B&A Trail

Route Overview

The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail—almost always called the B&A Trail—is a 13.3-mile paved rail-trail managed by Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. It follows the former Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad corridor from Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie south to Boulters Way in Annapolis, passing through Severna Park, Arnold, and quiet suburban greenbelts along the way.

The surface is asphalt throughout, with gentle grades typical of a converted railroad bed. Most riders complete an out-and-back day ride or choose a shorter segment centered on the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station, where a restored 1889 railroad depot now serves as a ranger office and small museum. The trail is open dawn to dusk and draws walkers, runners, dog walkers, and cyclists of all ages.

Because the B&A is a county-managed shared-use path rather than a state park rail-trail, it functions as both a recreational destination and a practical connector between Annapolis, Severna Park, and Glen Burnie neighborhoods. Expect steady weekend traffic and commuter use on fair-weather weekdays.

E-Bike Access and Rules

Anne Arundel County explicitly permits electric bicycles on all paved county park trails, including the full length of the B&A Trail. The county's trail safety and ethics page states that e-bikes may also use authorized natural-surface county trails unless posted otherwise, though the B&A itself is entirely paved.

Under Maryland Transportation Article § 21-1205.2, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes that meet state equipment and labeling requirements are treated as bicycles on public roads and most bicycle paths unless a local manager prohibits specific classes. Anne Arundel County has aligned its trail policy with the state bicycle definition and does not publish a separate class ban for the B&A.

County trail rules impose a 15 mph speed limit for all wheeled users, including e-bikes—regardless of how fast your motor can assist on the road. Racing, pace lines, and reckless riding are prohibited. Helmets are required for riders and passengers under age 16 under Maryland law (§ 21-1207.1). Always yield to pedestrians, pass on the left with an audible warning, and slow through congested segments near trailheads and playgrounds.

• Allowed: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes meeting Maryland § 11-117.1 definitions on the paved B&A Trail.
• Speed limit: 15 mph maximum on Anne Arundel County trails.
• Hours: Dawn to dusk; the trail is closed after dark.
• Source: Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks trail rules; Maryland Transportation Code § 21-1205.2.

Highlights Along the Trail

History buffs will appreciate the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station, a Second Empire-style building that once served as a B&A Railroad depot, general store, and post office. The Hatton-Regester Green in Severna Park offers a gazebo, benches, and horticultural plantings—a popular rest stop for families.

The corridor passes through wooded buffers, neighborhood parks, and occasional glimpses of the Severn River watershed. Bird activity is steady in morning hours, especially near wetland crossings south of Severna Park. The flat profile makes the B&A a reliable introductory long ride for new e-bike owners testing range and assist levels.

• Earleigh Heights Ranger Station and railroad heritage exhibits.
• Hatton-Regester Green rest area with gardens and seating.
• Flat, fully paved 13.3-mile corridor suitable for all skill levels.
• Connections toward Broadneck and Sandy Point area trail projects.
• Annapolis and Glen Burnie endpoints for food and supply stops.

Access and Parking

The most popular trailhead is Earleigh Heights Ranger Station at 51 West Earleigh Heights Road in Severna Park, which offers on-site parking, restrooms, and direct trail access. Additional parking is available at various cross-street trail access points along the corridor; consult the county trail map before your visit because lot sizes vary.

The northern Glen Burnie endpoint near Dorsey Road and the southern Annapolis access at Boulters Way provide terminus parking, though spaces can fill quickly on weekend mornings. Some neighborhood access points offer only street-side parking—respect residential driveways and posted restrictions.

• Earleigh Heights Ranger Station (51 W Earleigh Heights Rd, Severna Park)—primary parking and restrooms.
• Dorsey Road trailhead (Glen Burnie north end).
• Boulters Way access (Annapolis south end).
• Intermittent neighborhood access points in Severna Park and Arnold.

Riding Tips

Weekend mornings between 9 a.m. and noon see the heaviest mix of walkers, strollers, and group cyclists. Drop to a lower assist mode and reduce speed before blind curves and at road crossings—the trail intersects numerous neighborhood streets without grade-separated crossings.

An out-and-back from Earleigh Heights to Annapolis and return covers roughly 22–24 miles depending on where you turn around, a comfortable half-day e-bike ride. Carry water in summer; shade is moderate along some segments. Lock your bike at the ranger station if you stop for the museum, and use bike racks rather than leaning bikes against historic structures.

Seasonal Notes

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant riding temperatures and wildflower displays in county plantings. Summer afternoons bring heat and thunderstorms that arrive quickly; check radar before a long out-and-back. Winter riding is possible when the path is clear of ice, but county maintenance prioritizes snow removal on roadways over trail surfaces—call ahead or inspect conditions after significant snow.

Leaf peepers crowd the trail on peak autumn weekends. If you prefer open sight lines for passing, ride early or on weekday mornings.

Nearby Trails and Resources

Anne Arundel County continues extending its trail network, including the Broadneck Trail project that will connect toward Sandy Point State Park. Baltimore's Jones Falls Trail and the Northern Central (Torrey C. Brown) Rail Trail in Baltimore County are longer crushed-stone options for riders seeking a different surface.

For e-bike class definitions and Mid-Atlantic trail etiquette, see eBikeQuest guides linked below. Verify Sandy Point State Park access separately if you plan to connect from future Broadneck segments—state park e-bike rules differ from county trail policy.