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Baltimore and Annapolis Trail route in Severna Park, MD
Photo: Cliff Andrew
View of Baltimore and Annapolis Trail in Severna Park, MD
Photo: Rin Wolfe
View of Baltimore and Annapolis Trail in Severna Park, MD
Photo: Joshua Price

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail

FreeAdventure
🕑 1-3 hours depending on distance covered👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy riding in bike trailers or jogging strollers on the smooth pavement, while kids 5+ can bike independently on the safe, car-free trail. Teens appreciate the longer distance options for more challenging rides.

About

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail offers over 13 miles of smooth, paved pathway perfect for families looking to bike, walk, or scooter through scenic Maryland landscapes. This former railroad corridor features gentle grades and well-maintained surfaces that make it ideal for little ones learning to ride bikes without training wheels or families with strollers seeking an easy outdoor adventure.

Highlights

  • Smooth, paved surface perfect for training wheels and beginner cyclists
  • Car-free environment where kids can ride safely without traffic concerns
  • Multiple access points allow families to choose shorter or longer segments
  • Shaded sections provide relief on sunny days
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities including birds, squirrels, and occasional deer

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Park at the Earleigh Heights trailhead in Severna Park for easy access, clean restrooms, and plenty of parking spaces
  2. 2.Bring sidewalk chalk for rest stops,kids love decorating the pavement at the wider sections and benches
  3. 3.Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, especially in summer months
  4. 4.Pack extra water and snacks as there are limited facilities along the trail itself
  5. 5.Look for the historic mile markers along the route,turn it into a counting game for younger children

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Weekday mornings before 10am or weekends after 4pm help avoid peak cycling traffic and heat.

What to Know

The trail is completely free to use with multiple access points and parking areas throughout Severna Park. No food vendors are located directly on the trail, so pack snacks and water for your journey.

Seasonal Notes

The trail is open year-round, though winter visits may encounter ice or snow coverage. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers, while fall foliage creates stunning scenery. Summer can be hot and humid, so plan early morning or evening visits during peak season.

Nearby Eats

Park Tavern in Severna Park offers kid-friendly American fare with a casual atmosphere just minutes from the trail. Alternatively, Garry's Grill serves up burgers, pizza, and a dedicated kids' menu perfect for refueling after your ride.

More Activities Near Severna Park

Playground

Benfield Elementary School

Free

Benfield Elementary School's community playground in Severna Park offers a well-maintained play space that's accessible to local families after school hours and on weekends. The modern playground equipment attracts families looking for a safe, clean neighborhood play area where kids can climb, swing, and burn off energy.

Park

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Ranger Station

4.8Free

The Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Ranger Station serves as a wonderful gateway to outdoor exploration for families in Severna Park. This nature center offers hands-on educational programs, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to scenic trails perfect for family walks or bike rides, making it an ideal spot for kids to connect with nature right in their own backyard.

Library

Severna Park Library - Anne Arundel County Public Library

4.7Free

Severna Park Library is a beloved community hub offering fantastic programming for young learners and families. With highly-rated storytimes, interactive children's programs, and seasonal family events, this welcoming branch provides educational enrichment in a comfortable, kid-friendly environment that parents consistently praise.

Entertainment

Park Plaza Shopping Center

4.6$

Park Plaza Shopping Center in Severna Park offers families a convenient one-stop destination combining a beloved neighborhood movie theater with shopping and fitness options. The intimate cinema is known for showing family-friendly films at wallet-friendly prices, making it perfect for introducing young kids to their first movie theater experience without the overwhelming crowds of larger multiplexes.