Loch Raven Reservoir

About Loch Raven Reservoir

Loch Raven Reservoir is located just a few miles north of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, south of Maryland.

The pristine landscape, surrounded by forests and hiking trails, has long provided relief from urban heat and humidity for Maryland residents. In 1915, the Loch Raven Dam was completed to provide more water to Baltimore, and the first dam and water tunnel were built to divert water from nearby Lake Clifton and Lake Montebello. In the summer of 1914, the entire city was flooded by a combination of heavy rains and flooding from the Chesapeake Bay and the construction of the dam.

In 1923, the dam was raised to 240 feet to meet the demands of the growing conurbation, and in 1934 to 300 feet.
Loch Raven Reservoir is doing an outstanding job of providing water to millions of people in Maryland, as well as the rest of the United States, Canada and Europe.

The fishing is excellent and Loch Raven Fishing Centre is a great place to try your luck in a variety of different fish species. The lake has a shooting range with various shooting ranges as well as a number of fishing and boat facilities. Visitors can also go fishing in rented boats or bring their own boats or rent boats from the parking lot of the lake.

Petrol engines are not allowed, so you need a rudder, paddle and electric motor, and a petrol engine does not allow a boat with a diesel engine, only an electric boat.

Joggers and backpackers will enjoy the half-gravel road bordered by the old Maryland-Pennsylvania railroad line. It is closed to cars so runners, cyclists, walkers and roller skaters can enjoy a smooth asphalt road with spectacular views of the water.

There are a few places where you can park your car and walk along the path, but it is completely flat and 25 miles long. Along the way there are a number of paths, some of which are fully open to the public, such as the one on the west side of the park.

On the way there are a number of small country shops where you can buy snacks and drinks, as well as a few restaurants and bars.

The deep green water behind the dam is reminiscent of Loch Ness, and the huge creatures beneath are most likely catfish.

Swimming is not allowed at Loch Raven Reservoir, but visitors can hire a canoe and glide through the canopy in the calm waters. The name "Loch Raven" sounds Scottish, the word "loch" is Gaelic for "lake" and "Raven" means "water" in English.