Patapsco Valley State Park Reviews

Patapsco has great hiking and water activities. There is a great playground at the Hilton entrance. I hike there regularly with my family. Good picnicking areas as well.

Our family has visited this park countless times! We've had family reunions, a wedding or two, class reunions, field trips, birthday parties,etc. Our children and their friends love hiking and biking the trails, and then having lunch by the falls. It's a just wonderful resource, and so close by. We're very lucky to have it!

This morning we hiked the 2.1 mile out and back on the Cascade Falls Trail as that was what we had time for. Trailhead is in Elkridge, with parking on the side of the road. Beautiful scenery for winter. Hope to come back in spring or summer. We love a hike with a water feature! We wished we'd had our hiking boots, as it was a bit muddy and slippery in spots. Trail is also used by cyclists. According to Alltrails, there are lots of other trails in the area.

A great place to hike. There are several areas within this large state park. It has creeks and a river running all through. It is beautiful. There are areas to picnic and places to play, like the tire park.

Great park for running on trails. They have tons of trails for miles so it never.gets boring. Also a great place to hangout and fish/BBQ at a pavilion. But if your a runner great place to go make sure you look at the maps and don't get lost!

Stayed here for three nights to be near a convention we were attending in nearby Baltimore. Location was chosen for convenience, not amenities, so no complaints on that score. There was a water fill up station and a dump station on the way in/out, which is good since there are no other hookups. Site was small and not the easiest to get into but manageable for our 28 foot travel trailer plus pickup. Barely got the pickup off of the road and wiggled into our space. Narrow slot as well, good thing we weren't there more than an hour or so before bedtime each night. Easy walk to bathhouse, relatively clean but not spectacular. Facilities in bathhouse quite old and showing wear, more of the prison look than hotel look. Still, water was hot and available. If you simply need a place to park so you can enjoy other things in the area, I'm sure this will be just fine as it was for us. If we were looking to spend time in the park, time at the site... not so much.

I always prefer this my favorite spot for family & friends get together during summer. The shelters are provided with electricity. The rest room facilities are clean. This area also has kids play area which my daughter and friends love

This park features several hiking trails, several picnicking areas, playgrounds, and a river in which to swim. We hit the well marked trails and found a couple of them to be fairly challenging. These led to the river to some very nice views and a swimming area. The water where the swimmers were was 3’-4’ high in the deeper parts at the time of this writing, and 6-18” otherwise. The views off the trail were very nice, and I would highly recommend for someone that has some extra time on their hands!

This park is truly one of the finest and well kept Parks in Maryland.
Great place to celebrate any occasion.

This park is a gem. For those of us who live nearby it provides a nice array of hiking trails and access to the woods. A well-managed park.

This park has multiple parking areas stretching across it avast reserve. It has beautiful scenery, ample places to hike or fish, and plenty of wildlife. The park is very pet friendly, with lots of walkers taking their dogs out for the day.

There are information boards spread out across the reserve, but they lack a log detail and information about the area. I highly recommend that you conduct your research before going.

Patapsco Valley State Park is a great park.

It covers a huge landscape and has multiple hiking trails. It's beautiful both in the winter and the summer. Hiking, picnic-ing, biking, walking, running... you name it, you can do it here.

As a note, I usually park on Hilton Ave in Catonsville.

This is one of my favorite areas to hike, with so much natural beauty and many historic ruins. If you love beautiful old ruins as much as I do, then hike in the Daniels area and the old St. Mary’s College areas of the park.

I can't say it is one of the best parks, but it is decent for walking and relaxation.
Parks are near cities, so don't take a long to get there and enjoy your time.

This is actually a string of parks along the Patapsco river valley. Each area has its own character. All have great hiking. The Avalon area has remnants of the original 13 miles of track (you can find the original stone blocks with grooves for the rails still in places). It also has a historic stone arch rail bridge, old house, and foundations of industries from the 18th century. It also has a bridge you can hike across. The other areas have other river features and some have some steep hills to climb. All also have pavilions for cook-outs to rent and kid play areas. Some have some open areas for baseball. You can find more details at the maryland park service web site.

A paved riverside path, suspension bridges plus wonderful hiking trails featuring streams, cascades and natural beauty.

Went there for a school picnic the picnic area is great and the playgrnd is too. Plus, the area is wooded, which you can embrace the great outdoors with.

This beautiful park is an oasis. Excellent hiking trails from easy to challenging. You can hike and bike on a trail or along a paved path. Great mountain biking, a swinging bridge and a hike up to falls are among the popular activities at this park. You can also float down the wide stream in a tube. There are picnic, camping and bathrooms that help to make this a versatile fun outdoor experience.

This park extends 32 miles along the Patapsco River covering 16,000 acres of recreation fun for hiking, cycling (mtn), running, fishing, camping, horseback riding, canoeing and picnicking. Over 200 miles of trails to fulfill your fun time. There are various entrances into the park so do a little research before going. The views are great! I hike in the Daniel Area and the fall foliage was beautiful. The parking lot holds maybe 6 or 7 cars. I did not see any other spots to park. This parking lot is the beginning. As I mention there are other locations of getting into the park. But it is definitely worth the trip. Enjoy!

What a surprise as we visit from California to our daughter in Maryland. BEAUTIFUL!!! We took our Granddog for a walk here!!

We spent a Sunday afternoon hiking the park and wished we'd had more time. Though the trails could have been marked a bit more clearly and there were not many services in the portion of the park we saw, the day was enjoyable. The suspension bridges and trails with different levels of difficulty were fun to explore. I'd recommend for hikers, walkers, runners, people with dogs, and bicyclists. It's not far from the Guiness brewery, another great spot outside Baltimore!

I had a chance to take a late autumn hike with my brother and sister in law. It was a Monday so the trails were not crowded. The short hike we went on was pretty challenging as one had to hike up and down to get to a former dam on the river.

The trails could have been better marked. There is not much at this state park. There is a nice overlook by the campground area. The park also needs better maps. At least it was easy to social distance at this state park and cheap to get in.

I'd consider Patapsco a great place for families or the slightly more serious hiker looking to explore. There's the paved Grist Mills Trail along the river featuring two suspension bridges. If you're looking for more quiet hike with some interesting old structures, start with the Cascading Falls Trail, go along the Ridge Trail, and loop back to the Cascading Falls Trail on the Morning Choice Trail. It's a nice loop that's great for a peaceful day hike.

Pock a fine weather day ad you'll enjoy climbing up and over paths and trails.Sounds of teh stream and wildflowers adds to the enjoyment

My family spent a wonderful morning at the park. We parked near the swinging bridge and took a short hike up the hillside to the Cascade Falls. We then crossed over the bridge and walked down to the river where everyone waded out into the water. Everyone had a great time. My son and his family have already been back to the park for another day of fun and adventure.

Many different sections of patapsco, they are not all connected. This place is vast and worth exploring on kayak, mountain bike, trail running and hiking. It's a shame someone in power didn't stop housing developments over the years, too many cul de sacs creep into the park. Enough complaining, there are so many trails, paved and dirt you can go back time and time again and always discover a new section somewhere. I can run for hours in there and see maybe 1-2 other people.
Spend time on google Earth looking for sections and mapping out routes.

I've been away from Maryland for many years. One of the first things I did was take a hike down to the river with my girlfriend and her kids...the water as crystal clear and everyone had a great time. The only downside comes from those who don't care enough about the environment to take their trash with them...

During our visit the fall foilage was in its' full beauty, we visited the Ruins of the Female Institute and found the history and building beaufitul. It was amazing to walk through, and could be a pleasure for those interested in hiking.

It is hard to believe this stretch of preserved forest and tumbling water running runs though both commercial and residential areas of land. Walking or hiking and even camped out in the dense forest there is no sense of anything but the quiet beauty of natural beauty around you. With easy access from several entrances, it is just a few minutes from suburban life. Day picnics on grassy greens, wading in the cool waters, hiking along the river or on part of the original B&O railway are just a few things found at the lower entrance just off of Route 1.
The main entrance listed on the Official Web Site is also the entrance for RV or tent camping sites in the forest just to the south of Route 40.
The park is clean, has fresh drinking water and electric hookups. Pets are permitted in many areas on leash. Since we used to live close by, we went on "stay cations", going to work and coming back to our camper for a week at a time. Dinner on the grill in the woods was so refreshing it turned a routine work week into an event.
If you like the feel of nature combined with history, you will love it. You will not believe suburban life is just a short drive away.

Good park for barbecues and family gathering grills trails neat chill out areas parties whatever you'd like to have
Its a good spot

There are different ways to enter the park to take you to different areas. The damn is very cool and the swinging bridge is awesome and scary at the same time. lots of trail and picnic areas. Pavillions can be rented.

We parked in the Orange Grove area and walked over the swinging bridge onto Grist Mill Trail (an asphalt trail that runs along the river and railroad tracks) We then went through one of the tunnels and took Vineyard Spring Trail (through the woods) and then transitioned over to Santee Branch Trail and eventually met one of the park roads which eventually led us back onto Grist Trail. The round trip took about 2 hours including a few pauses for pictures. It was beautiful. The trails through the woods are narrow can get a little crowded especially with both hikers and bikers. I absolutely loved the old swinging bridge and tunnels. Next time, we are going to check out the Cascade Falls trail which begins at the same parking lot near the bridge. There really are a lot of trails to choose from for all levels of hiking.

Nice little park with places to camp, BBQ, hike. The Patapsco River valley makes for some solid hiking with mostly easy to moderate trails. Great getaway from the city and suburbs.

You won't find the most breathtaking scenery in the world here, but bring a wide-angle lens anyway because this little pocket of Maryland can surprise you.

I was coming back from running errands. My son was with me in the backseat playing with my phone. I saw the sign for the park and decided to follow them. I asked for a map and proceeded to drive as it was my first time. I liked the play grounds my 10 yr old wasn't interested but then we saw a walking couple that suggested the rapids.
With a few kids fishing off rocks and low water due to heat and intermittent rain rapids were low and the water walkable and calm mostly. I watched a grand daddy on his phone while watching his prevteen grand kids and a family who sat on a Persian rug sharing a picnic, a retired couple pointing out a crane and it was nice. Nothing great to travel out of the way if I were a tourist but living in howard county for 4 years I was sad I didn't visit sooner. It's a nice place to host a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. A nice pause after a hectic day.

It was difficult to enjoy the tranquility of the woods when all one could hear was the ear shattering noise of a stereo system blasting from the picnic shelter. The noise lasted for the entire 2 hours we were hiking and we finally left in disgust. Of note, mountain bikers nearly ran us off the 'hikers only' trail on several occasions, so I assume there are no rules that are enforced by those who chose to destroy the beauty of the outdoors for those who really ventured far to enjoy the afternoon.

