Download
Preview
Add to list
More
9.4 km
~2 hrs 6 min
132 m
Loop
“Wander shaded creekside woods, then roll onto the drier Boundary Trail for quiet, leafy views.”
This easy, mostly wooded out-and-back/loop-style walk follows the Little Gunpowder Falls corridor and then climbs gently onto the Boundary Trail for a higher, drier traverse before returning toward the river. Expect about 9 km (5.6 mi) with roughly 100 m (330 ft) of total ascent—more of a “rolling” hike than a sustained climb, with frequent shade and a few short, rooty rises.
Because the start point is listed only as “near” (no coordinates provided), the most practical way to plan is to aim for the Little Gunpowder Falls / Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hereford Area access points near the Prettyboy Reservoir / Hereford Road corridor in northern Baltimore County. If you share a longitude/latitude (or a pin), I can convert it to the nearest recognizable address/landmark and tailor the directions precisely.
Most of this route is on packed dirt singletrack with leaf litter, interlaced roots, and occasional rocks—comfortable in trail runners or light hikers. After rain, the low sections near the creek/river can hold mud and shallow standing water, while the Boundary Trail tends to drain better. You’ll likely cross or skirt small feeder streams; water levels vary a lot seasonally.
Plan on a relaxed pace: 2–3 hours for most hikers, longer if you stop for photos, birding, or creekside breaks.
The Little Gunpowder corridor is the star early on—cooler air, thicker canopy, and the constant presence of moving water. You’ll pass: - Creekside flats and gentle bends where the trail runs close to the water (watch footing on sloped banks). - Mixed hardwood forest typical of Maryland’s Piedmont—oak, tulip poplar, beech, and maple, with spring wildflowers and summer ferns. - Wildlife to look for: white-tailed deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, and songbirds. Near the water, you may spot great blue herons or other waders. In warmer months, expect mosquitoes in still, shaded pockets and ticks in brushy edges—use repellent and do a post-hike check.
You’ll also see subtle signs of the region’s long human history: this watershed sits in a landscape shaped by Indigenous presence, later colonial-era farming and milling, and then the growth of Baltimore’s surrounding communities. The Gunpowder watershed has been closely tied to water supply and land conservation in the region, which is a big reason these wooded corridors remain intact today.
At roughly the mid-hike transition, the Boundary Trail typically pulls you up and away from the water. The climb is modest—think short rises that add up to the route’s total ~100 m (330 ft) gain rather than one big hill. This section often feels: - Drier and slightly more open in places, with seasonal views through the trees. - More “roller-coaster”: small ups and downs, a few tighter turns, and more roots. - Quieter: fewer creekside stopping points, but a steadier walking rhythm.
This is where navigation can get mildly confusing if junctions are unsigned or if leaf cover hides tread. Keep HiiKER handy and confirm you’re staying on the Boundary alignment at intersections—especially if there are social paths leading toward the river.
Surfaces
Ground
Dirt
Unpaved
Grass
User comments, reviews and discussions about the Little Gunpowder Trail and Boundary Trail, Maryland.
average rating out of 5
0 rating(s)