Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore: The Longest Loop for Flat Hiking Near the City
A 13.3-mile paved and unpaved loop surrounding Baltimore's primary drinking water source, Loch Raven Reservoir sits in Towson, about 20 minutes north of downtown, and functions as the city's most accessible full-day hiking destination for walkers who want distance without elevation gain.
What Loch Raven actually is
Loch Raven is a 2,400-acre impoundment managed by the Baltimore Department of Public Works. The perimeter trail runs nearly 13 miles around the water, with most of the path paved near the dam and earthen or gravel where it moves through wooded sections on the far side. Unlike Patapsco Valley State Park's rocky ravines or Federal Hill Park's urban overlooks, Loch Raven trades drama for consistency: the trail is flat, shaded by mature oak and hickory, and wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side throughout most of the loop.
The setting feels removed from the city despite proximity. The trail passes through forest broken only by occasional parking areas and boat launches. Water views appear regularly but do not dominate; you spend as much time in the woods as you do looking at the reservoir.
Trail conditions and what to expect on a typical visit
The full loop takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours at a moderate walking pace. Most hikers start at either Dundalk Avenue or Dulaney Valley Road, the two major entry points, each with dedicated parking lots. The Dundalk Avenue lot is smaller and fills on weekends; Dulaney Valley has more capacity and tends to be less crowded. Both are free.
The paved section runs approximately 2 miles from the dam northward; beyond that, the trail becomes unpaved earth and gravel, sometimes packed smooth, sometimes soft and rooty after rain. No technical obstacles exist—no stream crossings, no scrambles, no rock faces. The forest floor is the main variable: after heavy rain, muddy sections appear on the far (east) side, but they dry quickly and do not block passage.
Most of the loop stays 200 to 400 feet away from the water. Two designated overlooks—one near the northern tip, one near Dulaney Valley—offer open water views. The rest of the hike occurs in shade beneath a closed canopy, which makes this route comfortable for early summer and late-season hiking when other trails become exposed or overgrown.
How Loch Raven compares to other Baltimore hiking options
Patapsco Valley State Park's various sections (Holmeswood, Savage Mill, Hilton Branch) offer more dramatic terrain—creek crossings, elevation change, rocky outcrops—but require more technical footwork and suit hikers with stronger ankles. Gunpowder Falls State Park, northeast of Baltimore in Parkton, covers similar distance (16-mile Big Gunpowder Trail) but includes stream wading and rougher footing. Prettyboy Reservoir, also north of the city, has a similar reservoir walk but is shorter (about 9 miles) and less maintained.
For a Baltimore hiker seeking 3+ hours of continuous walking on predictable terrain without navigation worry, Loch Raven has no direct peer. For hikers wanting views or technical interest, Patapsco is the better choice.
Who this suits and who it does not
Loch Raven works well for intermediate walkers (comfortable with 4+ miles), parents with children old enough to walk 45 minutes without a break, and anyone recovering from injury or training for distance without exposure to rocks. The flat profile and paved start make it suitable for people using walking poles or managing arthritis. Summer heat and exposed sections of Patapsco make Loch Raven preferable during July and August.
Loch Raven does not suit hikers seeking dramatic terrain, a short 1-2 mile outing, or a trail with frequent open vistas. It is also not recommended immediately after heavy rain if you want to avoid mud.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The reservoir grounds are open sunrise to sunset year-round. Parking lots close at dusk; arriving at 3 p.m. or later in winter risks being locked in. Confirm current closing times with the Baltimore Department of Public Works, as winter hours occasionally shift.
Both major lots are free and have pit toilets. No water fountains exist on the trail; bring water for the full loop. The route is a loop, so no shuttle is necessary. Cell service is spotty in the interior sections. The trail is open to hiking and walking only; bicycles, horses, and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Loch Raven earns its status as Baltimore's most reliable full-day flat walk because it delivers genuine distance with minimal friction—no technical skill required, no confusing junctions, no surprise obstacles. For Baltimoreans who want to walk for hours without thinking about where to place their feet, it remains the standard choice.
