Route: Johnny's Route to Heaven (MD)

For exact details, route descriptions, more photos, and zoomed in maps, please visit my blog post: My Middle Aged Triathlon Journey: Johnny's Route to Heaven (dailytriathlondiscipline.blogspot.com)

For map details and to download other formats of the route, go here: https://caltopo.com/m/4VE5S

This route circumnavigates the Loch Raven Reservoir which is located in Baltimore County, MD.  It is approximately 10 miles north of Baltimore City and is a very popular hiking, running, fishing, and mountain biking destination.  I have been mapping the trails around the reservoir for several years and will be attempting to complete this run solo and unsupported on November, 22, 2023 in memory of my brother who passed away from ALS this year.  Based on my research, I have yet to find anyone to previously attempt this route or anything similar, and believe it would be a very popular FKT as word gets out that it is established due to its accessibility.

The trail is best completed in the Fall to Early Spring before the overgrowth of the forest makes some of the trails very difficult to run due to briars.  The route is a loop that begins and ends at the entrance to the Torrey S Brown Rail Trail located at Paper Mill Road.  There is ample parking in an adjacent parking lot and along the shoulder of Paper Mill Road to the East and West of the trail.  

The route requires some navigating but for the most part follows very established single-track trails, fire roads, and traditional roadways.  There is frequent water access via Loch Raven, which supplies the drinking water for Baltimore City and County, but I would recommend treating and/or filtering the water.  The route is divided into eight segments which are defined by the major roadway intersections with the route that will offer options for individuals that would like to attempt this route in a supported manner.