The park was very popular on a Sunday so don't go there if you are looking for solitude. Even so, the walk through the forest is very pretty and the river is just the right temperature to sit with your feet in the water. If I'd brought a swimsuit I would have gotten all the way in. It is a relaxing place to stroll and relax. In the future, I'd like to go on a weekday when it might be less crowded.

I've to this park plenty of times and each time i feel like i discover something new. There's tons of stuff to explore and to see.

We stayed in a "camper cabin" in the Hilton Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park for one night on our way to the east coast. We chose the camper cabin because a one-night stay isn't enough to warrant setting up our tent, but we'd prefer to be in nature than in a hotel.

The sites are much farther apart than in most campgrounds, and are nestled in the trees. There is a much greater sense of privacy than in most campgrounds (including state parks) and you don't feel like you are sitting on top of your neighbors.

The ranger who checked us in was nice and knowledgeable about the local plant life. The cabin was clean and pleasant. The beds set a new standard for the word "firm," however, and if I were staying longer I would have inflated an air mattress

The place definitely felt woodsy. It was fairly private. rangers were nice. We explored the recycled tire playground which was cool.

I'd definitely return, and I wish we had more time to explore the place.

Very nice park with a scenic trail, the Cascade Trail. A bit of a scramble past boulders, but the trail was well marked and my 6 year old son really enjoyed it.

Patapsco State park is more than one area.There are 6 distinct areas.I have to say that the Avalon area is my personal favorite.You have a nice playground with pavilions.A lake for kids to fish in .A drive through a tunnel to picnic areas that is apart from all the rest of the park.lots of trails including one that runs next to the river.A suspension bridge across the river with great views.Back behind the comfort station where the bridge is located is a very nice little waterfall.And this is only one area of the park.

This park is gorgeous! It's huge! There are many pavilions. Each one is fully equipped for onederful functions. It's clean and there is plenty of parking.

We pulled up to the camp at 12:30, two and a half hours before check-in, and we were not allowed to enter at all! We were not allowed to even walk the trails! What a bad first impression to give your customers!

The Patapsco park system follows the Patapsco river from sykesville to Baltimore with many areas that are connected only by the river. The areas vary greatly in offerings and the experience will also. Some like the Mckeldin, Rt 40, and Elkridge/Illchester area have complete offerings from picnic areas to ball fields to restrooms while others like the Daniels areas barely offer a parking.

The cleanliness, upkeep and monitoring varies also so research the specific area if your not familiar.

The Patapsco is a somewhat senic river but it suffers from years of neglect. Sections are still littered with debris from hurricane Agnes in 1972. If they want to truly make a park centered on the river than spend some time, effort and dollars and clean it up.

We've kayaked from Woodstock to Daniels and the scenery and remoteness is lovely but ruined by submerged car tires. The debris below Ellicott city is even worse...lookout for rusting metal !

The trails there can accomodate the light walker to the moderate hiker if you are up for a challenge.

Patapsco Valley Park has many sections and many attractions, making it a great park for everyone. The range of hiking trails, and their interconnections, create the opportunity for hikes, runs, or mountain bike trips of many lengths. Don't miss the Cascade Trail if you like waterfalls! Playgrounds, a small lake, swinging bridges, picnic areas, a visitor center, paved paths for strollers or wheelchairs...The park offers something for everyone!

Hiking to the falls with two young boys on an afternoon was a lot of fun! Trails were poorly marked (for example, there were three different paths that were all marked blue without descriptors or names to differentiate) but well kept and beautiful to hike along! People were friendly and we would come back but bring a trail map with us.

We've been to the part out by Rt 1 for church picnics and it's good for that. Nice paviliion, though the parking is inadequate. We also go the part up on Marriottsville sometimes which is quite different in nature. Mostly wooded with a lot of small pavilions. We like it. Quiet. No alcohol allowed, which is too bad; it'd be a nice place to sit outside and drink wine.

There are two sections, the McKeldin section and the Avalon section- the latter is closer to Baltimore and has the famous Thomas viaduct and the swnging bridge.

it needs a bit more , it has a nice river , but still feels dated like its seen better days, a bit too much of the same for my liking

This was my first time at Patapsco Park. The trail was beautiful and followed along the river. This is a great place to hike, a haven in the middle of suburbia.

This park has a destination worthy disc golf course. Has lots of port a potties. I only mention this because the damn app now insists my revives have a certainty m amount of characters!😖

Its gorgeous, I wish i did not have such a crazy fear of copperheads and snakes, I would have loved to live in Ellicott city catonville area.

Lots of great trails, both paved & unpaved, great views, great history (railroads & industry). Lots of bike trails. Very few areas where you can take dogs. Limited wheelchair access.

Going to Patapsco State Park is one of my favorite ways to spend the day! There are several different trails you can take, all of which are marked with signs explaining if they are for hiking, biking, horseback riding, etc. The park is very well kept, and the forest is so tranquil. I love spending time in the river! Most parts of the river are calm and shallow-perfect for little kids to play in. The river is crystal clear! There are some pavillions and a play area for kids. Great spot for a picnic lunch! The trails are nicely shaded and provide a great landscape for excersing. I would recommend getting a year-long pass which is $75. If you plan on just stopping by a few times, the price is $3 per person.

the gorge is so beautiful in the autumn but this area of PVSP is a wonderful respite from the suburban hubbub any time of year. the trails are steep but well-maintained and the rangers are terribly friendly. try camping here!

Although the park is a favorite for serious runners and mountain bike enthusiasts, the 2+ mile paved path along the Patapsco River is a delight for even the most leisurely stroller. You can enter the park at the Elkridge entrance and gaze up at the massive stone Thomas Viaduct. Built in 1833 it is the first multispan masonry bridge constructed in the United States to be built on a curve. It is the world's second oldest railroad bridge still in use (the oldest is the Carrollton Viaduct located a few miles north) and is the world's largest multiple arched stone railroad bridge built on a curve. The path that begins at the visitor center proceeds up a gentle incline along the placid Patapsco -- past ruins of mills that were destroyed in historic floods, picnic areas and for now, the rushing waters over the Blode Dam (it's scheduled to be demolished in the near future). The trail ends at a swinging bridge over the Patapsco at what little remains of the old town of Ilchester. Here you can turn around and enjoy the ease of a down hill walk back to the south entrance for a total distance of 5 + miles on the paved path. Keep your eyes out for blue herons and an occasional bald eagle.

We decided upon a 5-6 mile hike on a warm Saturday in July. The park was busy but once we found a place to park and got over the first hill, the crowd was behind us. I was surprised how busy the playgrounds and picnic areas were. It’s a well used park. If you are interested in the facilities, check if reservations are available for the picnic area of your choice.

The trails are well marked with paint slashes and some signs. But pull up a map on your phone, just for the redundancy. Another good idea is to take a picture of a trail map to reduce the chance of getting lost.

The park had a nominal cost on this busy Saturday. There were a number of rangers directing traffic; but I can’t image that is needed every day.

This is a very pretty park with good facilities.

It is a really nice park that has great trails, including some that are gently sloping and paved! The Grist Mill Trail is our favorite.

Nice quiet park, just out side of Baltimore City. It gets a little crowded on the weekends, and the pavilions go fast

Beautiful, breathtaking views, lovely for runners, walkers, hikers, & of course bikers too. :) Free for active duty military, $2 entrance fee so not expensive anyway & it goes towards the various beautification projects), clearly-marked trails, pleasant, just a nature enthusiast's dream come true!

Nice place to camp with friends or family. Numbered sites with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Rangers drive by the sites regularly. No alcohol allowed - kind of a bummer. Shopping for supplies is nearby, so you won't have to tote a lot of supplies until you get near the Park. Nice hiking trails and Patapsco River is nearby as well. I suggest you bring your own wood for the campfire - they do sell bundles of it here - but, it's gonna cost ya! Restrooms are conveniently located in a central area to all sites.

For the locals, Patapsco is a great place to take a walk or a hike. Frequently, Park Rangers give very good guided hikes and or talks for free. The park even has camping facilities(I have never used)which look neat and clean(and pretty setting).

Take the long trail - you will be amazed at the beautiful terrain changes as you take in the 7 miles of visual candy.

My boyfriend and I did a afternoon/ early evening walk here. This is my 3rd time coming but the two other times were in fall and winter when it was much quieter. It was slammed with people. I was looking for a quiet nature hike but what I got was crowds and noise. From the parking lot there was a family having a birthday party. Their kids were playing in the parking lot (despite there being great places to play). Their music was so loud I could hear it on the trail. People are trashing the trails at one point I saw a used diaper sitting on a rock as well as candy wrappers. About halfway through our walk some teenagers were blasting music on the trail. In general I got an overall vibe that the people there didn't have much respect for nature or other people. Will return just not in summer time there are better places to hike.

Beautiful campground. Lots of space between camp sites, making it very peaceful. Make sure to unhook your tow vehicle at the gate, because there’s not much room to do it at the campsite.

Great trail length and scenery, absolutely beautiful sunsets and overall a great hike. I personally would recommend this trail for anyone visiting Maryland or are looking for a chill day

The railroad trek was beautiful even in freezing cold. We did a 2.5 hours trek alongside Patapsco river.

We started exploring this great state park late last year, and it is making us want for more warmer days so we can really get to those hiking trails. We went through the entrances on Woodstock Road and Daniels Area (no entrance fees). The latter has a dam (great photo opp!) and a great place for fishing. The former has no parking and you will have to park on the road. Plenty of swimmers come down this way in the summer so parking may be an issue. Unfortunately, some areas have litter and stamped out unauthorized campfires so the cleanliness could be better. There is also graffiti on some of the walls of rundown buildings. Nevertheless, it's good to have so much nature that's within a few miles from where we live.

You can spend all day on the trails out here, but I would download the AllTrails app so you can keep track of where you are. We got hiking on a trail and did not realize that it was a 6 mile trail before it connected with another one. There were lots of bikers on the trails, most of them are narrow so you will have to move over when bikers are coming through. Trails are well marked on the trees, but since these trails are so long, I would never do this on my own.
Unfortunately, there is an entry fee per person to come to the park – fee includes weekends and holidays

Nice place for hiking and scenery. Very little parking and roads very narrow: be careful! Would recommend for family time.

So far I have only explored the Hilton area of this park. I hiked both the buzzard's rock and saw mill trails. Reasonable price for entry (3$ per person on weekends) and plenty of parking on a busy Sunday. We had a hard time finding the entrance to the trails and in finding a posted map. Luckily I had a map on my phone which I would recommend as a lot of the trails cross - it helped a lot. Restrooms were clean and everyone we passed on the trail quite friendly.

Buzzard's rock trail is easier counter clockwise. You get to traverse some very steep rocks on this trail. Saw Mill trail had a cool little segment where you traverse over large rocks in the stream. Really enjoyed both.

Looking forward to exploring more of this park in the future.

Miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty for hiking, biking, horses. The Patapsco river is nice, has been cleaned up and provides for fishing and swimming. There are pavilions to be rented for outings as well in some areas. Can be crowded on weekends and holiday, but that's because it's such a great place! During the week, I can hike 12 miles and maybe not see anyone at all. Other times, I've seen organized hikes of kids to seniors! Very diverse and dynamic. Parking can be tough in places...so watch out for parking tickets!

We've only been once and I can see why it is so highly rated - the Avalon area has a very kid friendly river that's close to the parking lot and bathrooms, a pretty bridge and nice hikes.

I only want to note that the hikes to the Cascade falls and beyond are signed but in a very confusing manner. We went on a 3-4 mile loop but I think we ended up returning on the mountain bike path and were almost run over a few times. Use your phone GPS to navigate.

Also the parking lot seems small, we went on a weekday afternoon in 80 degree weather and it was almost full.

This is a lovely trail full of twists and turns with small and medium waterfalls that runs along a creek that you'll have to cross a few times. It's a bit rocky with roots along the way, and provides a lot of variety with short ups and downs (however most of it is relatively flat on packed dirt). It's pretty popular, so it's best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

I have hiked, camped, stayed in mini-cabins, cycled and explored most of the areas of his vast park. There is distinct history including railroad, manufacturing and areas that were makeshift campgrounds 100 years ago.
It is a greenway park, following the river watershed, with pockets of areas designed for use. Those pockets are sources or parking and amenities. If you seek to visit the narrower areas you will have difficulty finding parking and easy access. That is a practical fact about any greenway park design. The park protects the riparian river lands, and in those narrow areas recreation is not the primary objective.
Those pockets include playgrounds, picnic shelters for small and large groups, camping areas, designated historic sites and much more. Visit their website for details.
You will increasingly love this incredible vast park the more you explore this resource.

Patapsco (River) State Park stretches Howard through Baltimore counties and has a variety of trails from meadows and cliffs at Meckeldin in the west to the river side paths in Avolon to the east. You have to look at the Map to appreciate the variety. Mountain bike, dog, an shores friendly with Handicap access to fishing. We also enjoy snow shoeing at Mckeldin when we get a foot of snow or so. I have enjoyed Patapsco for 15 years and still look forward to the next hike or walk with the dog. bring $2.00 per person for the park entry fee which when the gates are not attended, collected on the honor system. Fair Wind and Safe Travels Captain Rob

Patapsco State park has several distinct areas, however I visited the Avalon area recently. An old style swinging bridge leads you to a variety of paved and dirt trails with some wide enough for small groups, others very narrow. Paved trails are nearly perfectly flat for a leisurely stroll or bike ride with other hiking dirt trails can be challenging and rugged. One can see the Patapsco river from many areas of the trail and it is not uncommon to see waders in the river and along a shoreline. Cascade falls is a rather small waterfall with a shallow basin best suited for younger children wanting to play in a splash pool, or a casual photograph. Overall, not a bad visit for a day trip.

Be sure to hike to the falls and cross the walking brindge over the river. Lots of great little things to explore, such as the train tracks and old train viaduct.

This is a surprisingly large green space given its location between DC and Baltimore. But roads cut through it an in the end, you never feel far from urban development. This is considered a top area trail network for mountain biking, but I found the trails rather artificial and underwhelming.

This park is so convenient to our home and has great ammenities. The river is refreshing, there is a lake with many different kinds of wild life, birds galore, a real "SWINGING BRIDGE", great biking & hiking trails & many playgrounds for the kids.

Great hiking and world class mountain biking.....enjoy! Like everything about the park, its diversity, smooth hiking paths for those not inclinded to rough it a bit....

Well maintained hiking trails surrounded by trees, creeks, streams, lovely rock formation and some open fields. This lovely park spans 3 counties and offers an excellent location to exercise while experiencing the beauty of nature.

Went for an easy hike in spring and was pleasantly surprised by how big and beautiful the park is. Have been meaning to go back since it is so close. There are various entrances to the park and several picnic areas, hiking, biking and walking trails. Overall it could be a park one can visit from spring to fall and it would be beautiful in all seasons.

Camped in the Hollofield area in the lower loop. Should have picked our spot more carefully because, even though it's quieter than the upper portion of the campground, it's very far uphill to the bathhouse. There is a porta potty, but I'm no fan of those. But the site was clean and level with a picnic table and fire ring. The camp host is near the bathhouse, so if you want to buy wood you might want to drive. The bath house was adequate but tired looking. One sink was backed up the whole stay.
There is a fabulous new playground my daughter loved playing on. A short hike nearby takes you to the river. If you're interested in the swinging bridge or the falls, it's several miles away, maybe a 20-minute drive. If you are camping, admissions to that area is free.

It's not a bad place for some mountain biking. Not a whole lot of biking trails but the few that there are, are pretty nice. without a trail map it's very easy to get lost

We camped at Hollofield Campground, which was our base for visiting Baltimore. This is a lovely, wooded campground which provides lots of privacy with well-spaced campsites separated by the trees. The bath houses were well kept up and there was a campground host. We didn't spend much time at the park itself, but drove in and out the 20 minutes to the city to visit attractions there. With our Maryland State Parks senior passes ($10 lifetime) entry was free, and the campsite, which included electricity, was only $17 a night. This is a wonderful value for a senior on a budget wanting to stay near an urban area!

Stayed at site 406 in the electric loop of the park. It was perfect, right accross the street from the bathhouse and water spigot for my tank. Sites are nice size and well kept. Stay there every year for the M3 concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion and it never lets me down.

Great for bikes, strollers, walkers, runners and hikers! The main path at Avalon area is well sized and starts out paved for at least 2 miles. We found visiting the historical markers in the park to be worthwhile. They were interesting.

just go!!
it is an area gem.
what do i ask for when it is my turn to be celebrated... and it is nice outside?
''can we go hiking at patapsco?''
my favorite present!!
there are all kinds of trail choices... long or short.
what a wonderful way to really enjoy being outside!!
take water alongwith you or leave it waiting for you in the car.

I love this park and it's wide open Pavillions We had a church picnic there this year as well as my Masonic organizations annual picnic. The only issue consistently here is the long lines at the gate. It has sometimes taken over thirty minutes just to get into the park. They need to figure this out!!!

Howard County Parks and Recreation do an excellent job keeping this park rustic while making it accessible. They maintain it beautifully. There is a treasure trove of variety from picnicking for many group sizes, to camping or cabin renting, to swimming, to tubing, to swinging from a tire swing before taking a plunge. The trails are beautiful but not overly structured. Great for hiking, biking, fishing, and bow hunting. Some parts are dog friendly and some are not. I've seen owls, fox, deer, snakes, chipmunks, and squirrels. I love the smell of camping fires when the weather gets cold. I hike there nearly every day. It's God's house.

It is super convenient to visiting Frederick, Historic Ellicott City, Baltimore and Washington, DC. So if the family is camping for a week, there are some major historic sights and great food at every price point to be enjoyed. Lots of culture, too.

This is a huge Park near Baltimore, Maryland. It spans a large area, and allows for many types of activities. Our favourite activity to do here is hiking. There are many good trails, but my favourite is the Cascade Falls Loop, which brings you to a small series of falls just off the main creek. Parking can be hectic depending on what time of year it is, and what entrance you decide to head to.

My fiancé and I enjoyed ourselves. We fished, crawfish hunted, swam, and just walked the trails. We booked a cabin which was nice. It's nothing bad I can say about this place. It's absolutely gorgeous. Will upload pictures.

Overall great place to walk your dog and enjoy a family walk in the evening. There is a nice place to let you dog swim (natural swimming area by the tunnel that is about 20x20 wide. Our Weimarner could easily stand up, but he mostly enjoyed chomping at the water.

The only thing that was annoying were the large amounts of trash left by gross people on the weekends when they would swim in the river.

This is a great place to go hiking, have a family day trip, see nature, etc. I highly recommend to anyone with kids or dogs.

I moved to Maryland two summers ago and have enjoyed Patapsco immensely. My first experience was on a 10 mile trail run that took us up hills, along a river, over bridges and along history. The scenery certainly made for a relaxing and enjoyable run among the trees. Since the first time I went I've returned to hike and bike as well. The park is always clean with the facilities kept up well making for a great afternoon out. I'd recommend Patapsco to anyone wanting a slice of Maryland without having to drive too far from DC or Baltimore.

Went to hollofield area, paid $15 for my family to enter and was very disappointed!there were a few pavilions. The walk Down to the water was extremely steep and impossible for kids to walk. Elderly and children wouldn't be able to access the river. When you reach the river there are no facilities, no place to sit or bathroom. We also went to Daniels area where there were tons of people playing extremely loud music. Again, no place to sit and relax with a family. There was a nice walking path at the Daniels area by the river but that's about it. It was not at all what I expected and would not recommend it.

There are two sections to this park along the Pataspco R. One near Ellicott City has fishing and hiking while the McKeldin area off Marriotsville Road just across the Howard County line has picnic areas, fishing, horseback riding and many trails of varying levels.

I live five minutes from the park. I have fished, hiked and camped here. At times the park is only a half miles wide but is 33 miles long. It is truly a hidden gem. My only problem currently with the park the large numbers of immigrant park users who come to the park to enjoy the river but don't pack out their trash. The park is trying to address these issues and it seems to be a cultural issue.

We visited for the first time early in March before heavy social distancing. The day was absolutely beautiful with temperatures in the high 50s and the trails were dry. We took the Union Dam Trail which was steeper than I expected. While I had a walking stick, I longed for my second one to maintain balance on the tall, uneven steps. We enjoyed the gurgling river and walking along the railroad tracks, as well as seeing an occasional friendly dog. Fortunately, we found a longer but more gentle way back that routed us through a one lane traffic tunnel. Enjoy the park.

We spent the weekend here camping. The park was well maintained with very clean restrooms and shower facilities. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful. The park has a good variety of sites that are well separated for privacy. All sizes of camping RVs and tents can be accommodated in this campground. 30 amp electric is available on some sites with a central water source and dump station. It is a good place to camp if you are visiting Baltimore.

Now living in Florida it was quite a treat to hike on an Autumn day on varied terrain. Dog friendly we had our trusty companion along and she also enjoyed our hike. Paths were pretty easy to follow. We stopped and had lunch beside a stream. Just a perfect day!!

We live near the park and love having it so close and easily accessible with many different entrances. We have also been there for scheduled work picnics and used the pavilions. The jungle gym equipment is good for kids, there are many pavilions and bike trails. People also go and wade in the water!

This park was a surprise! It is a hidden gem. They prefer reservations. We did not have but called to find out if they had an overnight space with electricity. A "LIVE" person answered the phone 443-534-1762 and checked spaces to verify they would have room if we arrived within 3 hours. We were greeted at the gate by a Park Ranger so it is not an open park. If you are not staying there, you are not allowed inside this area. There is a security password to enter the gates for camping and a campground host. The spaces do NOT offer sewer or potable water hookups, but there is a water station near the entrance to take on water and a dump station on the exit.The camp host sells firewood.There are 4 accessible sites for persons with disabilities.

