Horses & Hounds

Fox hunting events in Baltimore County carry on a tradition that British colonist Robert Brooke first brought to North America in 1650 when he settled in southern Maryland.

Beau Considine

Since Colonial times, fox hunters have swept across these rolling, grassy fields in a colorful pageant of horses, hounds and “hill toppers,” who prefer to watch and ride at a slower pace.

Drive through the rolling countryside to visit horse farms and experience equestrian events, deeply rooted in Maryland's history. Enjoy art, nature, fine dining, and wineries and breweries along the way.

BYWAY AT A GLANCE

Towson to Hunt Valley

Drive Time: 4 - 5 hours
Best Done in 2 - 3 Days
70 miles
Regions: Central Maryland
Best for: Girls’ Getaways, Romantic Getaways, Foodies, Horse Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, History Lovers, Relaxation

Amenities

Gas Stations

Food & Drinks

Accommodations

ATM

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Central Maryland

Explore Maryland

Horses & Hounds

Located 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.

TOWSON TO JACKSONVILLE

Including Cromwell Bridge Road, Glen Arm Road, Hydes Road, Dulaney Valley Road

Begin your journey at HAMPTON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, home of the Ridgely family whose passion for horse racing advanced Maryland's reputation as a center for the sport in the early 19th century. Meets of the Elkridge Hunt Club were held frequently at Hampton and the Maryland Hunt Cup steeplechase was run through Hampton’s fields.

Tour the main house and visit restored slave quarters and outbuildings, including the 1805 Hampton Stable, where free and enslaved Black men served as jockeys and groomsmen for the Ridgely family. Hampton National Historic Site is a NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD NETWORK TO FREEDOM SITE.

Return to the byway to enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive through rolling countryside dotted with stately historic homes and charming vistas. As you head north toward Jacksonville, consider a side trip to travel back in time to JERUSALEM MILL VILLAGE. See the historic mill, blacksmith shop and gun factory, and visitor center.

Back on the Byway, stop for lunch at THE SUNSHINE GRILL. After lunch, set your sights on BOORDY VINEYARDS in the Long Green Valley to sample wines amid rolling hills and beautiful stone barn and stable buildings. The sun-dappled coves of LOCH RAVEN RESERVOIR will be on your left as you continue northward to the heart of Maryland horse country.

JACKSONVILLE TO MONKTON

Including MD 146 and MD 138

Visit the site of early April’s ELKRIDGE-HARFORD POINT-TO-POINT, testing ground for the country’s best timber horses for over fifty years. Stop at LADEW TOPIARY GARDENS, which features 22 acres of sculpted shrubbery, 15 thematic flower gardens, and a historic manor house. Its popular Garden Glow, a showcase of creative jack o’lanterns and illuminated sculptures, is a must-see event.

Nearby is My Lady’s Manor where you can see the STEEPLECHASE race in April, or watch a Maryland Polo Club match on Fridays and Saturdays from June to September. Make a visit to INVERNESS BREWING, located on a former thoroughbred farm or enjoy a meal with locally sourced, organic ingredients at the MANOR TAVERN surrounded by equestrian and hunt country decor.

Soak in more scenic horse country while heading north. Consider a brief detour to see MANOR MILL, a restored grist mill that houses a fine arts gallery, a music venue and an artisan-driven gift shop. A short drive will take you to the perfect spot for a stroll or bike ride on the TORREY C. BROWN RAIL TRAIL.

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Boordy Vineyards in Hydes, Maryland.

Meander through 22 acres of topiary gardens, tour Harry Ladew's historic Manor House, or saunter along the Nature Walk to appreciate the beauty and charm of Ladew Gardens.

Hampton National Historic Site

Historic Jerusalem Mill, an 18th-century grist mill, is the heart of Jerusalem Mill Village, where events and programs showcase colonial cooking, blacksmithing, woodworking, a country store and more.

The Maryland Hunt Cup, a steeplechase race run on the last Saturday in April, has become a popular spectator event. Tailgating is a favorite way to watch the race.

MONKTON TO REISTERSTOWN

Including MD 138, MD 137, Trenton Mill Road, MD 128, Dover Road

Continue to Hereford and visit GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK. The scenic, rocky Gunpowder River gorge starts at the bottom of the PRETTYBOY RESERVOIR DAM and is a favorite for paddlers and fly fishermen, as well as hikers and bird watchers. Within the park, MILL POND COTTAGE, a cozy cottage tucked away in the woods, is the perfect spot to spend a peaceful night or two off-the-beaten-path.

GLYNDON/REISTERSTOWN TO HUNT VALLEY

Including Tufton Avenue, Worthington Avenue, Shawan Road

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.” Consider a stop at the MARYLAND HORSE LIBRARY AND EDUCATION CENTER to browse shelves on a variety of topics, from breeds to training methods, to riding disciplines and the history of horse sports. In addition to its non-lending, special collections reference library, the center offers a gallery, educational exhibits and programs.

As you continue along the byway visit the site of THE MARYLAND HUNT CUP, which is held every Spring in the Worthington Valley. Next up is a stop at the site of April’s thrilling GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE. On your way to SHAWAN DOWNS, a steeplechase course that hosts a series of equestrian events as famed for the tailgating as they are for the racing, you will 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.

Be sure to visit OREGON RIDGE NATURE CENTER AND PARK to enjoy trails and a pond area that affords birders excellent vantage points. Enjoy Maple Sugaring Weekend in February, concerts in the summer and fall events like the Honey Harvest Festival. The BALTIMORE COUNTY CENTER FOR MARYLAND AGRICULTURE AND FARM PARK provides hiking trails and “hands-on” educational opportunities.

Finish your day with dinner in style at THE OREGON GRILLE, a classic American steakhouse, located in a luxuriously renovated 19th-century stone farmhouse, featuring a menu of hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood. Extend your Maryland horse country getaway with a night at GRAMERCY MANSION, a historic Tudor Mansion peacefully secluded on 45-acres of gardens and woodlands.

Trip Tips

Steeplechase events primarily take place between April and September. Check the complete calendar at Maryland Steeplechasing.

The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail follows 19.7 miles of the former the Northern Central Railway (NCR) in northern Baltimore County - from Ashland, Maryland north to the Maryland-Pennsylvania line, passing through historic communities including Ashland, Phoenix, Monkton, White Hall, Bentley Springs and Freeland. Hikers, joggers, bicyclists, horseback riders and pets on leashes are welcome.

Shawan Downs is a first-class equestrian center that is home to the Legacy Chase.

It is a long-standing tradition in the Worthington Valley for the Greenspring Valley Hounds to meet at St. John's Church, Western Run Parish on Thanksgiving morning for the annual Blessing of the Hounds.

Sagamore Farm in Glyndon breeds, raises and trains Thoroughbreds with the goal of winning at horse racing's highest level. The farm's most famous equine resident was Native Dancer.

Trip Tip

As you hike, bike, or ride along the many trails on the Horses & Hounds Byway follow these guidelines for proper trail etiquette and obey the rules for electric bikes on state park trails.