--- NORTHERN CENTRAL RAILROAD TRAIL ---

As the story is told Abraham Lincoln wrote part of the Gettysburg Addresson the train to Gettysburg. This is the route he traveled.

This is a premier, well maintained multi-use trail. The scenery is incrediblefor every part of its 20 miles. It parallels and crosses streams, historicVictorian villages, farms, and woodlands. The first 10 miles (north ofAshland) is flat, then a gradual incline to the Pennsylvania line. Bikers,hikers, walkers and runners love it, though the crushed stone surface doesmakes a bumpy push for strollers and wheel chairs. For biking, a hybrid ormountain bike is suggested. The river and streams provide excellent fishingopportunities. The Gunpowder River receives cold water releases from thePrettyboy Reservoir creating an ideal trout habitat.

There are restrooms and portable toilets along the way. Getting there iseasy as it parallels I-83 and York Road. Look for the brown “NCR”signs. On a beautiful weekend expect a bit of a crowd, so take thenorthern portion starting at Monkton (mile 7.5) where Md 138 intersects thetrail. The Monkton Railroad Station houses the ranger station, museumand gift shop. Bike rentals and snacks are available across from thestation.

The Gunpowder River is your escort from Ashland to Mile 9 where it isreplaced by the Little Falls. This point to the Pennsylvania line is theprettiest, particularly the waterfalls before Parkton. At the Pennsylvanialine, the trail continues as it connects with the 20 mile York CountyHeritage Rail Trail.

Contact: Gunpowder Falls State Park, 410-592-2897.