Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Trail?

waterwheel From the West and I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) to Trailhead T1: Take I-695 Exit 16, I-70 East/Local Traffic/Park & Ride. Proceed past I-70 Exit 94, Security Boulevard, and park in the Park & Ride lot. The I-70 Trailhead (T1) is at the eastern end of the Park & Ride.

From the West and I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) to Trailhead T2: Take I-695 Exit 16, I-70 East/Local Traffic/Park & Ride. Exit at I-70 Exit 94 to Security Boulevard. Stay in the right lane and turn right at the Ingleside Avenue traffic light. Cross the bridge and turn right at the top of the bridge (just before the Franklintown sign). Proceed one block to the stop sign at Franklintown Road and turn left. Proceed on Franklintown Road approximately 1.5 miles past the intersection with Winans Way, and the Winans Meadow Trailhead will be around the bend on the left.

From the East and Downtown Baltimore: Take US 40 west (Franklin Street and Edmondson Avenue past Edmondson Village (4.5 miles) Go west on US 40 to Winans Way. Turn right on to Winans Way. Follow Winans Way to the third stop sign and turn right on to Franklintown Road. Follow Franklintown Road for 1/3 mile to the Winans Meadow Trailhead (T2).

From North Avenue: Go west on North Avenue. Cross Hilton Parkway. At the next intersection turn left onto Morris Road, turn right onto Franklintown Road. Follow Franklintown Road for approximately 1 mile to the Winans Meadow Trailhead (T2). Alternatively, at Franklintown Road turn left and follow it to the Leon Day Park Trailhead (T4) on the right.

From Liberty Heights Avenue to Trailhead 3: Take Hilton Street south to Gwynns Falls Parkway and turn right (west). Follow Gwynns Falls Parkway to the intersection with Windsor Mill Road and turn right. Follow Windsor Mill Road for approximately 3 blocks to the Windsor Mill Road Trailhead (T3) on the left.

From Liberty Heights Avenue to Trailhead 4: Take Garrison Boulevard south, bear left at Clifton Avenue (Walbrook Junction) and turn right onto Denison Street. Proceed to North Avenue and directly across to Morris Road. Follow Morris Road to Franklintown Road and turn right. Follow Franklintown Road for approximately 1 mile to the Winans Meadow Trailhead. Alternatively, at Franklintown Road turn left and follow it to the Leon Day Park Trailhead (T4) on the right.

From North Central Baltimore and I-83: Northbound on I-83 take 28 th Street west bound to Druid Park Lake Drive. From local roads or I-83 southbound, take 29th Street westbound to Druid Park Lake Drive (The Druid Hill Reservoir is on the right). Follow Druid Park Lake Drive to McCullough Street (Druid Hill Park is on the right). Move to one of the two left-hand lanes. Continue to Gwynns Falls Parkway and turn left. Follow Gwynns Falls Parkway to Hilton Street and turn left. Continue on Hilton Street to North Avenue and turn right. Proceed to the next intersection and turn left on Morris Road. Turn right onto Franklintown Road. Follow Franklintown Road for approximately 1 mile to the Winans Meadow Trailhead (T2). Alternatively, at Franklintown Road turn left and follow it to the Leon Day Park Trailhead (T4) on the right.

Please Note: Trailheads (and other locations) have kiosks with maps showing the Trail and the surrounding area. Paper maps are available at kiosks as well.

How long is the Trail?

The Gwynns Falls Trail system encompasses 15 miles. Mile markers along the Main Trail indicate the distance from the Inner Harbor to Trailhead 1 at the I-70 terminus; those along the Middle Branch section measure distance from M&T Bank Stadium to Trailhead 9 at Hanover Street. In Leakin Park, there are also spurs along Hutton Avenue and to Dickeyville.

What neighborhoods does it go through?

The Trail will pass by 30 different communities in West, Southwest and South Baltimore. They range from Dickeyville, Walbrook, Edmondson Village, Windsor Hills, Shipley Hill, Pigtown, Morrell Park, Federal Hill, Otterbein, and Cherry Hill.

What parks does the Trail connect?

Leakin Park, Leon Day Park, Gwynns Falls Park, Carroll Park and Carroll Park Golf Course, Middle Branch Park, Solo Gibbs Park, Ridgely's Cove Park, West Park and Federal Hill Park.

Is the Trail a safe place to be?

Yes, the Baltimore City Police Department occasionally assigns Police officers to patrol the Trail which has experienced very few serious physical incidents since beginning operation in 1999. This is clearly an example of "a used trail being a safe trail." Of course, here as elsewhere, it?s always a good idea to travel with a partner.

Is the surface of the Trail consistent throughout?

No, the surface changes in different areas. Asphalt is the predominant surface, although the one- mile Mill Race section is crushed stone. Both are easy for bikers and walkers to use.

Who uses the Trail?

Trail users are daily bike commuters, runners exercising, neighborhood residents (some walking with dogs on leashes), students and teachers, business employees, tourists, and visitors from beyond the Baltimore area.

Are dogs allowed on the Trail?

Yes, if kept on a leash on all sections of the trail and in parks.

What will I see while I am on the Trail?

You will see beautiful scenery, historic sites, cityscapes, bridges and water features. Come and explore!

What are some of the benefits of the Trail?

girls Open space and recreation opportunities affect neighborhood quality of life, reduce crime rates, and positively shapes perceptions of the city's attractiveness as a place to live, work, learn, and play.

The Gwynns Falls Trail offers:

Recreational, social and cultural opportunities for the City of Baltimore
Trail and greenways improve property values
Safer pedestrian and bicycle access
Dramatic scenery within an urban wilderness setting
Promotes environmental education and outdoor classroom activities
Potential for youth employment opportunities
Stronger ties to other communities and institutions
Amenities for diverse population

How do I get more information about the Trail?

Contact the Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-396-7012 or the Parks & People Foundation at 410-448-5663.

Can outside groups plan and schedule events and activities?

Yes, you can host parties, picnics, and family reunions on the Trail. There are several picnic groves and a large picnic pavilion at the Winans Meadow Trail Head, which accommodate up to 300 people, as well as facilities at Leon Day Park, the Waterview West Wildlife Boardwalk, and Middle Branch Park, all available for group activities.

How can I get involved?

You can be one of many who join and take an active role in the Gwynns Falls Trail Advocates. Make a financial contribution! You can also volunteer to lead hikes, plant trees, host festivals, and serve as a team leader or participant to clean up park areas surrounding the Trail. For more information, contact us.