General Cycling Discussion - Gwynns Falls Trail Baltimore City

Some pictures from a ride today along the Gwynns Falls Trail in Baltimore City

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Near the first bridge close to the stadium, did you get any pictures of the "camp" there? Seems like the folks that were living there have been run off. It was a pretty nice camp.
On a different note any idea why the abondoned railroad tracks have not been paved over, they are a real hazard on a bike route. Also did you notice the sign at the stadium that you would be considered a tresspasser for riding on stadium [public] property?

Near the first bridge close to the stadium, did you get any pictures of the "camp" there? Seems like the folks that were living there have been run off. It was a pretty nice camp.
On a different note any idea why the abondoned railroad tracks have not been paved over, they are a real hazard on a bike route. Also did you notice the sign at the stadium that you would be considered a tresspasser for riding on stadium [public] property?


I didn't see a homeless encampment; it must be dispersed? Perhaps they moved to the Fells Point/Inner Harbor dock promenade as I saw a cardboard nest under a bench there. There were yachts docked and people walking around and all seemed to just ignore the homeless encampments. There is a lot of culture diversity in that area. . .

Perhaps they have future plans for the tracks? The tracks are ok if you don't cross them at an angle.

I found it odd that one part of the trail just ended under a bridge in South Baltimore. The trail just seems to end after the bridge in a narrow area of a local trash dump.

It's a difficult trail to follow as it twists around and heads towards West Baltimore for a long way.

I rode the Inner Harbor - South Baltimore area of the trail. There was a ball game going on so all around was Raven's Fans encampments and Hotdog/Tee Shirt Vendor City.

I rode this trail shortly after it opened this summer. From the north end to Carroll Park, it was nice. They did a lot of work withs bridges over the river. The asphalt was in good shape and they used some abandoned roads to connect everything.

But from Carroll Park south, it was terrible. I got lost a few times. I took a spill on the light rail tracks. Yes, I saw the sign by Ravens stadium. I wanted to go through the lot just to look at the statue of Johnny U but the sign scared me off.

I was born in Baltimore but have lived longer near DC. Baltimore has a long way to go to even come close to the DC bike trails. I was hoping this was a good start but I concluded that I was wrong.

Dan

I was in B'more a couple of weeks ago and picked up a map of the trail. Thinking I might try it after Tour du Port.

Tried the trail this past Sunday, after the Tour Du Port.
You're right about bad signage around the stadium. And all the people arriving for the Ravens game didn't help. Finally found the right roads, crossed Russell and I was fine after that. Went a little past where Windsor Mill crosses the creek, but I was running late and couldn't ride to the end of the trail.

Pretty past Carol Park. Good condition, easy ride, only a couple of climbs, nice woods. Almost no one using it. In five miles up and back from Carol Park, I saw only a dozen bikes and peds. Good for me, cause I like the quiet, but too bad that more people don't use such a good trail.

The Falls were a disappointment. Four feet is not much of a falls. Still, it was a pretty spot to stop and eat.
Saw three deer on the road down from Windsor Mill, and a woodchuck near the ballfield.

Even the urban parts weren't bad once I figured out where the bike route was. Will definitely ride this one again.