
line. This is the section covered in this website for the
present time. |
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In 1996, the trail was extended
from the Maryland line 10.7 miles north to Hanover Junction, Pa.
This section, called the “York County Heritage Rail Trail”,
features railroad tracks and a parallel trail. Cyclists can bike
both ways or one way and return on the Liberty Limited Dinner
Train. The train (with bike racks) stops at five locations along
the route. For information, caIl 1-800-94TRAIN. The trail will
eventually extend another 11 miles to York, Pa. The new section
will pass through Howard Tunnel, the oldest railroad tunnel in
the United States. Once I am satisfied with the photography content
of the lower section in Maryland, I will begin my adventures into
PA.
The NCRR section runs from
Ashland, near Hunt Valley to the PA line near Freeland, Maryland.
Amenities are growing along the trail. There are three “port-a-pots”
that I know of at this time and the Rotary Club of Hunt Valley
is organizing an effort to bring water stations to the trail.
There are two bicyle rental outlets that also offer tubes for
traveling down the Gunpowder River. There is also a nature center
in Sparks. The Monkton Station has full bathrooms, Coke machines,
small gift shop, and some items of historical signifigance.
This is beautiful countryside!
Much of the land on either side of the trail is privately owned
so visitors are asked to please stick to the trail. The trail
itself is managed by the Gunpowder Falls State Park. All Maryland
State Parks are now TRASH FREE. Trail users are required to remove
their own trash when leaving the area. Small trash bags are available
at Monkton, White Hall and Freeland. Pets must be leashed. Even
the friendly ones! This is a very popular trail in the summer
months. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated!
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