We arrived following a 3-day weekend and checked in easily using a major credit card. The $30 fee was for a site with 30 amp electric. All sites we saw were very level, clean, well-spaced, and were gravel filled. The campground was quiet and all we heard were forest sounds. It was lovely!

The negative comment I would like to offer is that the drive into the campground is a 10% + grade and very narrow, but short. Unless your rig can pull such a hill, I would be wary of going there. It is almost straight up a hill which means when exiting you have to have equal brakes on the downgrade. The spaces are placed in such a manner that you have a screen of woods between yourself and the other spaces. It was quiet, relaxing and offered lots of hiking trails.

The shower and restroom facilities are very dated but serviceable. They were clean. They are "locker room" style. The shower is a private stall, but the dressing area is open.

There are great trails in the Patapsco Park, especially in the Avalon area. You can walk along the river, in the woods and to a Cascade Falls. There are cookout areas you can reserve. Playgrounds for children and real restrooms.

Have hiked here on a few occasions with my family. Kids liked the easy hiking trails but be careful as there are copperheads! The Fall foliage is beautiful here and there are lots of areas to run and play.

aggresively trying to ban all e-bikes any way they can.....no signs anyway saying no e-bikes, just am aggresive enforcer that could have been more diplomatic about it

can't say enough about Patapsco State Park! All of the sections of the park are worth the trip with a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, or finding a quiet spot next to a stream. To find trails, Google the section you plan to visit.

Unseasonably warm and mostly sunny, so took the afternoon off and took our kayaks to get some paddle time above Daniels Dam. Busy, few parking spaces, so many no parking signs. Nice put in, and good day on the water. Saw kingfisher, bald eagle, hawk, geese, ducks, and turtles.

We stayed at the Hollofield campground over the 4th of July weekend, 2014. Thursday and Friday were beautiful and my wife and I commented on how this was one of the best campsites we've stay at with our 16' travel trailer. All the sites were clean and equally appealing with flat gravel pads that drained well and large fire pits with grill surfaces to cook on. Bathroom facilities were adequate Thursday and Friday but when Saturday rolled around there was a line to use the shower. There were only two stalls and many campers took very long showers despite being aware of the long line of people waiting for them to finish.

Speaking of Saturday, this is when the the park lost 2 stars from what would have been a perfect score. The campground rules state music cannot be played louder than what you can hear in your own site. The campers obeyed this law but all day long we heard booming rave/hiphop music coming from a nearby neighborhood. The campground host said there was nothing that could be done about it and it happens on every holiday weekend. The music can be clearly heard everywhere in the campground. We left and did some hiking only to return in the afternoon to the music still going on. It didn't stop until late in the evening. The couple in the campsite next to us left early because of the music.

The park is fairly large and accessible in 4 locations. I have hiked all of the maintained trails, most are easy with a couple that are moderate. The only quirk is that some trails are use by the off-road bicyclist, who have the right-of-way. Most will give adequate warning and even slow-down. There are the occasional few that will just fly-by you with little warning.

My wife and I visited this park several times on a recent business trip to the area. Regardless of your level of fitness, there is a hiking trail in this wonderful park to suit you. We hiked several miles while there across a number of the established trails. The trails are all well maintained and very well marked with colored blazes. You can download a map of the variety of trails from the park website.

One of the park rangers was there on our first visit and he gave us a very nice history of the area. He setup near the restrooms adjacent to the swinging bridge with a variety of old photographs and pictures. I was surprised to learn that ocean going, square rigged ships actually sailed right up to a point within the park boundaries.

Whether your interests are picnicking, fishing, hiking, biking or just enjoying the outdoors, you can't go wrong on a visit to Patapsco.

This park consists of 8 large areas, each area is vast and has its own unique attributes. The McKeldin area is know for the impressive rapids at the south end of the park, which thunder after heavy rains . This area also has a great camping location and expansive trail system. East of McKeldin is the Woodstock area. It's perhaps best accessed through a small service road off Woodstock Rd. This area is know for the hidden pond, which is an abandon rock quarry. There is also a great cascading stream with minor water falls that follows the Thru trail on the rear side of the Job Corps campus. The Daniels area has a Ghost Town with 2 abandon churches, Daniels Dam, the Camel'sback Cave and the several waterfalls. The Hollofield/Pickall Area's biggest attraction is probably the Alberton Rocks, which is a large set of cliffs right on the Patapsco and frequently visited by rock climbers. The walk along the Patapsco is picturesque, with many bolders running in and alongside the river. The Hilton area is one of my favorites as it has the old ruins on Hilltop Road (abandon row houses), the Buzzard Rocks which give a great view of the valley, the Saw Mill trail - which has a small waterfall, and one of the parks swinging bridges. Glen Artney and Orange Grove areas are essentially the north and south parts of this section of the park, Orange Grove has the Cascade Trail and falls, the most frequently visited in the park. On the Glen Artney side, you can explore the ruins of the old mill.

$2 to get in, and plenty of parking. Scarce information meant the only trail we could find to get us to the river probably wasn’t intended for nonagenarians like us. When we eventually got to the river we felt like we were intruding on the many teenagers who were playing in the water. The views are nice but somewhat tainted by the amount of rubbish left, from soiled nappies to bags of trash.

They have a huge amount of mountain bike trails that I have been to a bunch. There are several entrances but I always park at the ParkNRise for commuters. Across the street u will see the entrance, some trails are really hard some just average but I wouldn't go here if I were a true beginner.
They also have several river crossings, with suspension bridges for walkers and bikers! Kinda neat, I could ride here all day and not hit the same trail twice!!
Great place for exercise!!!

It's one thing to charge per vehicle, but per person...for an active duty family...on memorial day? And not for camping, just for day-use picnic.

After lunch in Elkridge, we went to this state park. Despite not living very far, we have never been here. We went in blind and definitely needed a map of which none were available. We found several hiking trails and a swinging bridge. The trees were bare still so it's not as scenic as I was hoping. Due to the beautiful, late winter weather, several were here hiking and bicycling. We will be back in the future.

This review is based on camping in the Hilton area and hiking. This is a beautiful park, all the more so, considering how close it is to Maryland's largest city. To enter the Hilton area, you drive through -- Catonsville -- loads of speed bumps and other speed reducing devices because you are driving though a heavily populated residential area of well kept, large, older homes.

This may be the cleanest state park we've ever used -- haven't hit all of them yet. By early morning, rangers and camp hosts are out and about making sure that everything is fresh for that days campers and park users.

We stayed in one of the Hilton area cabins because the weather report showed rain. Very clean and tidy -- the fire ring almost look unused. The trail heads were marked, but it was very helpful that we had taken the time to print the online maps before our arrival. The camp map was very basic.

Within Hilton camping there is a child's playground and what I took to be a homemade (but painted white) movie screen for outdoor movies when the weather allowed. Benches and a fire ring indicated that this was where the rangers held programs for the campers in the summer.

We purchased firewood from the camp host and he personally delivered it. Nice touch.

The bathhouses were the cleanest I've ever seen in a state park.

Patapsco is a very large State park with many beautiful trails. They have many paved paths which makes it easy for walking, strollers and bikes. We live near the Hillcrest//Avalon area and often take our dog for walks there. My son enjoys kayaking in the Daniel's area. The park is well utilized especially on weekends.

The Cabin Camping was a great experience, at the Helen Area of the Park.

Only negative, is that several cabins face in towards the road instead of out, looking into the woods.

We tried to go to the Daniels area but there were only a few parking spaces and they were all full. We went further down to the Hollofield area and was able to park for $2. As others have said trails are poorly marked but they all seem to lead down to the river. My daughter and husband enjoyed wadding at the edge of the river. Suggest going early and taking a picnic with you.

This is my go-to place for hikes (there are several marked trails ranging in difficulty) and also plenty of area for picnics. The river is available for going in to freshen up. The area stays really clean with enough hard stand bathrooms. Highly recommend going in for time in nature.

I stopped by the Patapso valley state park on a lark. I went for a hike on the trails and it was really nice to get away.

This area of the park has lovely trails through the woods and along the river. There is a spot with a small beachfront and picnic table at a picturesque pond fed by a rapids. The dam is a dramatic site, especially if water is flowing over the top! The park has many areas to visit for families, adults, hikers, mountain bikers and even horseback riders.

We were looking to break in our new camper with a weekend trip. We only live about 30 minutes away. I thought this was a great campground. We went in mid-October and the leaves were beautiful, campsites were roomy (we had 5 kids with us and they are LOUD), and people friendly. We did the Old Ranger Trail with our kids and it was the best part of the trip, according to them. The only downside was that you have to walk on the road (no sidewalks or good walking areas) to get to the trails. A little dangerous for young kids, but worked out fine. Highly recommend!

Patapsco Valley State Park has many areas. McKeldin is one of my favorites as it seems more spacious and more convenient. They have a Frisbee golf course and nice hiking trails. Nice pavilions and play areas, too.

Tucked away near the intersection of 95 and 195, between Elicott City and BWI, you'll find Patapsco Valley State Park. We camped in the Hilton area of the park. There are other entrances to the park, but they aren't connected by auto roads. Our GPS directed us to the Avalon area first.

We found the camping facilities well maintained, convenient, and comfortable. Specifically, we have a large tent, and the tent pad easily accommodated our 10 person tent.

The only downsides were a dearth of paper products. The camp was out of envelopes for firewood payment (not a big deal). The park was also out of hiking trail maps (a little more surprising).

We hiked 4 miles over 3 hours with small children. The trails were well maintained with plenty of variety. The major trails are not too strenuous, but we ran into some locals who were huffing and puffing after scrambling up a trail off the beaten path. Most of the hiking involves hiking down to the Patapsco River or one of its tributaries. Many hikers wade in the water, skip rocks, and find ways across the water. We hiked up to a scenic outcropping overlook. There is an old hydroelectric dam, a train tunnel, and a tunnel under the railroad.

Finally, there is a terrific playground made of recycled tires. This is specific to the Hilton area, and is located near a small nature center. They also had a hiking trail there designed to engage all senses, not just eyes. It appeared to be accessible to the visually impaired, with bilingual signs in English and Braille.

At one point in the hot afternoon, I realized that I didn't feel busy - a rather unique feeling for my stage of life. If you're looking for such a solace that's not too far away, Patapsco Valley State Park could be just the spot.

We walked portions of the park in autumn and took photos. The park is clean and quite large. There were many different trails to walk and interesting waterfalls and scenery. There is actually a working railroad that runs through the park and you can find some history there regarding the railroad.

