Baltimore & Annapolis Trail -Earleigh Heights

Baltimore & Annapolis Trail -Earleigh Heights

At just under 14 miles long, the Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail covers most of the distance between Annapolis, Maryland and the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Almost all of it is on an old railroad grade. At the northern, BWI end, a 1.5 mile connector trail links it with the 10.6 mile BWI Trail. The B&A trail parallels Governor Ritchie Highway, Rte. 2. In the north, the B&A passes through Glen Burnie. Going south, the suburbs lining the trail get less frequent and are replace by trees. The trail does pass right next to several shopping areas including the Marley Station Mall. Most of it is composed of flat, long straight stretches that are ideal for in-line skating. Near the middle of the trail at Earleigh Heights, a ranger station and parking area make a convenient place to start exploring. Kinder Farm Park is also nearby with a very nice and new 2.4 mile loop trail. South of Earleigh Heights, the B&A goes through the quiet town of Severna Park. The southernmost end is nearly rural. The trail unfortunately does not actually connect all the way to Annapolis because of private property between Rte. 50 and the Old Severn River Bridge.

Getting There

From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take the Baltimore Washington Parkway (I-295) north toward Baltimore. After 15 miles, exit to Route 100 headed west. After 8 miles, turn right onto Governor Ritchie Highway, Rte. 2. Approximately 3 miles later, turn right onto Earleigh Heights Rd. Note that Magothy Bridge Rd is on the left at the same intersection. Park on the left or right a quarter mile later after crossing the B&A trail.

Area Routes

Glen Burnie (14.05 miles, X)

Very few hills and many long straight stretches characterize this route. The long, mostly out-and-back lollipop course has a few water opportunities. Kids occasionally sell lemonade or even sports drinks also. There are some convenience stores in convenient places too. Begin from the ranger station by crossing Earleigh Heights Rd. Pass the occasional side trails. Some of these go to Kinder Farm Park (see below). There are a few road crossings some of which require care. One of the few hills is the ramp to the trail bridge over Rte. 100 to Marley Station Mall. The mall is an alternative starting place for those wanting a shorter route. In Glen Burnie, the trail passes some older and now decrepit retail places. The town center is passed at the intersection with Crain Hwy, Rte. 3. At the end of the B&A Trail, turn left to follow a connector trail toward the BWI Trail. Before getting there, turn around on the short loop trail in Sawmill Creek Park, and take advantage of water and restrooms. Return the way you came.

Kinder Farm Park (4.3 miles, III)

The Kinder Farm Park is being newly fitted with many facilities. Ballfields are most prevalent but the trail is the nicest feature. It is paved and loops the park. Runners love it and few know about it. Some easy hills make it more challenging for in-line skaters but it is wide and smooth. What=s nice about it are the gentle curves and the way it follows the landscape of the old farm. Open fields, scattered trees, and a few creeks are on the way. From the ranger station at Earliegh Heights, safe access to Kinder Farm Park is made possible by using spur trails off the B&A Trail. They lead to bordering neighborhood where you can use sidewalks to get to and from the park.

Severna Park (8.65 miles, VII)

Going south on the B&A Trail from Earleigh Heights, the trail is quiet at first. Activity picks-up at the town of Severna Park, which is anchored on a narrows between the Severn River and the Magothy River. Unfortunately not many views of the river or bay waters can be seen on route. This is due to private properties lining the shores. Passing Severna Park at first, a turnaround is made at B&A Trail mile mark 3. There, a spur trail and quiet suburban streets connect you to Old County Rd. Old County Rd. is a twisting but generally quiet paved road. There are long segments with no sidewalk and some limited-sight turns to pass through. At Severna Park again, the route passes by the Severn Prep school before returning to the B&A Trail.

Nearby and Connecting Zones

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail - Boulter=s Way

Baltimore Washington International Airport, Thomas A. Dixon Aircraft Observation Area

What to do Afterward

Food and Drink

Carini=s Pizza (and subs) - Severna Park, MD - (410) 647‑115

Ledo Pizza - Severna Park, MD - (410) 544‑3344

Gourmet Connection - Severna Park, MD - (410) 544‑3021

Entertainment and Edification

Historic Annapolis

Pasadena Roller Skating Center - Pasadena, MD - (410) 437‑3636

L 0.0 on the trail from the ranger station to cross Earleigh Heights Rd

0.15 trail X on R at Chestnut Hill and Light St intersection (bench)

0.2 trail X on L to Finnegan Dr (unmarked)

0.4 trail X on L to Copperwood Dr (unmarked)

