Fun free weekend things to do in maryland - Loch raven Reservoir

As the weather becomes nicer as we ride out of the winter season, it is nice to be aware of what outdoor activities are available to you.  Loch Raven Reservoir is located about 25 minutes northeast of Baltimore City, and is a great way to get outdoors in a traffic free atmosphere. with great views of the water. Try to park at Providence Road and Loch Raven Drive, but if you get there too late in the morning (as we often do!) as there are very few parking spots, you will have better luck parking at the additional spaces at Morgan Mill and Loch Raven Drive. 
The actual closed off area of road measures about 3.7 miles, and it takes about 35 minutes to walk one length at a regular pace with a few stops for pictures and to appreciate the views. We went around 2 pm in the afternoon and it was not crowded at all, but enough to feel like you were not alone in your enjoyment of the outdoors. 

The road is closed to traffic on Saturday and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, and it is a great place to walk, ride your bike, bring the kids to ride their bikes, jog, or bird watch. There are also trails off the road that you can explore, as well as a small beach area where you can say hello to the geese and get a close up view of the water. You may also see a few couples setting up a hammock to relax, and a young family nearby setting up a picnic. 
Be aware that there are no facilities to go to the bathroom in the area, but it is a nice space to spend your time for a few hours. 

The view of the water is very refreshing, especially when you see the birds frolicking as you cross over the bridge, or the geese sunbathe or squawk on the distant grass as you walk by. You may even see some baby ducks lounging in the grass, as well. 

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Again, you can park at the Morgan Mill Road and Loch Raven Drive end if you go out later in the day.  There are more spaces at this end of the road as compared to at Providence Road and Loch Raven Drive.

Yes, you are walking on the road, but the views of the water and the rolling elevation make for a nice refreshing stroll. If you start your walk from Loch Raven Drive and Providence Road, your walk will start on a moderately steep downhill decline. If you start your walk from Morgan Mill and Loch Raven Drive, you also have a downhill grade but much less steep than from the other end. 

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Either way, a visit to Loch Raven Reservoir on the weekend between 10 am and 5 pm is worth a little trip to get a nice view of the water, the geese, the ducks, and the woods. You can also explore the side trails that are readily available.  If you have suggestions on how to enjoy this stretch of Loch Raven on the weekends, please share below!