Take the Baltimore and Annapolis (B&A) Trail, tack on the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Trail—and then double them to achieve a scenic, half-century distance ride.
Accessing the B&A Trail
The B&A Trail, as it’s known locally, can be picked up from either side. At the Annapolis end, you’ll find a parking lot just off of eastbound Rt. 50. There’s a map posted in the parking area to direct you to the start of the trail. Just south of the lot, turn right onto Boulters Way and follow it uphill to pick up the beginning of the trail located at the top.
The trail was converted from an old railway line that once ran between Annapolis and Baltimore. It’s a paved, flat stretch of 13 miles that rolls through woods, residential areas and pockets of businesses along the route. It’s more rural on the Annapolis end of the trail, before cutting through more commercialized areas the further north you go.
You’ll travel through wooded areas that have split rail fencing on either side—which serve to protect you from some steep drops in some spots. There’s one unique section of the trail that takes you across a boardwalk-style bridge before entering a towering grove of bamboo. You’re still in Maryland—but it’ll feel like you’ve been transported momentarily to an exotic locale. The bamboo is likely the result of someone’s planting that has run amok.
When you do come across a water fountain or a bathroom facility, take advantage. There are stretches where there is no facility and you’d have to leave the trail to find something in the commercial districts, so catch as you can.
The B&A Trail is heavily traveled, especially on good-weather days. You’ll be sharing the path with cyclists on road bikes and recumbent bikes, baby strollers, skaters on roller blades, and dog-walkers. It’s a flat trail that also attracts families that include the training-wheel set, so be alert.
Another thing to watch for are multiple road crossings. For the most part, they traverse small residential streets, but as you roll along north, you’ll have roads to cross that carry heavier traffic.
Getting to the BWI Trail
As you get into Glen Burnie, follow the trail signs until you come to an overpass that brings you across Rt. 97. You can turn left just after the overpass in order to access the BWI Trail, or stay straight and head up to the light. If you elect to go straight, you will cross over at the intersection of Rt. 176/Dorsey Road.
The BWI trail skirts the airport and is approximately 12 miles in length. Some sections follow along Aviation Boulevard, while others will take you away from the traffic-areas and submerge you back into wooded areas of pine. There’s a section where you’ll crest a hill that looks out over an expansive view of the airport with planes nestled up to their terminals.
In order to get a half-century length ride in, you’ll need to ride the airport loop twice, then head back down the B&A Trail to finish up at the parking lot.
