Sparks Bank Nature Center – Monkton Train Station loop from Manor
Sparks Bank Nature Center – Monkton Train Station loop from Manor
4.6
(1871)
16,809
riders
Sparks Bank Nature Center – Monkton Train Station loop from Manor
01:52
28.6km
350m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
11.3 km
Sparks Bank Nature Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
12.7 km
Glencoe Road Bridge Over Gunpowder Falls
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
20.9 km
Monkton Train Station
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
28.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
15.2 km
7.85 km
4.22 km
1.12 km
246 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
20.3 km
4.22 km
3.87 km
203 m
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Elevation
Highest point (190 m)
Lowest point (70 m)
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Weather
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Today
Monday 13 July
28°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a genuinely pleasant touring bicycle ride that combines history with natural beauty, the Sparks Bank Nature Center – Monkton Train Station loop from Manor is an excellent choice. This moderate 17.8-mile (28.6 km) route, with a gentle 1139 feet (347 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 51 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing or a family-friendly adventure.
What to expect on Sparks Bank Nature Center – Monkton Train Station loop from Manor
The route largely follows the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, built on a former railroad bed, which means you'll enjoy a smooth, crushed stone surface ideal for hybrid bicycles and accessible for all skill levels. As you cycle, you'll trace the Big Gunpowder Falls and Beetree Run, passing through diverse deciduous forests that offer ample shade. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, including various bird species and white-tailed deer. A highlight is the historic 1898 Monkton Train Station, a perfect spot to pause and soak in the area's past, or the Sparks Bank Nature Center for interpretive displays. The minimal elevation changes mean you can focus on the scenery without a strenuous workout.
Planning your visit
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is well-maintained and offers amenities like restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic areas. Parking is available at various access points along the trail, including near the Sparks Bank Nature Center and Monkton Train Station. Bike and tube rentals are also available at Monkton Station. This trail is suitable for cycling year-round, though the deciduous forests provide welcome shade during warmer months, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for a ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 17.8 miles (28.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 1139 feet (347 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 51 minutes
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