Loch Raven Wildlife Area – Dulaney Valley Branch loop from Loch Raven Reservoir
Loch Raven Wildlife Area – Dulaney Valley Branch loop from Loch Raven Reservoir
2.9
(18)
72
riders
Loch Raven Wildlife Area – Dulaney Valley Branch loop from Loch Raven Reservoir
01:52
36.8km
460m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.31 km
Loch Raven Wildlife Area
Highlight • Forest
Look out for: groundhogs, chipmunks, beavers, bald eagles, osprey, praying mantises, snapping turtles, and more.
Tip by
35.0 km
Dulaney Valley Branch
Highlight • River
Tip by
36.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
19.7 km
13.3 km
2.78 km
813 m
129 m
Surfaces
30.7 km
6.10 km
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Elevation
Highest point (190 m)
Lowest point (70 m)
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Weather
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Thursday 23 July
28°C
17°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a road cycling route that truly earns its 'moderate' difficulty rating, the Loch Raven Wildlife Area – Dulaney Valley Branch loop from Loch Raven Reservoir delivers. This 22.8-mile (36.8 km) journey packs in 1390 feet (424 metres) of climbing, taking about 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete, making it a solid workout with plenty of scenic rewards around the Loch Raven Reservoir road cycling Dulaney Valley Branch area.
What to expect on Loch Raven Wildlife Area – Dulaney Valley Branch loop from Loch Raven Reservoir
Expect a dynamic ride that blends natural beauty with demanding terrain. You'll cycle along the edges of the 1,600-acre Loch Raven Reservoir, enjoying picturesque moments and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bald eagles and osprey. The route traverses varied landscapes, from greener, park-like environments to areas with significant elevation changes, especially along Dulaney Valley Road. Be prepared for a challenging ride; while largely paved, some segments might be unpaved and require good fitness, making the Dulaney Valley Branch trail difficulty elevation a key consideration.
Planning your visit
For a more relaxed experience without car traffic, plan your ride for a weekend. Loch Raven Drive, between Providence Road and Morgan Mill Road, is closed to vehicles during specific hours on weekends, creating dedicated times for cyclists. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic cycling routes near Loch Raven Reservoir with fewer distractions. Always be mindful of blind curves on sections of Dulaney Valley Road for safety.
Trail details
- Distance: 22.8 miles (36.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 1390 feet (424 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 46 minutes
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