The Loch Raven Reservoir is one of the most beautiful natural locales in
the Baltimore area and has long been a favorite escape from city life.
Mountain bikers and runners flock to the area for its many scenic
trails, and there's also a skeet shooting range, disc golf course,
horseback riding, fishing and boating. Every weekend, a three-mile
stretch of Loch Raven Drive (between Providence Road and Morgan Mill
Road) is closed to traffic and transforms into a running, biking and
roller-blading trail for thousands of weekend athletes looking to
commune with nature. There are also more than twenty miles of off-road
trails throughout the watershed area. Whatever your sport, be sure to
treat the actual reservoir with respect -- it supplies all of
Baltimore's drinking water.
12100 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD
21131
Seasons and Hours
First Friday of April through Labor Day
Open Daily 6 a.m.
Closing time posted daily at the center
Labor Day through October 31
Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays
Open 7 a.m., Closes 5 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
November 1 through November 30
Open only on Saturdays and Sundays
Open 7 a.m. Closes 4 p.m.
Closed Weekdays
December through March
Closed
Rules
No boats, canoes or fishing are allowed between Yellott (Number One) Bridge and the Loch Raven Dam.
Boats and canoes must be kept in the water at all times and not pulled ashore.
All boats shall be registered and assigned stickers, which shall be
applied to each boat by the owner and recorded by Management for
identification purposes. This refers to seasonal dockers and launchers
of boats and canoes.
Boats must have a minimum length of 12 feet, maximum length of 20 feet, a
beam (width) of not less than 48 inches, and a depth of not less than
18 inches. Canoes must be at least 12 feet long with a beam of at least
35 inches, and meet minimum standards. Kayaks must be at least 12 feet
long.
All boats and canoes, private and rented, must be equipped with a United
States Coast Guard approved life jacket or preserver for each person in
the boat.
All boats which are power driven, meaning any type of electric motor,
must have a State of Maryland boat registration. The owner is
responsible to apply the numbers and decal, as prescribed by law, on
both sides of the boat. Applications may be obtained by contacting the
Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis Service Center, 1804 West Street, Suite 300, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
Rental boats are limited to three passengers regardless of age or size.
Rental canoes are limited to two passengers. Privately owned boats and
canoes must adhere to capacity limits as listed on Coast Guard Boat
Capacity Plate.
Note: The water areas where fishing from boats is permitted will be
patrolled regularly by the Management during the time fishing is taking
place. It is the purpose of this patrol to enforce the above rules and
regulations and to assist those who fish to better enjoy the fishing
opportunities on the lake, as well as to insure safe boating and fishing
conditions.
Rentals
Boats
Photo of a fleet of rental boats for your enjoyment
- The
standard rental is a 14 foot Jon boat with a 30 pound thrust electric
motor, one battery, oars, anchor and life jackets. A perfect setup for
trolling for the "big one". $30
- The premium rental is a 14 foot
Jon boat which features two swivel seats, carpet, a 50 pound thrust
electric motor, two batteries, oars, anchor and life jackets. $57
- Rowboat rental includes boat, oars and life jackets. $19
Canoes
For
the more traditionalist we offer a selection of handsome canoes. Each
canoe comes equipped with paddles and life jackets. $19
Please note: Canoes are only available for rental May through October 15.
Motors and Batteries
Premium Rental Boats
Extra
motors and batteries may be rented for any of our rental boats, but not
canoes. We cannot rent our batteries or motors to private boats.
- Standard Motor $11
- Premium Motor $20
Each
motor rental comes with one battery that is fully charged prior to
rental. Each battery will give approximately two to three hours of high
speed running with the standard motors.
Senior Special Every Wednesday. The first 20 patrons over 62 years of age receive a
free boat rental - motor extra.
Reminders
- A United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (provided) must be in the boat for each passenger.
- Occupant Capacity: Canoe is two passengers, Boat is three passengers.
- No boating beyond Loch Raven Drive bridge.
- All rental rates are subject to applicable taxes and are subject to change without notice.
All boats and canoes must be checked-in by posted time. Failure to return by the posted time will result in a $10 fine.
General Information
2015 boat permits are sold out. You may still visit, rent a boat and fish on the reservoir. You will need a
Maryland Fishing License prior to your visit.