Love this place! We visit once a week pretty much!! Daniel's Area has a nice swim area and boat entrance. Nice flat hiking trail which is fantastic for little kids. Dogs are allowed at Daniel's Area. Our dog loves to swim there as much as the family!

Our son and daughter-in-law had a welcome party here before their wedding. It was a perfect setting and with tablecloths, flowers and a fire in the fireplace, it was pretty and inviting. Everyone had a great time. There is electricity, lighting in the kitchen and it’s near the restrooms so it worked out very well. I would definitely recommend it. We did not have a bug issue, as it was on the cool side, but that would be the only possible catch I can think of- a question when renting the pavilion.

Whoever oversees Patapsco is doing a fantastic job! The staff and park service there are amazing. I've been hiking around the park for over 20 yrs and have seen it go through a lot of changes. Since the pandemic, the park has seen a major increase in visitors, some who don't care about littering... But, I rarely see trash and the trails are always well maintained. Thank you!

We have driven through many times and have stopped to hike or just walk through the forest. Even though it is being encroached upon to build houses and shopping centers nearby, there is still a lot of untouched natural beauty to be enjoyed.

All different levels of trails. I like going up Buzzords rock trail. Or stay on the path which is mostly flat and runs along the river. Huge park

Tons of trails not enought time. I have visited each different areas in Patapsco and love them all. Swing bridge nice. Find the trail that you want to try. Each one is so different beautiful. When you feel your alone on the trail you then see a biker come by or a family making that hike up the mountain side look easy. You will love it. Find the list of actives and go learn something new.

I go here all the time... great for photoshoots, hiking and fun!

All kinds of adventures can be had here - fishing, hiking, picnicking, etc.. I went for a winter hike on a frozen trail.

I prefer the Avalon area of the park. It is a nice area to hike in. However navigating is very confusing and it's easy to get lost. One note, they've recently raised the entrance fee to $5 and there's longer an "honor system" but rather a person at the entrance collecting money. When I asked why, I was told it's because of "Covid" whatever that means.

If you can make it inside before they reach capacity, it's a great area explore.

Well maintained, safe, clean, shady - wonderful little campground off Hilton Avenue in Catonsville, MD. Sites are not super private, but there are some trees and greenery between the sites. They have gone to great length to make sure you have a level spot on which to park your tent and car. You can hear the occassional train or airplane. Mostly it is quiet, with ample birds to listen for and wildlife to watch. Bath house has a separate utility sink area for doing dishes. Sites have fire pit and grill set up.

Until Tropical Storm Agnes flooded the entire river valley in 1972 the Patapsco Valley State Park was contiguous; one long park along the Patapsco River which separates Baltimore and Howard County southwest of Baltimore city. Agnes tore up entire sections of road, railroad, even railroad right of way requiring Chessie, predecessors to the current CSX, to replace sections of double track with a single line. Now the park is split into several different areas, Avalon/Orange Grove, McKeldon and others.
All offer picnic facilities, while some allow camping and have covered picnic pavilions.
The many mills, most built by the Ellicotts, founders of nearby Ellicott City, were all swept away by a monstrous flood in 1868; nothing but ruins remain. The "swinging bridge", once the only way mill workers could cross the river from their houses to the mills, is still there, although its current form is not nearly so "Indiana Jones-ish" as it was in the mid-`40s when I used to scare my little sister half to death on it.
The 18th century mill village of Ellicott City is nearby, now a favorite destination for those interested in antique shopping and fine dining. The B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, the first and oldest in America dating to 1831, is one of the village`s prime attractions.
Visiting the Patapsco Valley State Park is a terrific way to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding urban areas of Baltimore, Columbia and Washington D.C.

Had a great day at the park! Enjoyed going to the Avalon and Orange Grove areas and conquering my fear by walking across the swing bridges. For anyone like me who might have been afraid of the idea of a swing bridge, the bridges are extremely sturdy suspension bridges that swing very slightly. You might also get someone who is trying to make it bounce up and down. But even I, very fearful of heights and open spaces, managed to cross it easily. Worth doing! But if you are biking, please--please--please walk your bike across the bridge. The park in general is a great place for walking, people were fishing, biking, you can rent pavilions, a true treasure in Baltimore.

My family often visited this park during the summer holidays.It was a nice little spot for a picnic/cookout. They do charge a per vehicle cover charge but,it was worth it. They had a playground for the kids. We enjoyed our time there.Would visit again!

This is a gorgeous park, with trails for all levels. Nice views of the Patapsco River. If you go to the lower park (entrance close to Relay MD), get there early if you want to get in. The only possible down side to this park is that it is so crowded during the summer -- not a place for solitude or a really quiet walk.

We went for a stroll here on New Years Eve. We did the Grist Mill trail which was all paved and wheelchair accessible too. It was about 8km return and takes about 1.5-2hrs. You could see the trail was still being repaired from the floods but was great to walk along and support with a donation.

Very good hiking & biking trails. Lots of different paths to try. Some historical areas as well with markets for information

Patapsco Valley State Park offers city and suburban residents a good taste of the area's original surroundings by bringing nature close to the Baltimore suburbs. It's just literally minutes from anywhere in the Baltimore area and not that far from Maryland's DC suburban areas either. Great trails and water scenes.

Our son recently got married here; they rented 2 pavilions in the Avalon area of the park. Such a great setting for a wedding; grass and budding trees with temps in the 60s made for a memorable celebration and with some children in attendance, the playground nearby came in handy as well. What a wonderful resource for Baltimore area residents!

I did not think we'd be able to squeeze in a weekend camping trip this year, but then learned that there was a campground just 30 minutes away at Patapsco State Park, in the Hollofield Area of of Rt. 40. The campground is sprawling and clean, and well shaded. Really great spot for a local getaway or a cheap place to stay if visiting Baltimore. Be aware that some campsites are smaller than others if you have a large tent. We took a short hike down to the Patapsco River, which would be a convenient place to cool off the kids. Apart from the Hollofield area, it's a large park with a lot to do and worthy of a few days of exploration. Also close to civilization for quick grocery runs or a meal you don't need to cook yourself. Firewood is $5 for a decent amount, $2 Ice, $1 fire starters. Showers were clean and hot, and there is also ADA sites and facilities.

While the trails aren't long or demanding, the park is well worth a spring visit. Went from the parking lot down to the river. It's worth going into the train tunnel below, but be attentive to locomotive horns. The tunnel isn't long and you can hear the horn a half mile away. It's agreat place to get up close and personal with a freight train, and worth a wait to see one.

What a treat to have such a diverse natural resource, literally within minutes of the Baltimore/Columbia hubub. We come to one of the several stretches of Patapsco State Park almost weekly. There are strenuous trails past waterfalls, gentle paved trails along the river, swinging bridges, and tunnels running below active railways. There are portions of the park in which you may not encounter other humans, depending on season/day/time. Come out and get some fresh air.

Big Fan of Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP) - We entered into the Hilton part of the park and were blow away by the tire park, which looks like alot of fun and we saw alot of kids playing around! What a great way to recycle tires and also give kids a place to play and be... well kids!! Bonus for that!

Once we paid and parked we decided to start the hike. Now one thing to note I was doing this hike for the first time and I was carrying my 2 month old daughter with me as well... so I was afraid she would lose it and I would have to run back! That did not happen, so you can wipe the sweat from your brow!

Ok on to the hike, first off we looked at the map... and looked and looked... it was pretty difficult to read, we ended up using the map that is found online to navigate throughout the park. The bad maps were the only thing negative with this trip. The trails were clearly marked with their respective colors which made it easy, but you had to know which color you were even on, lol! We covered the Forest Glen, Buzzards Rock and Saw Mill trails... each offered different terrain and varying terrain so you didn't feel like you were just walking around the neighborhood. Plus the scenery was great on each and you got some great views of the river, the valley and of the forests. Sometimes you even forgot you were so close to such a densly populated area! Our group, of 10 people, did about 4.25 miles and enjoyed everyone min. of it.

Overall a great park with great variety, great views and great trails! They have something for everyone! Again the only negative was the lack of clarity around the maps. I would recommend printing out the map or saving a picture of it on your phone and using that vs reading the maps there. Enjoy!!

Grab your backpack and water, time to trek down to the river!

Have hiked the Hilton and Avalon sections multiple times. Avalon & Orange areas are very pretty with lots of wildlife to see. Hilton has a slightly different topography with more rocks. Both have challenging climbs & streams. Very busy on weekends.

Was trout fishing only yesterday in the holafield area.
Visit the park many times during the year walking,hiking & fishing.

We visit this park often. Lovely quiet park. Helpful camp hosts go above and beyond to make your stay pleasent. In fact they are kind enough to offer a helping hand to all newbies. Whether it be backing into a space or starting a campfire you will be impressed with the services of John & Wendy.

This campground is not FHU so be prepared to fill your water tank before parking.

The campsites are easy access for small trailers. Larger rigs may have difficulty with most of the sites.

Lots of trails to walk. Ranger programs, bathhouse, ice and firewood.

Definitely got a great workout. The trails are steep but interesting. The river was gorgeous. It seems alot of people are rafting.

I and my friends have a hike around the Patapsco in last summer.It's a big Park and have a trail for hiking.The weather is good ,fresh with green trees,different kinds of mushroom,plants,herbs.You can choose to hike in each wings[side] because the park's big and spent time to walk around.We were more enjoy with waterfall,valleys.

This review covers the hiking near Patapsco southeast of Ellicott City, Cascades Trail, Sawmill and Gristmill Trails. While heavily traveled, these are very interesting trails with two swinging bridges, a tunnel with a river, river views and historical markers and ruins. We walked for almost 8 miles on a weekday morning and most trails were lightly traveled. Compared to some other local hikes, this one was much more interesting. If you are looking for hikes close to Baltimore, this is worth your time.

Get out of the city or suburbs and go for a walk with your dog or bike ride. It's relaxing and beautiful. I love the river. I would recommend it to anyone- couples, family, or solo.

My wife and I drove to Patapsco main entrance looking for information on other trails and parking for them. Unfortuantely, there were no maps and after trying to use google maps, we could not find the trail that we wanted to hike. We gave up - a totally frustrating experiene.

We love taking the dogs to Patapsco and frequently do so when we have visitors in town. The combination of paved trails and hiking trails means there's terrain for any ability level. It's usually peaceful, the trails are well-marked, and there are several access points. The river is beautiful. Overall, the park offers four-season activity.

Love coming here to bring my dog and do some hiking. There are great mountain biking trails as well. Nice paved path for those who don't want to venture into the woods. Ignore the racist reviews about Latino families coming here to enjoy a picnic. Lots of room to enjoy nature and the great outdoors.

I continually visit the Daniels area of this park. There are great trails here that many, including me will never see because there are only 8 available parking spaces to legally use. I would suspect that with the interest in this area by local hikers that the state would do more to make it accessible to visitors. I drive over 100 miles just to arrive and find over 25 No parking signs and no other directions to other areas. This park has so many different areas that are very nice to visit and hike but what wonders they have fall beneath very poor management.

