60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Baltimore Including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, And Howard Counties

Gunpowder Falls State Park: Sweet Air Area It's almost a crime that this exceedingly beautiful 1,250-acre section of Gunpowder Falls State Park is so lightly used. But what a treat it is for hikers seeking solitude. From the trailhead, follow the path as it merges into a wide farm road. You'll soon pass an open field to the left. There's a cornfield straight ahead where, at 0.1 mile, you'll come to the first split. Head left to stay on the yellow-blazed Barley Pond Loop. Follow the tree line around the cornfield, turning right at a "You are here" sign at 0.3 miles and reaching the edge of the woods at 0.6 miles. There's a wooden sign here reading, "The woods were made for the hunter of dreams." There are many spots along the hike where similar signs have been painted with inspirational, nature-oriented quotations. There's a certain irony here: though the quotations are pleasant, this hike is so beautiful that it's the last place that needs any embellishment. The views are plenty to inspire grand thoughts.Balkan, Evan is the author of '60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Baltimore Including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, And Howard Counties', published 2006 under ISBN 9780897326230 and ISBN 0897326237.