Gunpowder Falls State Park
(Hereford Area)

Location:Hereford, MD

Gunpowder Falls State Park York Road
Hereford, MD
Click map for more details
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Contact:(Park HQ)
Gunpowder Falls State Park
2813 Jerusalem Road
Kingsville, MD 21087
(410)592-2897
Dist. From Balto.:25 Miles
Dog Trails:

 

 There are many miles of trails in the Hereford area, and most seem open to dogs. Some trails start or finish in developed areas of the park where dogs are not allowed. The developed areas are generally those with picnic tables and other structures. Signs are posted in these areas.

A good loop trail can be accessed on the east side of York Rd. by the river. Take the Panther Branch Trail (blue blazes) which turns right from the trailhead and goes up into the woods. The trail takes a few jogs, so pay attention to the trail blazes. The trail eventually follows a small run and then parallels Panther Branch. The trail, and Panther Branch join up with Gunpowder Falls. At the trail junction with South Gunpowder Falls trail, turn left, and follow the trail upstream. The trail parallels the river with occasional jogs into the upper woodlands. Be careful that you don't accidentally end up on one of the many fishing access trails that follow the river. South Gunpowder trail ends at the starting place of the hike. The hike is ~4 miles.

Click here for a .pdf trail map of the Hereford area of Gunpowder Falls (224 Kb).

General Info.:

 

 Gunpowder Falls SP is divided into multiple sections that cover terrain from rolling river valley to the Chesapeake Bay. The Hereford area of the park (discussed here) is in the northwestern most section of the park in the hills of northern Baltimore County.

Spring brings a wide variety of wildflowers including bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, columbine, trout lily, and even showy orchis. On some parts of the trail you can see signs of beaver. Look for gnawed trees and stumps.

Special Notes:Despite its name, there are no real waterfalls on the river. "Falls" is a unique local name given to a number of rivers or streams in Maryland.
Further info: DNR Gunpowder Falls SP WWW Page

Baltimore Trails - A Guide for Hikers and Mountain Bikers
By Brian Mackay
Pub. Johns Hopkins Univ Pr; (April 2002)

Country walks near Baltimore
Fisher, Alan Hall
Pub. 1993 (3rd edition)

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