Watch CBS News

Best Scenic Running Paths In The Baltimore Area

Baltimore's beauty means running doesn't have to be boring, but finding the best trails takes an expert hand. Get out and see the best Baltimore-area trails, and never fall into a running funk again.

Oregon Ridge
Photo Credit: Oregonridge.org

Oregon Ridge Nature Center Trails (ORNC Hiking Trails)
13555 Beaver Dam Rd.
Cockeysville, Md. 21030
(410) 887-1815
www.oregonridge.org

Price: $15 per person membership
Hours: Tues to Sun – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mon; grounds open daily – dawn to dusk
Click here for trail map

Oregon Ridge Nature Center has one of the most popular trail routes in Baltimore. Take in nature as you dash through this wooded outdoor destination. Nine trails stretch for more than 3 miles through Oregon Ridge State Park, and because bicycles aren't allowed, athletes can run in peace.

Patapsco Valley State Park
Photo Credit: www.dnr.state.md.us/

Patapsco Valley State Park (Forest Glen Trail)
8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, Md. 21043
(410) 461-5005
www.dnr.state.md.us/

Hours: 9 a.m. to sunset
Price: $2 per person April to October/$3 out-of-state residents

Patapsco State Park is known throughout the United States for its trails and scenery. Patapsco Trail will gladly oblige every runner's need for an excess of trail space. The park provides more than 170 miles of trails, more than half of which are developed. Retrace Maryland history while running on one of the longest stretches of trail in the state.

Gunpowder Falls State Park
Photo Credit: www.dnr.state.md.us/

Gunpowder Falls State Park (Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail)
2813 Jerusalem Rd.
Kingsville, Md. 21087
(410) 592-2897
www.dnr.state.md.us/

Price: free
Hours: sunrise to sunset

The Torrey C. Brown Trail, previously known as the Northern Central Railroad Trail, is Hunt Valley's beloved rail trail. More than 20 miles long, it's one of the most beautiful trails in the state. Avoid the congestion of the southern end of the trail by parking on the northern end during peak hours.

Related: Visitors Guide to Top Hikes in Gunpowder Falls State Park

JHU-Wyman Park (Stoney Run Trail)
Baltimore Museum of Art

10 Art Museum Dr.
Baltimore, Md. 21218
(443) 573-1700
www.artbma.org

Price: free
Hours: 24/7

Seven miles of trail is all you need to experience the city life in Baltimore. The JHU-Wyman Park-Stoney Run Trail takes you from the Baltimore Museum of Art, past Johns Hopkins University and through Roland Park. Conveniently located in the middle of the city where stores, shops and local foot traffic abound, it's the perfect option for a lunchtime workout.

Fort McHenry National
Photo Credit: NPS.gov

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Fort McHenry Trail)
2400 E. Fort Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21230-5393
(410) 962-4290
www.nps.gov/

Price: free/$7 historic area
Hours: park daily – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Star Fort – 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

This trail is located at Fort McHenry, the home of "The-Star Spangled Banner." The trail is one-mile long and has a fantastic view of the Baltimore Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. Escape back into history and peer out into the water to see what American soldiers defending the fort saw in 1812.

Related: Top Baltimore-Area Running Groups

As a Life Development Strategist, David Newby works with spiritually-minded business owners and other professionals who are looking to improve their quality of life and make positive contributions to society. David was born, and currently resides in, Baltimore, Md. His work can be found at Examiner.com.


View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.