HomeMarylandBaltimore › Lake Roland Nature Council

Lake Roland Nature Council

4.7 ★★★★★ 836 Google reviews · Running trail in Baltimore, Maryland · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Lake Roland Nature Council's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendlyWaterTrailhead parking

Multifaceted green space with trails, pavilions, waterfront activities & an off-leash dog park.

What runners say about Lake Roland Nature Council

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (836 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Lots of well maintained and shaded trails with art installations along the man made lake.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“I have to honestly say that Lake Roland is DEFINITELY the Most Beautiful Park there is in the state of Maryland and also in Baltimore County.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Easy walk to see lots of wildlife - deer, geese, ducks, foxes, turkeys, etc.”

This park is a lovely hidden gem. Lots of well maintained and shaded trails with art installations along the man made lake. The small nature center was really interesting. They have a great playground for kids and a dog park. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

★★★★★ — Royia , Jun 2024

I'm a walker & Lake Roland is one of my favorite places to walk & sometimes just sit and enjoy the sounds of birds, children's laughter and the water falls.

★★★★★ — Carolyn , Jun 2025

Beautiful park with a waterfall and a few trails... Will highly recommend taking bug/bee repellent

★★★★★ — Gus , Jun 2025

Fun, free and fabulous views from hills, bridges over waterfalls and rivers. Huge covered picnic shelter for parties or a rain shower. Nature center indoors is great for the kids. Be advised that the walk from the parking lot is scenic but a bit of a hike.

★★★★★ — Peter , Jul 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 836 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“I have to honestly say that Lake Roland is DEFINITELY the Most Beautiful Park there is in the state of Maryland and also in Baltimore County.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 9 mentions

“Great place for picnic, great playground for kids, trails for little hikes and a dog park.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“Be advised that the walk from the parking lot is scenic but a bit of a hike.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Lake Roland Nature Council

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websitelakeroland.org
  • Phone+1 410-887-4156
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Lake Roland Nature Council

1000 Lakeside Dr, Baltimore, MD 21210

Get directions

Running trails near Baltimore

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Lake Roland Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 337 reviews

Baltimore, MD

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Relaxed park with playground and dog areas, plus hiking trails.

under a mile away

Jones Falls Trail North Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

Baltimore, MD

1.8 miles away

Cylburn Arboretum

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,538 reviews

Baltimore, MD

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Tranquil park features 20+ gardens, century-old trees, a nature museum & a Civil War-era mansion.

2.1 miles away

It's A Rock

4.6 ★★★★★ 48 reviews

Baltimore, MD

Scenic

Rock slab with a shallow slope offering a unique sitting experience, plus birdwatching options.

2.5 miles away

Stony Run Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 225 reviews

Baltimore, MD

ScenicDog-friendly

This 316-acre area with woods & meadows has trails, play fields, a fishing lake & other amenities.

2.6 miles away

Jones Falls Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews

Baltimore, MD

PavedScenic

Bicycling & hiking on a long, paved trail in a woodsy setting along the length of Jones Falls River.

2.7 miles away

All running trails in Baltimore, MD →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.