Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Sparks Bank Nature Center loop from Hunt Valley
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Sparks Bank Nature Center loop from Hunt Valley
2.7
(7)
69
riders
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Sparks Bank Nature Center loop from Hunt Valley
00:35
11.0km
70m
Gravel riding
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
454 m
Bluetooth Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
1.84 km
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail (gravel)
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
2.06 km
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
5.49 km
Sparks Bank Nature Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
8.20 km
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
11.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.8 km
155 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
10.6 km
155 m
129 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 22 June
29°C
18°C
81 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an accessible and scenic gravel biking route near Hunt Valley, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Sparks Bank Nature Center loop is an excellent choice. This easy 6.9-mile (11.0 km) ride, with a gentle 226 feet (69 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, enjoyable outing or a beginner-friendly introduction to gravel biking.
What to expect on Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail – Sparks Bank Nature Center loop from Hunt Valley
This route offers a delightful journey through northern Maryland's rolling hills. You'll primarily ride on a wide, crushed stone surface, ideal for gravel bikes, as the trail winds alongside the Big Gunpowder Falls river, providing pleasant sounds and frequent views. Deciduous forests offer abundant shade, especially welcome on warmer days, and you might spot diverse wildlife. The ride is easy and beginner-friendly, passing by the Sparks Bank Nature Center, a significant point of interest, and historic markers from the former Northern Central Railway corridor.
Planning your visit
Starting from the Hunt Valley area, this trail is well-equipped with amenities like picnic benches, drinking fountains, and portable restrooms. While the trail is generally smooth, be aware that some sections might have loose gravel or become muddy after rain, and a resurfacing project was ongoing through early 2026. Parking is available, though it can be limited at popular spots like the Sparks Bank Nature Center. The abundant tree cover makes this a great option for gravel biking even on hot summer days.
Trail details
- Distance: 6.9 miles (11.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 226 feet (69 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 35 minutes
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