The Loch Raven Fishing Center, located at
12101 Dulaney Valley Road
on the shores of Loch Raven Reservoir, offers an assortment of services
for anglers, canoeists, boating enthusiasts and folks who just want to
get away for the day.
- Bait your fishing rod and test your
skills against a variety of fish including large and small mouth bass,
yellow perch and northern pike.
- Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the 2,400 acre reservoir.
- The
fishing center provides numerous services, offering boat rentals, a
full inventory of fishing tackle, live bait, snacks and sundries to make
your visit an enjoyable one.
- Fishing licenses are no longer sold at the center.
- All fishing from boats, canoes and kayaks in the Loch Raven Reservoir is allowed and regulated
under the management of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation
and Parks and a current seasonal permit is required to use your own
vessel.
Please note that in an effort to provide ready
boating access to Loch Raven Reservoir, we must limit the parking and
activities at fishing center to that of its patrons. Therefore no
picnicking, shoreline fishing or other "non-fishing center" related
activities are permitted on the shore. Those wishing to pursue other
recreational activities in and around the reservoir property are
encouraged to park on Loch Raven Drive near Morgan Mill and Providence
Roads for dawn to dusk parking being sure to adhere to all posted
parking regulations.
For more information regarding recreational
activities in other areas of the reservoir property please call
Baltimore City Bureau of Water and Waster Water at 410-795-6150.
Contact:
12101 Dulaney Valley Road
Timonium, Maryland 21131
Phone: 410-887-7692
TDD and Deaf: 410-887-5319
Email: lrfish-rp@baltimorecountymd.gov
Hiking
12101 Dulaney Valley Road
Phoenix, Maryland 21131
410-887-7692
www.baltimorecountymd.gov
Loch Raven Reservoir is one of the most pristine outdoor locations in
the Baltimore metropolitan area, with resplendent plants and wildlife
and beautiful water vistas, where visitors can enjoy miles of hiking
trails that wind their way along the banks of the reservoir. Hikers and
bikers can expect to see a wide variety of birds, including ravens,
cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles, as well as a
lush and varied array of plants and trees, including oaks, beeches,
maples, poplars, raspberries, and wild roses. Loch Raven Reservoir has trails that are short, long, easy, and difficult
Trail Guide: http://lochraventrails.com
Dulaney Gate Trail
Merryman Trail - Between Old Bosely Road and Dulaney Valley Bridge.
Old Picnic Grounds - After passing Dulaney Valley Bridge
Dulaney Valley Turnpike - off the road to Loch Raven Skeet and Trap Shoot at12301 Dulaney Valley Road, Phoenix, MD
Overshot Trail
Sherwood Trail
Poplar Hill Trail
Papermill North
Morgan Mill Trail - At Morgan Mill Rd.
Glen Ellen Trail - At East Seminary Rd. or Providence Rd.
Long Quarter Trail - At East Ridgely Rd.
East Dam Trail
West Dam Trail - At Loch Raven Dam on Lock Raven Dr.; parking available at/near Cromwell Valley Park of Cromwell Bridge Rd.
Furnace Trail - At Chapelwood Ln.
Wakefield Trail - Between Lock Raven Rd. and Old Bosely Rd.
Loch Raven's got plenty to do including mountain biking. There are
many miles of trails at either the Dulaney Valley Bridge entrance or the
Providence Road entrance. Wide trails. Not far from Towson.
Upper Loch Raven Reservoir
Breathe easy on this hilly 5.39-mile out-and-back to the calm banks of the Upper Loch Raven Reservoir, a beautiful waterscape just north of the city.
To Trailhead:
I-695 to exit 27B. Drive 4 miles N on Dulaney Valley Rd. Park in small lot on L just past Old Bosley Rd.
