Town Talk
Heading out on the N.C.R. (Northern Central Railroad ) trail for a bike ride—for a 14-plus-mile round trip ride to get organic homemade ice cream, midway—has to be one of the best things to do in Baltimore… in fact, in Maryland. I’d even go so far as to rank it as one of the seven wonders of America.
The trail—an old railroad trail that’s now covered by dirt—once transported precious cargo (including Abraham Lincoln) from Baltimore to NY (read more about The N.C.R. Trail in depth). Now it’s a tree-lined dirt road that’s as flat and as easy on the thighs, as it is gorgeous and peaceful for the eyes.
Case in point—I hadn’t been on a bike in over two years, yet was able to do the entire trip without needing to catch a second wind once. With mile posts along the way, shady spots with benches on which to sit, bridges overlooking Gunpowder Falls’ rippling waters, a nature center, horse farms, etc., and only two non-major roads to cross, there’s nothing to stop even the laziest couch potato from getting out and taking in some exercise here (for those who don’t have bikes, there are bike rentals along the way).
And that midway treat? A biker can park a car at many of the parking spots along the way—the bike paths are snug up against the lots—but the best place to start is the Paper Mill Road parking lot. There are plenty of spaces, and parking here allows a rider to get in that full 14-plus-mile trip—and with that many miles under the belt, anyone has earned the right to stop off at the Monkton General Store for an extra scoop of organic ice cream or one of the 20 flavored snoballs.
Also read Sarah Achenbach’s in depth article about The N.C.R. Trail, and find out where to park, to rent bikes, to rent kayaks, etc..
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 05/28/09 at 01:29 PM
