I was asked to suggest a route to someone riding from West Chester PA to my house in Parkville MD (on the north side of Baltimore). A quick look at Google Maps makes it look like the following might work out OK.
Rt 52 to
Rt 926 to
Rt 10 to
Rt 1 to
Rt 1 Belair Bypass to
Harford Road (Rt 147)
to near my house.

I have ridden the part in Maryland, but it has been a few years since I have been over Conowingo Dam. Is it still open to cyclists? I rode the same route from Parkville as far as Hickory and back last Sunday and I think it may be the best compromise of directness of route, scenery, hills, and traffic.

Is the Pennsylvania part of this route a good route. If not do you have other suggestions? Or other suggestions for the whole route for that matter. The rider is on tour and will therefore be carrying some load (although not camping equipment).

Hi staehpi1,

I would take 842 out of West Chester instead of 52/926. It is much less travelled and not quite as hilly. Then take 842 to 82, back onto 842 to Newark Rd. Then Take Newark Rd to 926W. You avoid most of the traffic on 926 (from 52 to 82 section) and the hills are not too bad while not adding a significant amount of distance.

Wow I can't believe I actually know what those roads in northern MD are, back roads I take to my friends house in Abingdon (sp?). That area around Route 1 is pretty, Northern MD countryside, white picket fences everywhere.

Wow I can't believe I actually know what those roads in northern MD are, back roads I take to my friends house in Abingdon (sp?). That area around Route 1 is pretty, Northern MD countryside, white picket fences everywhere.

Yes, it is quite pretty there. I ride near Abingdon quite often as it is maybe 15 miles from my door.

Hi staehpi1,

I would take 842 out of West Chester instead of 52/926. It is much less travelled and not quite as hilly. Then take 842 to 82, back onto 842 to Newark Rd. Then Take Newark Rd to 926W. You avoid most of the traffic on 926 (from 52 to 82 section) and the hills are not too bad while not adding a significant amount of distance.
Thanks, I'll check those roads out.