It's a nice walkable park with some nice views. As it's close to Baltimore, the elevation isn't high, so you won't get the spectacular views you'll get going further west into the mountains but for a local destination, it will do.

This a scenic must do while traveling thru Maryland. A huge state park offering camping, hiking trails, pavilions for parties or reunions....this park has it all. Pack a cooler and bring a few folding chairs and sit by the river. Bring a few innertubes and let the kiddos float down the river a bit. Calm waters. Picnic areas with grills. Bathroom accessibility. Today was 3$ admission per person. Bring your bikes and ride through the park.I even saw people horseback riding. Lots of shade to be found even on the hottest days of summer.

Beautiful area behind a residential area provides quiet peaceful camping. The showers are only lukewarm which is fine unless it's cold out.

We are a young family with a 7 and 3 year old kids. This is the first time we are camping as a family.
The online reservation process was very simple and the map in the website at the time of reservation gives all the details of what to expect and how close we are from the next camp spot.
The check-in was easy. Hanna at the office was super nice and patient to explain all details - where to find camp host, how to get to the toilets and bath house from the camp spot, where to get essentials, what to expect when we drive to the camp spot. She even suggested where to go for shopping if we need some thing that we forgot.
The main camping area has 2 concentric loops. Kids had lot of fun biking in the loop in the evening and at night. All campers were so nice and made sure kids were safe and they drove very slow.
Toilets and bathrooms were really clean. Camp host has supplies for wood and ice and they were very courteous.
We hikes in the river ridge trail. its about 0.6 mile and leads to Patapsco river. The trail is steep on the way back.
We are planning to bring our friends to this camping ground next month.

Wow! What a hike! We entered through the Avalon entrance ($2 admission for our car). Lots of parking available. Outside the parking lot was the swinging bridge. After the bridge, we turned right to enjoy the peaceful river. This area was paved and stroller-friendly. My 3 year old son loved throwing rocks into the river. We also saw many families bring water shoes for a nice dip on a hot day. Others were relaxing on beach chairs. Many were walking their dogs. Note that we didn't get any wi-fi signals in this area.

We then backtracked towards the Swinging Bridge to go on the Cascade Falls Trail (not paved). Within 10 or so minutes, we saw the waterfalls! There were small "pools" for kids to play in. It was a great hike, and we spent about 2 hours exploring! Wish we had more time, but our little one was ready for a nap.

Such a large park with lots of varied hiking choices, plus great history and sights. There are multiple entry locations that allow you to avoid the crowds on weekends.

This is a review for the portion of the park located at the Ellicott City, MD entrance. I believe that many of the reviews encompass other areas of the park, so I want to make it clear that this is a review for the above referenced area.

I'm an experienced hiker, and prefer moderate to strenuous trails. This area provided neither. I was very disappointed, but did hike for about five miles, since I drove 45 minutes to get there.

I discovered that most of the trail markers are crude and misleading (I took pics and am in the process of uploading them). Some markers are spray painted "freehand style" on trees, and at times, it seemed as if I were trekking in Crayola Town.

The paths and surrounding woods had not been maintained; at times I encountered narrow paths and high grass... A great place for snakes to go unnoticed. The debris and old limbs gave the appearance of overall neglect. I've never encountered such a poorly maintained state park.

As stated, the trails were not challenging or scenic, so basically this was a confusing walk in the woods.

I stupidly chose to try to navigate some slippery rocks on a steep slope, and took a tumble, resulting in shredded knees, pretty bruises, and a hard thump to the head. As I lay on the ground, the two young lovebirds a few yards ahead turned to look, flashed brief smiles, and then resumed their walk. When I visited the park entrance gate for a good map (the maps they hand out are not up to date, do not match the color map at the front gate, are in black and white, with instructions that pertain to color codes, so the trails are very difficult to navigate). Muddy and bleeding, I approached the young guy at the booth, and told him I fell. He smiled... No offer of first aid.

I left the park with the feeling that if I lay dead on the trail, hikers and park employees would flash smiles at my dead body as they passed by.

Will not return.

We are lucky to live very close to this park, in fact, parts of it are walkable from our house. There are many different areas of the park. The Avalon area in the far eastern section is one of the most popular because of the pavilions, swinging bridge, path along the river, and trails all over the place, but many other areas are also beautiful. We go in the spring for bird migration. If you want to see Baltimore Orioles, go right around Mother's Day. One of the best places to access the park for free is to take Ilchester Road to where it intersects with Bonny Branch Road. There are places along the road you can park (but do NOT park where it says no parking because you may get a ticket - I drive this route daily and I've seen them give out tickets numerous times.) If you go under the railroad bridge, you can park along the road there. There is a small foot/bike bridge and that will lead you to a beautiful walk along the woods. Right across the footbridge is where we've seen Baltimore Orioles numerous times in early May. Another place to access the river is off Hilltop Road. One end of hilltop is just past where I suggested you park. It's a very steep, switch-backed road and there is a small parking lot at the top of the hill pretty much under high tension lines. Trails will take you down to the river. We are not mountain bikers, but it is a very popular spot. Lots of people park at the Park and Ride at the end of Interstate 195 (just west of Interstate 95) and enter the park there. On any weekend, you can see lots of bikers entering the park near the Park and Ride.

There is just so much to do and see in this park. I highly recommend visiting there!

The trail that crossed the railroad is nice and wooded. Then it ends at a vista that allows you to see for miles down the valley. It will be stunning in the fall when the leaves are changing.

My husband and I purchased their Park Pass in 2016 and loved having the option to get into the park without carrying cash with us. We visit at least one time a month on the weekends
This particular visit though was for camping Father's Day weekend. We chose to camp in the Hiltop area. The camp site was fairly private, shaded, close to hot showers/bathrooms, close to the garbage area, as well as hiking trails. There's also a small amphitheater for instructional sessions and a playground.
The camp monitor was super friendly, and helpful.
I highly recommend camping at this facility.

I have a list of places in Maryland I want to see and the swinging bridge at Patapsco State Park was on the list. It's a nice park with a paved walking trail. It was not as nice as the C&O trail that I walk several times a week but it was nice for a warm afternoon walk. The park has at least 2 parts and we went to the other one first but both offered nice hikes the one to the north that we went to first was a challenge it was not paved so just a nice walk through the woods to the river down hill tons of rocks.

A great stroll for the adults too. Wide asphalt paths along a wooded river connect the swimming holes. Historic plaques at the grist mill ruins and train trestle. An easy climb to Crystal falls at the end of the 3 mile path (restrooms nearby). Those with a fear of heights may find the wood suspension bridges a challenge. Several side paths for those who can handle rough terrain and steep climbs.

My family enjoyed this place a lot. Lots of natural beauty. Great for hiking and just admiring nature.

Every year a group of us get together and spend the day at Patapsco Valley State Park. We always get the same pavilion which sits alone and we love it. We never infringe on anyone else there while playing our music, kidding each other and having a great reunion. The staff is helpful and the restrooms are always clean. There are great views also in this park and we will return again and again.

We went there for the first time in mid-June from the Ellicott City entrance on Rt. 40. There isn't really much there. There's a walking and a separate hiking trail and a bunch of picnic areas. Key thing is the hiking trail which leads to a small river. It is quite nice but pretty short. Still good for a quick and decent workout. I would've expected more like volleyball, basketball or tennis courts. The entry fee is $2 per vehicle on weekdays and $3 per person on weekends. If you're a military member it's free for your whole group on weekdays but only the military person is free on weekends.

Best hiking in the area, but overall the hiking is just ok. Very easy. Neat foot bridges. I like that you can bring dogs (on leash).

I live not far from this park, always drove by and wanted to check it out but never had the time and finally i did and i must say. I cant stop myself from not going back. I've finally got in touch with nature. The park is beautiful. Drive way is available leading to parking and the rest is you and nature. forest, man made trail leading thru the forest, going down the hill, sights are breathtaking and at the bottom of the hill is the most beautiful view of the Patapsco river. This place is breath taking. Good for couples relax time, camping sites are wonderful. describing this place will not do justice for it..You should see it to believe it.

This park is huge with lots of entrances from various areas. We frequently mountain bike, road bike, and hike in this park. There are beautiful waterfalls and rivers to kayak, canoe, tube, or swim in. It is clean and safe with lots of shade. There are secluded area and also areas with pavilions and playgrounds.

We went to the dam area and cascade falls trail. We love the patapsco river so much! My 4-year-old liked playing in the shallow-water and hiking on the ridge, my husband enjoyed diving into the deep water. This park has a couple of areas and a lot of trails. One needs to go there several times to see the entire scenery. The parking space is not that big near cascade falls trail, we arrived at 10am and almost no space then.

This is a beautiful park! The scenery is breathtaking. The roads are steep getting in and out and slippery when wet. There are no sewer hook-ups and water hook-ups, just electricity.

If you are looking for a natural country park setting with the added bonus of a picturesque river, Patapsco Valley State Park is a good choice. Nice and varied hiking/walking trails, an old-fashioned pedestrian cable suspenion bridge, and many picnicking/recreation areas. Throw in the bonus of loads of historical places from the first chartered railroad in America (the B&O) to the ruins of several private "finishing" schools dating from the 1800s and you have a unique park. And all of it located less than 20 minutes from Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Facilities at the Park's several accesses vary, but are generally adequate for your family needs. All in all, a nice alternative to traveling hours to find a rural country setting. Side factoid: the Park was the setting for most of the shooting of "The Blair Witch Project". You will not find the house associated with the movie, though: it was torn down for safety reasons.

Our family loved this State Park. It is set high above a ravine that overlooks portions of the Patapsco River and B&O train tracks. With multiple trails and water adventures, this camping spot was ideal for our family (including our family dogs). Reservations do not fill as quickly as some other campgrounds, but if people knew the beauty of this place, I believe it would.

The weather was gorgeous & the trails were just beautiful!!! I live in California & I'm a Flight Attendant who has seen the world..This is LOVELY!!! Take time to go into the town & get a bite to eat too!!

Great park outside of Baltimore. Small fishing pond, swinging bridge and lots of trails to hike. Picnic areas and grills. Nice get away from the city. Train runs thur the park for some excitement.

I have driven fairly long distances to find fun and interesting hikes. While Patapsco State Park is only 10 minutes from our home, we had heard it was not a nice place to hike.
We paid our $2 and parked in the day lot. From there we headed down a fairly slippery and steep trail to the river. We headed west along the river and found the trail to be broken in places. Most troubling, however, was the amount of trash, food, diapers and dog feces found on or near the trail. The river banks were quite loaded, in places, with human debris.
As we continued up river, the trail became overgrown in many places. Dead fall blocked our way a few times. We got as far as we could go and decided to walk back along the train tracks. Less scenic and a bit unstable, but fewer cuts and stings.
We were happy to make it back to our car and head home.
I would recommend any of the walks along the Gunpowder river, or even the more urban trails at Centennial or Wilde lakes over this under-managed path.

