Herring Run Park

3800 Belair Road

Herring Run Park is an urban oasis in Northeast Baltimore—375 acres of woodlands that extends 2.3 miles from Morgan State University to I-895. Originally conceived by the Olmsted Brothers in 1904, Herring Run Park was recommended as a stream valley park extension of Montebello Park (today the Lake Montebello recreation area). The land, while not suitable for other development, was seen as a destination for travelers seeking beautiful scenery and hikers seeking rugged terrain closer to the city. The park is defined by the Herring Run, a lovely stream which meanders through it.

Herring Run

A trail currently extends from the Halls Spring Area (Harford Rd & Argonne Dr.)  to Sinclair Lane, providing opportunities to walk or bike along the stream bed.  A full loop extends from Harford to Belair Road and the trail runs along the South side of the stream from Belair Road to Sinclair Lane. The Herring Run Park Master Plan includes  renovation and expansion of the trail including an underpass that will directly connect the Lake Montebello recreation area to Herring Run Park.  Multiple side hiking trails are available in the section of the park between Harford and Belair Roads.

The Halls Spring area is the most visited section of the park providing the opportunity for picnicking, enjoying a playground, a basketball half-court and views of the stream from a pedestrian bridge over Herring Run.   Father Hooper field (located off Chesterfield Avenue near Harford Road) is the site of numerous ball fields and is often a busy place filled with soccer players and lively games.

In the lower park, playgrounds are located at Brehms Lane and Chesterfield Avenue, and at Parkside Drive near Roberton. A little known section of the park extends behind the Armistead Gardens neighborhood.  This wild and largely unmanaged section of the park has an indulating landscape that reflects its former life as a city landfill.

Herring Run

Herring Run Park is a forested treasure in the middle of Baltimore City.  Great blue heron and white egret often can be seen fishing in Herring Run.  Fox are seen with some frequency and there is a growing population of deer.   Herring Run Park provides a marvelous opportunity for city children and adults to experience the natural world.

*******IMPORTANT HERRING RUN PARK UPDATE*******

Hall Spring access to Herring Run Park will be closed starting in mid-septemeber. No vehicular traffic will be allowed into the park at that location. The playground and basketball courts will be out of commission. In preparation for the removal of the Harford Road Bridge, major gas line work needs to be performed. Construction to install the BGE gas line will begin in September . Hall Springs park will be closed starting Mid-September through Winter 2018. Harford Road Bridge construction currently scheduled for January 2018.

Amenities 

  • Fishing
  • Birding
  • Three playgrounds
  • Historic Spring
  • Bathrooms
  • Half Basketball Court
  • Picnic Areas

In Proximity to...

  • Morgan State University
  • Clifton Park
  • Lake Montebello
  • Red Canoe Bookstore Café
  • Historic 1840's Church

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