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“Forgotten places, Do they wait for us to come and sit there?” – Architha Reddy
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In 2001 I came here with my then employer’s English Bulldogs to go for a walk. Back then, this place was a clustrofuck and anarchy of cars parked everywhere and I managed to bump the Jag on arrival and ended up leaving a ball of nerves, being intimidated by the whole situation. Fast forward to 9/5/19, giving this place another chance, being curious if anything has changed – I am here again.
It did wait for me….and what a change! I am not a firm believer of positive changes I guess.
There is no parking on either side of Lakeside dr. anymore thanks to these wooden posts. Speed bumps have also been installed through this quarter mile stretch, leading to the parking area. I am usually in favor of these yellow suspension killers but these are in need of a little shaving….poor Yoda was screeching over them, even after stopping to tackle their height. 
Rules of the park heading towards the lake from the compact parking lot. We have ignored the “pier” and followed the road back to the flood gate to the left.
Lake Roland is a 500 acre park with several easy trails as we demonstrated in previous posts. I found parking on Falls rd. still more convenient but until this day we haven’t seen the serenity of the lake.
Crossing the bridge over Jones falls leads us to the Nature Center and the beginning of the park. There is a small path behind the building that leads to the light rail and two option to head towards the park. We are heading up onto the right, following the railing dividing the path from the water.
On top of the hill the space opens up to a beautifully maintained park, circled by the paved trail.
We were pleasantly surprised to find Paw point dog park as we were proceeding on our walk but unfortunately needed a permit to enter. Mag got very excited seeing the other doggies playing around but we had to keep walking with disappointment.
Following the trail upward will take us to a right branch leading us to generous steps down into the woods.
Within a minute or two we are crossing the light rail. Being careful we look both ways, snap a pic then disappear on the other side.
Mag takes a selfie sitting on a stone wall.
We could go all the way to the Falls rd. entrance but turn around at the green trail marking and head back.
Climbing back up the steps gives us some much needed extra legwork, so I welcome the pain. Mag doesn’t seem that enthusiastic about it.
Keeping right at the top of the steps will take us back towards the playground and the pavilion.
This photo was taken on the foot bridge over Jones falls.
We have made it back after a leisurely 2+ mile walk which we could have stretched to 4 or 5 if we wanted to. Come early enough and you pretty much not going to see any people.
We’ll stick to Falls rd and will walk back here doing a big loop next time.
Have a great week y’all!
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The Longest Route 