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Start: Route166/Rolling Rd (BWI Park &
Ride)
Distance: 8.2 miles
Ride description: steep climbs, fast
descents that is a little rocky in certain sections.
Ride time: 1-2 hours
At the trail head you have three choices:
left (easy), Right which I’m not sure where that takes you? I
believe it is the start of Bull Run? And then there is one in
the middle (single track) this starts soapstone and it will take
you to the drop-in. Soapstone is all down hill with lots of
stream crossings and some technical challenges on the side of
the trails if you wish to try them. Once you get to the road
continue straight up the dirt access road and continue up the
road until you see a small building to your right (BWI
communication building)
This will start the Santee Branch trail
(white) be careful towards the end someone thought they would
paint over the white with brown paint so mountain bikers
wouldn’t use it. You can still ride on it though according to
Park Rangers.
Once you get to the water tower stay to
the right and follow until you get to another access rd.
Vineyard trail is straight ahead (red) stay to your right though
and follow to the road and you will see Santee Branch trail
straight ahead. Take this until you get to the bottom and cross
the stream. Here you have two choices left up to the power lines
(Santee Branch) I recommend the trail to the right (orange and
yellow), not sure of the name? It’s not on the park map? But
this trail brings you behind the college on route166.
Follow the orange/yellow trail until you
get to the Hilton area, this area is pretty rocky with lots of
roots, follow until you see Sawmill Trail (Red). This will take
you to another park entrance and the start of Buzzard’s Rock
trail (yellow). There are two choices that will bring you to the
paved pathway along the Patapsco River. I usually follow the one
to the right (stay on the yellow) there are other foot trails in
the area as well.
Once you get to the paved pathway follow
all the way until you get to the pond. There will be a tunnel on
you left, go through the tunnel, stay to you right and follow
back to Soapstone where you first came out.
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