Tracks
ULR01
| Distance: 3.78 mi |
Points: 1540 |
Upper Loch Raven Reservoir (Track 1)
ULR03
| Distance: 0.82 mi |
Points: 438 |
Upper Loch Raven Reservoir (Track 3)
ULR02
| Distance: 0.79 mi |
Points: 517 |
Upper Loch Raven Reservoir (Track 2)
Points of Interest
ULR001
Location: 39.462448, -76.586334
From parking lot, take L fire road N; path follows park boundary
ULR002
Location: 39.474609, -76.589272
Cross stream, then turn R; short side trails lead to babbling stream
ULR003
Location: 39.476177, -76.586586
Go straight onto trail, leaving fire road
ULR004
Location: 39.475323, -76.583046
Trail follows wooded shoreline
ULR005
Location: 39.483124, -76.583801
Cross under power lines
ULR006
Location: 39.482941, -76.588829
Turn R at next three intersections, staying near the reservoir
ULR007
Location: 39.483406, -76.601517
Rest spot; enjoy lakefront views and breezes, then begin retracing route to car
ULR008
Location: 39.482544, -76.589523
Turn L under powerlines
ULR009
Location: 39.483120, -76.586792
Turn R onto fire road
ULR010
Location: 39.476444, -76.586128
Sidetrip: Turn L to the weathered headstones of Merryman's cemetery
ULR011
Location: 39.475159, -76.589226
Turn L onto fire road
ULR012
Location: 39.473301, -76.588135
Veer L on singletrack
ULR013
Location: 39.466324, -76.587616
Stay straight; .3 miles back to trailhead
Merryman Mill Trail
Loch Raven Reservoir is possibly the most popular outdoors destination
in the immediate vicinity of Baltimore City, certainly so among local
mountain bikers and fisherman.
South of Dulaney Valley Road, the reservoir it at its grandest, filling
much of the broad shallow Dulaney valley. North of that road the
reservoir is much smaller, filling what was once a narrow gorge of the
Gunpowder Falls. Here, steep banks rise up 150ft to the rolling
piedmont and small feeder streams cascade down narrow gulleys.
Here, we describe a figure-8 loop hike of 5 miles with about 700ft of
elevation gain (5% average grade) that largely follows the first half of
the Merryman's Trail (described in McKays Baltimore Trails), as well as
the the main fire road that traverses the reservoir banks between
Dulaney Valley and Warren Road. Near constant views of the reservoir
are had along the hike.
Follow the trail to Merryman Point where the Loch Raven Reservoir
spreads out in multiple locations. Wide turns yield to narrow paths
along the Loch Raven Reservoir and make for a pleasant route. Stop by
the lake and end a long day of hiking with a great view. Unfortunately,
swimming is not allowed. There are plenty of picnic areas for families
and visitors.
Backstory
The Loch Raven Reservoir was first created when a dam on the Gunpowder
River was finished in 1881. This dam flooded a large area of land
surrounding the Gunpowder River and provided drinking water for the
Baltimore metropolitan area. Numerous homes, mills, and other buildings
that were close to the waterline were abandoned or flooded. Later, in
1914, a larger dam was built which caused the water to rise higher and
submerged the agricultural town of Warren. In 1923, the large dam was
raised from 51 to 117 feet, which caused additional properties to be
abandoned.
The Merryman family dates back to colonial
Maryland. The family was prosperous and owned a lot of land around
Warren. The Merryman Mill Trail was once a road atop
hills above the Gunpowder River which passed many buildings owned by the
Merryman family, including a large mill and several large houses.
There is also the Merryman Family Cemetery. Today the area along the
Merryman Mill Trail there are numerous foundations, walls, and chimneys
made of stone that were once a part of the Merryman estates. The
Merryman family cemetery still stands, and holds multiple generations of
Merrymans.
At the southern
end of the Merryman Mill Trail, there is a trailhead with a small parking area
off of Dulaney Valley Road, just before the large bridge across the
Loch Raven Reservoir. The trail begins by climbing
over several large hills. There are no switchbacks and the going is
steep. There are small drainages at the bottoms of the hills, and one
has a creek that flows year round. Detour and follow a trail
next to this creek as it tumbles down numerous small cascades and
finally, with a three to four foot drop, empties into the reservoir.
Retrace your footsteps and follow the trail again, winding along the
side of a steep hillside with the reservoir below. Once around the
hillside the trail meets a wide gravel fire road, which you can follow for a
few hundred yards before it narrows and the trail forks. Take the
rightmost fork to stay close to the shore line. Here you will began
to see old stone walls and foundations. There is a "secret underground
room" back here that was at one time probably a cold cellar or storm
shelter.