0.95 Mile Mark 8

1.95 Jumper=s Hole Rd (store)

2.05 Jumper=s Hole Rd

2.95 Mile Mark 10

3.3 end bridge over Rte 100; Marley Station Mall

3.6 trail X on R to mall parking

3.95 trestle bridge, then Mile Mark 11

4.95 Mile Mark 12

5.95 Mile Mark 13, then Oak La NW (water)

XS 5.75 at Robert Crain Hwy, Rte 3

L 6.3 end of B&A trail; use Dorsey Rd sidewalk toward BWI Trail

BL 6.4 trail X on L toward BWI Trail leaves Dorsey Rd

6.65 trail X on R; octagon shelter on L; Sawmill Creek Park (restrooms & water)

BL 6.8 trail X after ball fields

BR 7.0 at split in trail

L 7.05 at T at ballfields to stay on loop

7.3 Charlie Eckman La (Sawmill Creek Park entrance road)

7.35 trail X on R between tennis courts

R 7.4 trail X on R after tennis courts

L 7.45 at T on BWI and B&A connector trail

BR 7.65 at Dorsey Rd

R 7.8 B&A Trail

8.1 Mile Mark 13

8.15 Oak La NW (water)

XS 8.35 at Robert Crain Hwy, Rte 3

9.1 Mile Mark 12

10.1 Mile Mark 11, then trestle bridge

10.45 trail X on L to mall parking

10.8 begin bridge over Rte 100

11.1 Mile Mark 10

12.05 Jumper=s Hole Rd

12.13 Jumper=s Hole Rd (store)

13.1 Mile Mark 8

13.7 trail X on R to Copperwood Dr (unmarked)

13.9 trail X on R to Finnegan Dr (unmarked)

13.95 trail X on L to Chestnut Hill and Light St intersection (bench)

14.05 ranger station after crossing Earleigh Heights Rd

Kinder Farm Park

Distance: 4.3 miles

Rating: III; paved trails and sidewalks; a few modest hills

L 0.0 on the trail from the ranger station to cross Earleigh Heights Rd

0.15 trail X on R at Chestnut Hill and Light St intersection (bench)

0.2 trail X on L to Finnegan Dr (unmarked) (return route)

L 0.4 trail X on L to Copperwood Dr (unmarked)

S 0.45 at trail end onto Copperwood Dr

CL 0.55 Longfellow Rd

BR 0.8 trail head at the end of Longfellow Rd

0.85 trail X on L at Jumper=s Hole Rd; go S into Kinder Farm Park

L 0.9 trail X on L is the loop trail at Gali Sanchez Way

1.15 trail X on R to fields and parking

1.35 trail X on L to Kinder Farm Park parking on Earleigh Heights Rd (unmarked)

1.4 trail X on R to fields and parking

1.55 trail X on L to tennis

1.85 trail X on L to houses

1.9 trail X on L to Rock Ridge Rd (unmarked)

2.2 trail X on L to houses

2.75 gravel road

L 3.1 at Kinder Farm Park Rd to stay on the loop trail

3.3 trail X on R at Gali Sanchez Way (completes loop)

CR 3.35 Jumper=s Hole Rd

L 3.45 Finnegan Dr

S 4.0 trail head at the end of Finnegan Dr

4.1 sewage pumping station

R 4.15 B&A Trail

4.2 trail X on L to Chestnut Hill and Light St intersection (bench)

R 4.3 ranger station after crossing Earleigh Heights Rd

Severna Park

Distance: 8.65 miles

Rating: VII; paved trails and sidewalks; a few modest hills

R 0.0 from the Earleigh Heights ranger station

0.05 trail X on R and Mile Mark 7

0.9 Whites Rd

1.05 Mile Mark 6

1.1_ Md Brides La

1.6 Robinson Rd

1.95 trail X on R to park/school

2.15 Riggs Rd (water)(return route)

2.25 Evergreen Rd; Olde Severna Park

2.7 wooden bridge over Round Bay Rd

3.05 Mile Mark 4

3.4 Hoyle Rd

3.6 Jones Station Rd

R 4.05 paved trail X on R; Mile Mark 3

S 4.15 Donzi Ct

L 4.2 Bellview Dr

R 4.45 Old County Rd

5.05 Hoyle Rd

L 6.1 Park Place

R 6.3 Maple Ave (Severn College Prep school)

XS 6.45 Evergreen Rd; Maple Ave becomes Riggs Rd

L 6.55 B&A Trail at Riggs Rd (water)

6.7 trail X on L to park/school

7.1 Robinson Rd

7.55 Md Brides La

7.65 Mile Mark 6

7.8 Whites Rd

8.6 trail X on L and Mile Mark 7

R 8.65 Earleigh Heights ranger station