$25.00 a night and the facilities are as always clean. Slept without the tent and only had the fire going all night. Arrived Friday am left Saturday morning. Quite and all are pleasant.

I've grown up hiking all over patapsco state park. I always enjoy it, every single time. Now that I have children and a dog, I come here all over again. There are a bunch of great spots. We enjoy, hollofield, Avalon, tire park area, just to name a few.

Patapsco Valley State Park is Maryland's first park. Envisioned as an urban oasis for Baltimore it escaped development and suburbanization largely unscathed. The Park is LARGE stretching from Carroll County through Baltimore and Howard and into Anne Arundel County and follows the path of the Patapsco River. It is part of the Patapsco Heritage Area- one of Marylands 13 certified Heritage Areas due to the unique history and environment. Train buffs will appreciate the National Landmark Thomas Viaduct Bridge and the tracks and tunnels that run throughout the park, as well as the 1st railroad terminus - the Ellicott City B&O station that lies at the edge of the park in the historic town of Ellicott City. Patapsco is noted for its mountain biking but its miles upon miles of trails are shared agreeably by hikers, bikers and horses. There are opportunities to kayak, fish, go on a birding hike, picnic and wade in the river. Pavilions, campgrounds and playgrounds are available throughout the park. Be aware that on warm summer weekends some entrances to the park- notably Avalon along Route 1- can close due to reaching capacity. Other areas of the park including Hilton, Woodstock, Pickall are less visited. Maps from Maryland DNR can be loaded to your phone and used with the Adobe Maps app so that you can locate where you are within the park. No worries if you take a wrong turn on your way to Cascade Falls- your app will show you exactly where you are.

I love the state park. In the summer and fall we have camped there. Campground is clean and very nice. There is a loop that you can camp with your pet as well. In the fall to winter we have gone hunting in the deeper areas of the forest for Deer to help control the deer population. There are many pavillions that can be rented including one that is enclosed with a fireplace for colder events. That one even has electric and mini kitchen set up with a fire pit to cool on around the back of it. Lots of trails and great hiking areas. River down below where the train tracks are where people like to hike to, go fishing or just take scenic photography. There are two playgrounds for the kids and cookouts are great family fun. Reunions are great there too with the enclosed pavillion. Prices are reasonable for the pavillions. If you don't want to rent a pavillion there are many picnic tables with mini grills near each set of tables to cook on and cookout for free. In the summer you have to pay a small fee to get in but worth it. Late fall into winter, no entrance fee.

I really enjoyed the hike with my daughter. We went on the Cascade Falls Trail. I feel like there could be a little better signage (especially at intersections of different trails), but over all, a great time.

Its beautiful. Any state park would be, really. The trails aren't as well marked as I would like, and we almost got shot by a deer hunter, but other than that it was a good experience. Wear bright colors.

Great place to explore trails, picnic and visit the playground. Hilton area has a cool recycled tire playground, other sections include great river views, a swinging bridge and pavilions that are very reasonable to rent for parties.

This is one of several visits to this campground. It's a quiet gem in the middle of a bustling city. We had electric and a water spigot across the road. There is a dump station. The bathrooms were clean, but need some updating. (The brackets for the shower heads in the ladies shower were broken, so you had a hand-held shower.)
We'd definitely recommend this place!

Patapsco Valley Park is close to folks living in the surrounding Baltimore metropolitan area. It offers many hiking trails, and at some entrances, other activities such as golf-Frisbee, and mountain biking. However, I go to enjoy the outdoors - it is well kept, though a handful of people still litter (which I pick up and recycle), and it is a nice place to enjoy an afternoon out close to home.

Great place to run away and hide from the hustle bustle of the traffic and suburb. This place has several entrances and areas that open up to completely different settings.
RV camping, Hiking along trails in the woods, Exploring history along the Patapsco River or just going for a day picnic. The surroundings are peaceful and you would never know you were just minutes from highways and crowds.
They can accommodate large groups in shelters or smaller more intimate get togethers but make your reservations in advance. It is amazing how fast this place gets booked.

Whether hiking, picnicking, or like me on a map and compass class learning techniques of navigating over terrain, this park is a real pleasure to experience. Great for all sorts of visitors, and particularly good for gatherings of friends and families over barbecues since there are several picnicking sites, many sheltered for use during rainy periods. Even though we had passing showers during our day there, the trails were manageable and there were plenty of covered picnic stands to use. Ample parking. There may be a reservation system for picnic sites so its best to check the website in advance for instructions. The rest rooms were very clean and there were portable toilets available in a number of locations.

Pleasantly greeted; offered maps to the park grounds; given military discount; parking areas well light and maintained; would return again and again.

Great place to hike and go mountain biking. Trails are mostly well marked. Do not go after a rain as the trails need some time to dry out. In April, the dogwood will be in bloom.

whats not to love? nature!!

too bad there are humans roaming about every once and a while

they want 100 characters for a review, so thats it

This park is fantastic. I hike and mountain bike here regularly. The trails are pretty well marked and there are some for any skill level.

We have camped here twice now, with dogs, and are very happy with our experiences. We will continue to be back, it is a great camping spot not far from the city. The bathrooms are the cleanest we have ever experienced at a camping ground. The hosts are always very kind. You are not allowed to bring your own wood, so be prepared to pay (a reasonable fee) for wood they sell on site. I only wish there were more accessible hiking trails, but overall, we really enjoy this site!

Great trails to hike from easy to moderate and from 1 mile to more than 10 if you combine trails. The blue trail is the most crowded trail but leads to the waterfall. You have to share the trails with mountain bikers and occasionally horses but for the most part everyone is friendly and helps if you get lost on the trail. Download a map from the website if you plan to take a longer hike

Very beautiful park. I took Friends and children over for a hike then a splash in the Patapsco river. It's lovely. The rustic pavilions have grills and tables. This is a Great place for a gathering.

There is a little something for everyone. The park is huge and there are miles and miles of trails. Some are pretty flat while others offer a good challenge. You can spend hours exploring and finding new things on each visit.

We've been hiking and playing in Patapsco for years now and it's an actual gem right near Baltimore and DC. Here are our favorite things we've done so far:

Playing at the tire park! A huge recycled playground is in the Hilton area, in Catonsville and near the group camping area. It's super shady with lots of structures for big and little to enjoy - we like meeting big groups of friends here because there is room for everyone to play. Picnic tables on site.

Playing in the river! There are several different little trails in the Avalon area where you can hike down to the river's edge and play in the water - it's a very popular spot in the summer time. One is on the opposite side of the swinging bridge, when you get to the end of the bridge, take a right and just a short way down that trail there's a little offshoot on the right that will take you down to the water. Just be aware, since it is a river, sometimes the current is very strong and I have to keep a close on my three year olds so they don't get swept away (not kidding - be super aware!) but there is sand to dig in and as you walk up and down the river it gets more shallow with some sandbars as well that you can play on. Very fun!

You can hike to Cascade falls! There is a loop and if you park in the topmost parking lot you can hike down to the falls. But if you park across from the swinging bridge (you'll see that on your right as you drive in, across from the bathrooms) you can leave from that trailhead and be at the falls in .2 miles (yes, I measured it :) My three year olds can hike that themselves with no trouble and right now, in the summer, the water is low enough that there is even a beachy area where you can play (after a big storm it might be too deep for any sand play). There is a fun stream to play in too - we hike up in our swimsuits in the summer and play until it gets too crowded. Get there early if you want to enjoy this lovely shady spot by yourself for a while. My big kids like to climb up to the top and dam up the stream and while it's a lot of fun it IS slippery near the edge (obviously) so just remind kids to be careful.

We've also taken several of the hikes in different areas and really, this is such an awesome place to explore. You could come and do something new every time for a dozen weekends. We love it!

Patapsco Valley State Park is a great place. It's huge and there's so much to do there. There are 3 main sections of the park, all of which have hiking trails, bike trails, playgrounds, grilling areas, and more! My boyfriend and I visit Patapsco Valley State Park at least once a month for a walk or hike.

Can be a little busy, but still it's a great park. Lots of hiking. Not many facilities, but it's a park. Beautiful in every season.

A great place to enjoy the outdoors. Beautiful river, good well marked hiking trails. Best on weekdays, a little over used on nice weekends by mtn bikes that make you dodge off the track.

We've been to many parks in the area, but this is the only park that I have encountered with such poor website information, little to no directional signs, rude staff, and parking that required a reservation. We haven't really been tempted to return since we had such a poor experience this summer.

I like the easy hiking trails, the view walk by the river and just the fact that you can relax and go for a walk.

You have options of just walking the trails along the river, biking the trails, cross country biking, picnic areas you can reserve for family events and swimming holes in the summer. Swinging bridges to cross as well

Lots of trails and interesting sections to explore!

This river, no matter which of the four parks located along it's banks, makes for a wonder, peaceful way to enjoy nature on your termsy. Lazy pools, gentle meandering waters, aggressive rapids, old swimming holes, suspension bridges and of course, it's neighbor, the original alignment for the B&O Railroad circa 1824. Lots of railroad history markers along the old right-of-way down by the rivers backs.

This park is a great place to hike, walk, or mountainbike, or kayak. There is a small river running thru the park, train tracks, train tunnels, damns, swinging bridges, etc.

graet park very clean its a nice day for the kids to spend outside enjoying nature and the falls, pack a lunch

We had a nice day because the weather was nice. The entrance is poorly marked and only my GPS got me there; this is a STATE PARK. The road follows the river; pretty, but limited access. Pedestrians and bicyclists are left to hazard the roadway to see the river from the roadway. At the VERY END of the drive (or very beginning) is a parking area. There you can cross a bridge over the river to bicycle / walk, etc. So, 50 % of the river is inaccessible. Benches could be located at pretty vistas; they are not. Emergency land line phone access should be provided for emergencies on the paved path; cell access is limited.

Got to say this is my favorite place to hike. Even better during the autumn seasons. Love the scenery and trail hope it never gets tainted

Great for hiking, biking and swimming in the river. Good place to walk the dog. Lost of waterfalls and unique sites.

We visited the area as part of a long run in late December 2019. There literally are dozens of miles of trails, both paved and dirt, to choose from.

Of note, the Cascade Falls trail head has two entrances. The northern entrance (located immediate across from Swinging Bridge at Patapsco Valley State Park, River Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075), has ample parking, toilets, signage, and great access to numerous trails. These trails range in difficulty from easy/flat and paved, to very difficult/steep inclines >100 feet.

From the area near the Swinging Bridge, the trails go east towards the Thomas Viaduct, south towards Cascade Falls, west towards Hell House, and many spectacular overlooks.