Follow the trail along the shore line
for a while. It will turn away from the shore and enter a
large clearing where power lines run through. It's always eerie hiking
under the large power lines and hearing them hiss and pop. The trail
enters a wooded area on the other side of the clearing that was
populated by old, twisted and mangled cedar trees. Following the water
line again, the trail soon breaks into the power line clearing again.
This time the trail follows under the power lines for a hundred yards
or so, then turns back into the woods.
The trail
becomes a wide fire road-like path again and begins to climb a steep
hill. You can take a small trail that branchs off to the right and heads
back to the water.
Using a mapping app on our phones we
saw we had hiked about three-quarters of the trail, and
that the trail went much farther north than we had anticipated. We
decided to turn around at that spot and return at a later time when the
weather was better and we were better prepared for the trail ahead of
us.
On the way back we took a detour to the Merryman family cemetery.
3 Mile Hike
One of the best kept secrets here just north of Towson is the public
access to a "protected" area of Loch Raven Reservoir park on the
weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday, park police close off Loch Raven
Drive (some maps call it Loch Raven Rd.) between Morgan Mill Road and
Providence Road. The road becomes a recreational area for walking,
running, biking, and the like. In the warmer months, many people picnic
or just relax on blankets and chairs along the water. The views of the
water and the surrounding wooded areas are wonderful all year round.
It is an "out and back" hike, can't possibly get lost, bite off as much as you want to chew.
The total distance is approximately 3 and 1/2 miles which we complete
in roughly 1 hour.
To get there, if you are travelling north on Dulaney Valley Rd. from
the Beltway, the road splits just after crossing a large bridge over the
lake. Dulaney Valley Rd. is the one that continues to the right toward
the east. That's what you want. Don't go up the hill, which is
Jarrettsville Pike.
Travel on Dulaney Valley Road for roughly another mile or so. You
will enter the park from the north. To do so, you bear right/make a
right hand turn from Dulaney Valley Rd onto Loch Raven Drive at the
corner where Peerce's Plantation/Landing/Grille (the name depends on who
owns it this week; it's had some turnover in recent years) is located.
Peerce's address is 12460 Dulaney Valley Road 21131.
If your GPS is telling you to go farther north on Dulaney Valley Rd past Peerce's, it's just plain wrong !!! Once you enter the park, the meeting place is about a mile down the road.
This hike will begin at the road closure gate at the corner of Loch
Raven Drive and Morgan Mill Road. Parking is allowed on the west side of
Loch Raven Drive and there is a sort of a parking lot on Morgan Mill
Road.
When you see this sign, you've found the right place. Loch Raver Drive is a normal, well paved road, so there is no need
for "off road" footwear unless you choose to get adventurous and
challenge the rather steep hills that surround the lake. That is
certainly an option for those who are more experienced and confident.
However, I am not aware of any sanctioned, prepared trails in that area
of Loch Raven and can't recommend it. It would be free style.
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Directions:
Dulaney Valley Bridge:
I-695 to exit 27 North / Rt.146, take 146 / Dulaney Valley Rd. about
3.5 miles, look for a small parking area on your left just before
passing over the reservoir bridge, the trail head will be just behind
the parked cars, take the middle trail, you can follow the water line
for miles of great trails
Providence Road:
I-695 exit 27 North, take 146 / Dulaney Valley Rd., take
Dulaney Valley Rd. about 2 miles to Seminary Road traffic light, make a
right and follow Seminary Road 1.5 miles to Providence Road, make a
left, go about 1 mile and park on the right, on your bike, ride down the
hill toward the wooded area and look for a trail head on the right just
passed Lakecrest Ct.
4-5 mile Loop
You can do a 4-5 mile hike in the middle
part of the Loch Raven Reservoir off Dulaney Valley Road. Boots,
Sticks/Poles, WATER and snacks are recommended for those who need them. You can hike along the reservoir and then return back to Dulaney
Valley along a loop. There are some minor inclines on this hike. Dogs are welcome. There is a gravel parking area on the left just before
crossing the bridge over the reservoir, approximately half-mile past the
traffic light at MD 146 Dulaney Valley Road and Old Bosely Road. For
those who use GPS you can use the address to the Fishing Center,
which is across the bridge. The
address is 12101 Dulaney Valley Road, Timonium, MD 21131.
