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Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 461 Google reviews · Running trail in Bel Air, Maryland · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ma & Pa Heritage Trail'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.
Scenic trail running through woods, streams, and hills, with a playground for kids.
What runners say about Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
“It’s a very clean trail, pretty much always fully shaded so even during hot days it’s comfortable.”
“For a great time, safely walk alone or with friends, on the scenic, winding Ma & Pa trail and take the opportunity to connect with nature, people & pets.”
“The MA & PA heritage trail is a great little trail running through the woods and streams of Bel Air Maryland.”
“There are benches to take a rest or just take in the beauty around you, the trail is nicely shaded.”
“It’s a nice and easy walk/trail for almost every age and dog friendly!”
Nice local trail that is great for the whole family. Great trail for walking, jogging, and biking. The dogs love the trail as much as their owners. There are benches to take a rest or just take in the beauty around you, the trail is nicely shaded.
The Ma and Pa Trail is a fantastic place to start your day or end your day by walking or biking enjoying nature. You meet the nicest people and dogs on the trail.
A scenic and beautiful trail, walkable all seasons of the year. I started walking this trail when it first opened decades ago. It’s beautifully maintained and evolves with the times.
This trail is relaxing. Mostly paved and gravel. Can easily do 7 miles max or cut it down to 2 to 3 miles. Not a looped trail. It's out and back. Excellent all seasons. My favorite time is fall. You can be chatty on the trail with others or just focus on your hike and walk in peace.
Trail conditions & character
“For a great time, safely walk alone or with friends, on the scenic, winding Ma & Pa trail and take the opportunity to connect with nature, people & pets.”
“This running, biking, dog and people walking trail is in Bel Air along the Maryland and Pennsylvania train route; it can be quite busy during the summer months.”
“There are a few steep inclines along the way that might be a challenge for strollers or bikes.”
“There are benches to take a rest or just take in the beauty around you, the trail is nicely shaded.”
“From southern part at Annie's to Tolgate is mostly paved except a small portion of the wetland there are two boardwalks/bridges.”
“It's relatively flat and fast with either paved/ smooth gravel paths.”
“Safe and easy family trail with beautiful scenery and easy parking and access.”
Plan your run at Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemapatrail.org
- Phone+1 410-638-3572
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6:45 pm |
Running trails near Bel Air
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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