Signal other trail users with a bell when passing them. The trail can be crowded in the southern sections on weekends in the spring and fall. Potable Water Water is available at Sparks and Freeland year-round, and at Monkton seasonally. In the southern end, the trail follows the Big Gunpowder Falls and has views of pastoral settings and farm fields. Above Monkton, the topography creates narrow passages where the trail passes through rock outcrops with cool springs and abundant ferns.
Wildflowers decorate the sides of the trail in open areas.
A rapids area on the river creates variety in the scenery. President Lincoln traveled on it to deliver the Gettysburg Address. The rail line later served as a commuter train until the early 1970's when Hurricane Agnes destroyed the railroad. The trail visits quaint farm towns and passes by historic train stations at Monkton, Maryland and Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania. Park naturalists provide guided tours throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.