mix of single-country lane roads roads surrounded and state by farmland drive type highways horses & hounds 70 Since Colonial times, foxhunters have swept across these rolling, grassy fi elds in a colorful pageant of horses, hounds and “hill toppers,” who prefer to watch and ride at a slower pace. miles from hunt valley to towson l ocated in an area traditionally known as “Hunt Country,” where fox hunts and steeplechase races are still a popular pastime, some of the farms you see during this relaxing drive across the beautiful Maryland countryside are also famous for producing Thoroughbreds that have raced on major tracks across America. The 300-acre Shawan Downs, a steeplechase course, hosts a series of equestrian events that are as famed for the tailgating as they are for the racing. Drive down the road to pass the 425-acre Sagamore Farm, a horse-breeding and training facility that was home to Native Dancer, a Thoroughbred that won 21 of 22 races and earned a spot on the cover of Time magazine. From there, you enter a land of graceful homes and rolling hills. The quaint 19th-century town of Glyndon was once a Victorian summer community. Nearby is the 1869 St. John’s Episcopal Church, whose traditions include a Thanksgiving “Blessing of the Hounds.” Continue up to Hereford and visit Gunpowder Falls State Park. The scenic, rocky Gunpowder River starts at the bottom of the Prettyboy Reservoir Dam and is a favorite for paddlers and fl y fi shermen, as well as hikers and bird watchers. In places, it parallels the bike-friendly Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. Monkton to Towson INCLUDING MD 138 & MD 146 Hunt Valley to Hereford INCLUDING TUFTON AVE., MD 128 & MD 127 After a meal in Monkton, continue to Ladew Topiary Gardens, which features 22 acres of sculpted shrubbery, 15 thematic fl ower gardens, a historic manor house and a “Groovin’ in the Grass” summer concert series. Polo is occasionally played on the grounds, while the My Lady’s Manor steeplechase is held nearby. Head south through Jacksonville, where a shopping center and many small stores are located, and then loop around the sun-dappled coves of Loch Raven Reservoir. Northeast of this spot, you’ll soon fi nd O I-83, the Oregon Ridge Nature Center’s trails and pond area a ord birders excellent vantage points. The new Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park provides meeting space and o ces in barn-style buildings, along with hiking trails and “hands-on” educational opportunities. 28 | maryland scenic byways
MD Scenic Byways Digital Guide: Page 28