North of Timonium Road, MD 146 fully enters Loch Raven Reservoir Park.
At Old Bosley Road, the state highway curves east and crosses the
reservoir. Just east of the bridge, Dulaney Valley Road continues east
while MD 146 veers north as Jarrettsville Pike.
7 miles
3 hours
moderate
Hiker – Merryman’s Mill Trail Parking
Address for parking for hiking: 2501-2635 Dulaney Valley Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Biking
Biker – Glen Ellen Trail Parking (Best for Mountain Biking):
Address for parking for biking: MD-146 N/Dulaney Valley Rd. Drive to E Seminary Ave in Lutherville-Timonium, 2 min (1.0 mi), Long Quarter Branch
Note:
After parking on the side of the road, you need to cross Dulaney Valley
Road at the light to pick up the trail on the other side. Trail is on
the North, left-hand side of Seminary Road.
Glen Ellen Trail is a
wide "brush truck/ logging" style road. Mostly hard packed dirt with 4
water "crossings". 3 trees to go over and one to duck under. All can
be done at speed. Not very technical in nature but a good fun and fast
ride. A few steep climbs. Some soft mud areas were found and enjoyed.
Well marked bike path with white metal strips on the trees, the single
track is well marked to stay off of with bikes. Total distance was
just over 8 miles with 700ft of climbing. I would rate this as
intermediate just This would be a great Fat Bike ride in the snow!!!.
Most of this trail
is just smooth peddling up and down the hills on the main fire trail.
This would be between dulany valley rd and seminary, now cross over
seminary and start heading towards the dams and this trail has a lot to
offer.
I normally start at dulany valley rd and seminary ave and ride all the
was down to the dams, when you come out of the woods at providence and
loch raven rd go right up the hill and the trail is on your left, about
half way up the hill.
Check out some video I have.
http://youtu.be/bLKeXyhSkAM
I like this trail, I ride it offen. It's a great work out.
Alternate Route:
I found this loop on the
Bikely
site, a very handly place to find GPS-enabled routes. The starting
point was the Providence Road Park and Ride off of the Baltimore Beltway
- about 13 years ago that was the last rest stop on the last day of
Cycle Across Maryland.
From there it was a few miles downhill to Loch Raven Drive, a section
of which is closed to traffic on the weekends. With the nice weather,
lots of bikers, hikers, dog walkers, kid strollers and roller bladers
were out. For some reason, when confronted with a two lane road that is
closed to car traffic, runners always run either directly on the yellow
lines dividing the lanes, or on the wrong side of the road. I guess they
just get so excited to be king of the road that they lose all common
sense.
The road surface near the reservoir is not great but the any
opportunity to bike on a closed road is always fun and the views around
the reservoir are always fantastic. Lots of ice still on the reservoir -
I bet they don't allow boating yet here, either. The road opens to
traffic at Morgan Hill Road but the fact that Loch Raven Drive is
blocked keeps traffic low. The route turns north on Dulaney Valley Road
which does have a lot of traffic - high speed traffic - but this route
quickly turns off onto Dance Hill Road to head a bit northwest until
reaching Sweet Air Road. A good deal of sharp climbing on this road but
absolutely no traffic and a lot of huge homes to look at.
The rest of the ride mostly follows roads I've done before, though
Patterson Road was new and a really nice road to ride. While I just kept
pedaling,
Palmisano's is a great
food stop where Patterson ends at Long Green Pike. I missed one turn
from Long Green Pike onto Long Green Road (details) so I did a bit of
unnecessary climbing, but quickly found myself back at the reservoir for
the climb back up Providence Road to the park and ride. The stats of
the ride are on
Motion Based:
the first climbing of the season (2200 feet) meant my average speed was
only 13.5 mph but my average heart rate was only 130 - looks like I
could have worked a lot harder for a relatively short ride.
