The best walks and hikes around Timonium

Yes, many parks and trails in the Timonium area are welcoming to dogs on a leash. The Pasture loop from Loch Raven Reservoir is a great option for a longer walk with your canine companion through varied terrain. For a different experience, the Ashland Trail is also a local favorite for dog walkers, offering pleasant paths and access to fishing spots.

Cromwell Valley Park is an excellent choice for families, offering a network of relatively flat and well-maintained trails through fields and woods. The park is a dedicated nature sanctuary, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting. Another fantastic option is the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail (also known as the NCR Trail), which is a wide, flat gravel path perfect for strollers and little legs.

The area has numerous loop trails. For a moderately challenging circular hike with some hills, consider the Morgan Mill Trail loop. It winds through the forested landscape of the Loch Raven Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area and offers a rewarding workout.

Loch Raven Reservoir is known for its serene and picturesque scenery. You can expect expansive water views, dense woodlands surrounding the shoreline, and peaceful trails. The popular Merryman Trail, in particular, is praised by locals for its charming creek and beautiful lakeside paths, making it a great spot for photography, especially in the fall.

While the region is not known for difficult mountain climbs, you can find moderately challenging hikes with some elevation gain. The Glen Ellen Trail loop provides a good example, featuring rolling hills through the Loch Raven Reservoir area that will get your heart rate up.

For accessing trails like the popular Merryman Trail, the Loch Raven Merrymans Trail Parking lot on MD-146 is a convenient option. Be aware that this is a well-known spot and the lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

The Pasture loop from Dulaney High School is a great choice for beginners. It's a relatively short and easy walk with minimal elevation change, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without committing to a strenuous hike. The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is another excellent, very flat option for those just starting out.

There are over 45 designated hiking routes to explore in the Timonium area. The majority of these are rated as easy, with a good number of moderate trails available for those seeking more of a challenge. You'll find no officially rated difficult hikes, making the region very accessible.

The trails around Timonium are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the region's beautiful scenery, particularly the peaceful woodlands and scenic reservoir views. The well-maintained paths in parks like Cromwell Valley are also a common highlight.

While the immediate Timonium area is more known for its reservoirs and rolling hills, nearby Gunpowder Falls State Park offers trails that follow the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls. Exploring the park's extensive trail network is your best bet for finding scenic cascades and flowing water.

Several spots are local favorites for hiking.

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail: A very popular and highly-rated gravel path that's great for long, flat walks.

Merryman Trail: Praised for its beautiful scenery along a creek and the Loch Raven Reservoir.

Ashland Trail: A well-regarded trail system that's also a favorite among local dog walkers.

Furnace Trail Head: Considered a hidden gem, this spot offers a quieter out-and-back trail to the water.