MAK

I'm planning to do a short, self supported, two day up and back ride from Ashland, MD to York, PA and back on the Northern Central & York County Heritage Trails. I'll probably camp at the Indian Rock Campground in York.

My only concern is where to park my car overnight in Ashland. Does anyone familiar with the area have any suggestions or guidance? Thank you.

MAK

Guys and Gals,

A once and only once bump.

A little help PLEASE.

Mo Par

I couldn't find anything on their sites re overnight parking. Give'm a call.
Gunpowder Falls State Park 410-592-2897
York County Parks 717-840-7440

John

axolotl

The trail in Maryland is now officially called the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. The following website, Gunpowder Falls State Park: Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail states the following:

Visitors wishing to leave a vehicle in the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail parking areas overnight, to travel out of state, should contact the park a minimum of two weeks in advance to obtain approval.

axolotl

If you're a warmshowers member, I would suggest you contact members who live near your desired starting point and ask if you can park your car overnight. Another possibility would be a parking lot at an all-night supermarket. The Hunt Valley terminus of a light rail line is only about a mile away from Ashland/Cockeysville trailhead, I believe. There's parking at the light rail stop but I don't know if overnight parking is permitted. BTW, bikes are permitted on the light rail, so you could park elsewhere along the line and take the tram to the Hunt Valley terminus of the line.

MAK

Thank you Axolotl and Mo Par. A few calls should take care of things.

Mo Par

That's where I'll be doing most of my riding now, maybe I'll pass you on the trail.

at_hiker59

Please report back on the conditions of the Indian Rock Campground. Is it clean, hot showers, loud parties, shady campsites?
I ridden parts of the trail but I want to camp overnite.

jpescatore

I looked into this a couple of years ago, so you'll have to verify it is still the policy: you can call the Maryland DNR two weeks in advance and say "I'd like to park overnight at the Paper Mill Road lot (or whatever official parking area) for these x nights" and you are good to go. Try calling the Gunpowder Falls ranger (410-592-2897​) - I think they have oversight for the NCRR (or I guess it is now called the Torrey Brown Trail.)

I would NOT park overnight at the little Ashland Road lot at the actual southern terminus - it is kinda isolated and seems riskier to me than the big Paper Mill road lot.

If you can time it such that you are in York on a Saturday, the York Central Market is open on Saturdays with great food stalls, farmer's market kind of fresh fruit/vegetables, etc - it is well worth timing your trip around. It is 2 blocks from the park at the Northern End of the trail.

MAK

Will do. I plan to go in a few weeks when the World Cup is over.

MAK

Thank you for your advice. I do appreciate it.