Other Suggestions from
mtbr.com:
Easily the best place to ride in northern baltimore county. Three
main loops to do in this area. The easiest and most used is where people
park on Seminary at a church on Seminary Ave right near Dulaney Valley
Road. Known as the Seminary section, has nice flat singletrack with a
variety of technical parts to test your skills. About 15-17 miles of
singletrack between Seminary ave without crossing over to the Providence
road side of the trail. The singletrack starts off the fire road when
you start. Make a left and go for two miles until you reach the main
creek crossing. Cross over and continue down singletrack left. About 2
miles after the creek, you can start choosing different sections to
ride. Features to check out are the big log rollovers all along the main
singletrack, slalom trail, point trail and the log park. All are right
off the fire road.
The Providence Road trails are the hillier sections of trails that
are on the southern part of the reservoir. A mix of singletrack and fire
road. Can also go into Cromwell, which doesnt allow bikes to get to the
top of the ridge. Pretty straight foward for the first two miles. Can
also go to cromwell bridge road and make a left.
Keep following the road
around over the bridge and make a left into the first driveway. At the
end of the driveway is a fire road that leads to the backside portion of
the trails. Pretty hilly as well with mostly fire road as the main
trails. Pretty hard considering all the hills. Pretty straight foward
and hard to get lost. Dont forget to go up the ridge trail which is a
right about 2 miles into the providence fire road and go up to the top
of the ridge. Make a right and follow the singletrack around to the
rocky downhill. The most fun feature in this part of the trail. It is
hard as it is steep and very rocky. With providence connected to the
backside, about 12-13 miles are accessible in this part of the trail.
The hardest trails at Loch Raven are up the road at the split of
Dulaney Valley Road, right over the bridge. Make a U turn after making a
left over the bridge and park on the shoulder of the road. This trail
is on both sides of the reservoir north of the bridge. Very hilly and
technical no matter which route you take. Merryman's route is given
below.
Recommended Route:
For the merryman's route, go
into the first singletrack right after the guard rail on jarrettsville
pike. Runs parrallel the whole lenght of the first fire road. On some
parts of the fire road, but the singletrack is easily accessible and
hard to miss off of the fire road. Coming to the final fire road make a
right and then a left to go down a downhill leading to Warren Road
Bridge. Go across the bridge and downhill until the trailhead about a
half mile down the road. Very hilly section with a wicked downhill at
the end of the fire road. When getting to the first intersection make a
left or right. Either way will take you back. Making a right you go
under a log and take a nice singletrack climb up followed by a very fun
section of rolling singletrack. Going left, it leads you to technical
singletrack along the shore of the reservoir lake.
Doing the Tour de Raven is a 30+ mile ride that links all the trails
together. Do Seminary followed by Providence and the backside. Take
Loch Raven Drive by making a right when done the backside and you get to
the road. Continue straight onto dulaney valley road and this leads you
to the merryman's loop. Take dulaney valley back to church.
Recommended Route:
From Dulaney Valley Rd.,headed out of
towson,take a left on Pot Springs. Drive all the way to the end,,and the
first street before the fenced in area is where you park,,(a side
street). Walk down 40 feet and you will see a road that is chained
off,,but it leads right into Loch Raven in a big way.
Recommended Route:
Follow Dulaney Valley RD. north to the
bridge, just before the bridge there are 2 trails on the left at the
parking area and if you go past the bridge to the fork in the road and
bear to the right, you'll see numerous trail heads scattered along the
way. AT the top of LOch RAven Drive and Providence, there are two more
trails and if you continue down Loch Raven Drive to the dam parking
there are even more trails there. All are generally open to riders but
watch out for horses!
Recommended Route:
Park your car on the left just before
bridge on Dulaney Valley Rd. You have two choices to begin: a long
fireroad climb on the left, or technical singletrack on the right.
Technical singletrack on the right is more fun...you feel like you could
roll off the trail into the water at a few points. Either trail will
bring you to the stream crossing, where you make an immediate right onto
the real technical singletrack. Many loops are possible at this point,
including a nasty descent on the powerline divide.
Trail. This
trail begins at the Cucumber Picnic Area and crosses several
bridges and roads. The trail follows Cucumber Run and passes an
area
known for its spring wildflowers. There is also a trailhead for the Great Gorge located just after the
second
high-bridge on the Great Allegheny Passage, an old
tramway used to transport coal to the railroad. A spur of this trail
leads up a steep incline to the Kentuck Campground.
Boat Ramps
Canoe and Kayak Access Points
Marinas