Lake Roland Park
Baltimore Co.
Maryland
Hiking Trails:
Red Trail: Red blaze
Orange Trail: Orange blaze
Yellow Trail: Yellow blaze
Green Trail: Green blaze
Total Time: 1:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.0 Miles
Pros: Scenic brook and interesting geology
Cons: Busy area on weekends
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nc9HrthmpsdceagS9
I was in Baltimore for the weekend visiting family, and being interested in geology I decided to go on a nearby hike to the Bare Hills Serpentine area at Lake Roland, which is unique area of sparse, unique vegetation and rocky terrain over a small area of serpentine barrens. I was here several years earlier but wanted to explore the area some more.
The weather was very cold, and the trails were covered with ice, making the hike treacherous. The beginning and end that went along the old railroad bed where the trail was wide and flat was fine, but as soon as I got off that trail it got icy. I took the Red Trail along the old railroad bed, crossed the bridge over Jones Falls, and then took the Orange Trail along the serpentine ridge, all the way to the Falls Road.
I then turned around and took the Yellow Trail to the Green Trail, passing more of the treeless barrens along the way. I then continued along the Green Trail back to the Red Trail, which I took back to my car.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Red Trail Along the Old Railroad Bed |
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| Bridge Crossing Jones Falls |
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| Jones Falls from the Bridge |
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| Orange Trail Entering the Serpentine Barrens |
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| Small Serpentine Mine Pit |
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| Ice Covered Trail |
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| Empty Serpentine Area Without Trees |
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| Green & Yellow Trail Intersection |
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| Jones Falls |
