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The Northern Central Rail, renamed the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail in 2007, heads north from Ashland, Maryland, an old mill town along the historic bed of the Northern Central Railroad. This 10 foot wide trail of fine crushed stone with a gentle grade provides a quiet escape from nearby Baltimore and it's only an hour away from Washington D.C. Much of the trail in the southern end follows along the meandering Gunpowder Falls River through stretches of rural farmland. Scenic rock outcroppings, spring wildflowers and a variety of wildlife, including deer and beaver can be seen along the trail. Because it is well shaded, it's a cool bike ride even on hot summer days. Starting from the southern trailhead, the first 10 miles are relatively flat. At Parkton the trail begins to climb to New Freedom, the highest point. It then descends to the northern terminus of the trail. North of Monkton the trail passes through Gunpowder Falls State Park an area of narrow, rock walled passageways dripping with ferns. On a hot summer day, you can cool off and tube the rapids of the Gunpowder River. (see our Bikes & Beaches feature article). Because much of the trail passes through quiet pastoral countryside, the availability of food and drink is limited. Bring your own. The trail continues across the Mason-Dixon line in Pennsylvania for another 20 miles as the York County Heritage Trail.
Historical Trail Notes: The Northern Central Railroad was one of the oldest rail lines in the U.S. It ran for 134 years starting in 1838 . In 1972 Hurricane Agnes helped to end its operation. Along the way the trail visits the historic villages of Corbett and Monkton which are both on the National Register of Historic Places. The restored Monkton train station now serves as the Visitor Center with concessions and bike rentals. Historic RR structures and pre-Civil War buildings can be seen all along the route. Abraham Lincoln rode this line on his way to deliver his famous Gettysburg Address in 1863 and also to return to Illinois after his death.
For more information: Trail Website: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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