Definitely worth the visit for a bike ride, walk, or run on a mild day!

In my backyard lies Patapsco state park. You can hike, bike, run MILES of trails through woods, along the Patapsco River, and around Ellicott City. They also offer camping, day use picnic areas along the river. You can also fish here. Very scenic and beautiful, it's such a treasure to have so close by. I have come here on certain days, hiked over 12-15 miles, and saw maybe 5 people. After your long trek through nature, stop by Ellicott City (it is slowly opening back up, business by business!), for an amazing meal or a beer or two at the local restaurants and bars.

Very good hiking trails which are a little poorly signed but much interesting terrain through a magnificent mature forest with oaks, paw paws and tulip trees. Many fine views and open spaces. A real pleasure.

Great place to get away for afternoon hikes with my husband away from cell phones, computers and back to nature. Definately worth the trip, my recommendation is check online to figure out which section suits you best.. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapsco.asphttp://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapsco.asp

There are several areas, our favorite/ closest to our home is the Avalon, Glen Artney, Orange Grove area which is great for hikes and even runs on the paved trail. But if you have kids the Hilton area with the recycled tire playground might be more your style. Then there is McKeldin which is further north and has disc golf, so many options , all have different entrances and parking etc. If you are local and outdoors fan, definately splurge for the $75 resident park pass, you can access all MD state parks and saves you on concessions. Plus what a great cause.

One final recommendation sign up for the emails or check the website for ranger led adventures, some are for kids, others for adults, usually free or minimal cost, we learned so much from Volunteer Ranger Ed on the history of Patapsco River, Ellicot City, Elkridge etc.

Poor signage. Very poor. The only trail we finally found was poorly marked and uninteresting. As we were leaving, we were flagged down by a driver who asked us how to get to the river!

Awesome park with beauty and history. We had 4 hours to kill before our flight home and landed upon this amazing park. Great hikes that our 3 year olds could enjoy. Swinging bridge, river, waterfalls, deer, and historical ruins. Lucky to have found this place.

As my title says, it’s not the area in Ellicott City. I’ve been coming to this part of Patapsco Park for 20 years and just today took a new trail that was far less populated which was good for walking my dog-aggressive dog. The river became wide and unshaded toward the end of Cascade Trail(not to be confused with Cascade Falls Trail which is a different beauty). We were surprised by a snake so beware of that in the green next to the water. An easy asphalt flat walk with lots of sights!

Found this place by accident, it is large, you can fish, bike ride, hike and they have plenty of picnic sites.

We went to the Avalon section, off Rte. 1 in Catonsville. The only trouble we had was that the trails are not well marked, so even though we had a map, we were never sure if we were on the right trail. Somehow, we made it to our destination, Cascade Fall, just took a circuitous route. It was lovely, and the water is quite refreshing. Swinging Bridge is a site to see, and definitely worth a quick stop.

Patapsco is a huge park, with everything from hiking to camping to horseback riding supported, if you pick your spot. The main areas have rangers, maps, and charge a nominal fee. There are trails in Patapsco with free parking, but go early! After 9, or even 8 on a lovely weekend, you will be lucky to find space.

Key points: Approach from the west and you're OK; approach from the east and beware the 11 foot bridge (and we saw NO warning signs!!); 30 amp only; entry road is steep, but not really a problem unless your vehicle is underpowered; a few sites looked like they would require more care to get into with larger rigs. Other tidbits we learned: sites are pretty widely spaced and thus quite private; very wooded which makes it a nice 10 degrees cooler, but forget about satellite anywhere; the potable water is in one spot and the dump is in another and both are on the inside "electric" loop; you must use their wood, but they have plenty; you have to make a 90 degree turn to exit, which isn't a big deal unless there are cars queued up at the entrance like when we left --- we had to thread the needle; when leaving the park the entrance ramp on to Hwy 40 is very short, so you'll have to wait for a gap and/or floor it. As others have stated, this is a great state park to get away from it all with a classic feel and hiking trails, pavilions, ranger programs and the quiet of the woods at night. We didn't explore the trails or woods as we used this as a base for exploring Baltimore, so we went into the city every day. Our site was 429, the last on the electric loop, which is very long and has the added advantage that you can go the wrong way on the one way road for about 20 yards and pull right into your driveway without having to go all the way around the loop when returning to camp.

We were looking for a short, but worthwhile family hike and we had a nice time. We came in early November when the fall foliage was glowing. We will definitely come back!

It's a great place for camping, especially if you live around this area. I had a great time with my kids...

The camp ground is nice. The prices is great. Our campsite, 429, needs some work. It floods at the front of the site, near the road. The campground hosts were friendly and helpful. The bathrooms need a good spider web cleaning.

A wonderful, peaceful place. A lot to see and do. From scenic overviews to the Patapsco river, to wonderful paths. A MUST do!!!

We visited the first week of April. The trail was muddy thanks to a ton of rain recently. The trail was enjoyable, a little easier than I wanted it to be and the water fall wasn’t as big as I was expected. But we were thrilled we could bring our dog and we saw no one as we hiked! Be sure to look up the address to this trail itself as it’s a bit of a distance by car from the park headquarters.

All sections have Hiking/Biking trails, water access, Playgrounds and rentable day use shelters that are very cheap. Become familiar with the parks different areas:

Pickall - Closest to Baltimore, Rocky Hiking/Biking Trails overlooking river with river access, Fields.

Hollofield - Park HQ, train track access, Strenuous Hiking Trails to Deep River beach area. Camping. Does get busy on weekends.

Hilton - New playground, Tires, Park Nature/learning center, group camping.

Avalon - Advanced trail system. This is the premier day use picnic area as mobs of people will recreate like a third world country. Lots of trash. Avoid Avalon on the weekend at all cost! The parking lot does fill up fast on the weekend and park staff closes park on weekends during the summer when it is full.

Glen Artney - Small fishing pond, paved trail, beautiful shelters... connected to Avalon but much less crowded.

McKeldin - Big playground, Disc Golf, easy Hiking/Biking trails, Easy water access, great fishing. Least crowded park.

I camped in the Hollofield area campground at a tent site. The campground was clean and quiet, and the camp host was very friendly. There is a camp site loop trail, and also a short trail that goes down the valley to the train tracks and the Patapsco River. The scene along the river is great.

Patapsco Valley is a great Maryland state park for hiking - as well as picnics and other outdoor activities. Given the numerous "areas", like Hollofield, McKeldin, and others, the park is very large with a number of good hiking trails or varying length and terrain. Some hidden gems are a number of historical sites and artifacts along some of the trails A few trails are paved and relatively flat (especially some along the Middle Patuxent River) making them wheelchair accessible.

One caution: Parking can be tricky (and occasionally frustrating). Unless there are designated spots, don't park along the road near the park, especially in Howard County - you are only inviting a hefty parking ticket in the posted "No Parking" areas!

Seniors (62 and over)! Get your Maryland DNR (Department of Natural Resources) "Golden Age Pass", available at most park entrances and never pay another entrance/parking fee in Maryland State Parks!

I went here with some co workers for our annual picnic. I had never been before. I was so pleased with this park. There is SO much to do. The trails are great for hiking, running and biking. The stream is a lovely little spot to cool off and let the kids and grown ups play! It does get deep in some spots, so bring an inner tube to float! They have pavillions for rent and a great playground in the Avalon area. This is a summer must see!

We hiked the Cascade Falls Loop Trail on a warm December day and it was beautiful. There wasn't a parking lot where we accessed the trail- just park along the edge of the road. One half of the trail follows along a beautiful creek and the falls are gorgeous. The trail wasn't well marked in places (almost all trails are marked with the same color, even at intersections) and we were glad we had an app with the map of the trail that GPS tracked our location so we knew where to go. We could bring our dog. It wasn't too challenging but there is a moderately steep incline for half of the trail, some muddy patches, and some creek crossings so water friendly shoes were important. Some hikers had difficulty where the trail crosses the waterfall on wet rocks. About 3.2 miles total and it took us about 2 hours.

PVSP is comprised of a series of discreet areas, each of which is along the Patapsco River near Baltimore, MD.

On this visit, I did a 5.7 miles hike within the McKeldin Area of PVSP, one of the smaller areas in the system.

McKeldin Area trails are typically easy to moderate, without any serious hills. This time, the focus was on getting in some hill work, so I combined trails to maximize uphill elevation changes.

Spring-like temps and leafless trees allowed the soothing sight and sounds of the Patapsco River to reach deeper into the woods than on summer hikes.

McKeldin is a terrific area for easy to moderate trails. You can link trails and create hikes of varying distances without ever being far from your parked car.

But hiking is far from the only activity at any area of PVSP. Pavillions, ballfields, orienteering courses, picnic areas, historical ruins, and more are available depending on the area.

Highly recommended.

Something for everyone. Paved trails along the river suitable for kids and strollers. Hillside trails everywhere for mountain bikers and runners. Multiple access points and car parks, pavilions - everything you could want. And all practically right on the door step of Baltimore - even better for Howard County residents. River Road / Bonny Branch is my favorite access point but parking is not great there. Other small parking areas along Landing Road for unpaved trails. Plenty of parking in Avalon area that can be reached from S Rolling Road or Rt. 1 / Levering Ave. Good access from there to both paved and unpaved trails. Good trail access and parking across from Park and Ride at 195 / 166 park and ride also

I've been going to the Patapsco State Park for years and it's always been a well-maintained place that's bursting with everything from chipmunks and box turtles to deer and foxes. Go take the family out on a nice day if you're in the area!

I frequent this location just to get away to hike, relax, and to be a part of nature. I am a budding photographer and looking through the lens provides a glimpse of Heaven...This Park is gorgeous and offers much to many...hiking, biking, picnicking, reading, relaxing, photographing, fishing. So many marked trails; everything is here, a must see!

We had to make a last minute cancellation to camping in Western Maryland due to the weather and chose Patapsco Valley State Park. The camp sites were fairly small, but clean. The restrooms were really dated and had no hooks or anything to put your stuff while getting ready at the sinks or in the mirror, but were fairly clean. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful. Favorite part for our family was hike down to the River and kids playing on the rocks in the river. Also drove 20 minutes to the swinging bridge which was in a different part of the park which was beautiful. Definitely great hiking and scenery, and close to DC suburbs Will go there again for sure to enjoy the park.

This is a nicely kept park with many areas for picnic. There are also hiking trails, but it's rather hilly for a casual walk. Not the best park I've been to.

This park is large and varied. You need to go on-line and find a hike suitable to your ability and desire. Caution, certain areas with short steep climbs are hazardous when covered with ice, snow or after very heavy rains. Some great hikes are the Buzzards Rock and Cascade Trail in the Hilton Area. You can take the Cascade from the top down off of Landing Road and there is a back entrance and parking off of Illchester Road

We walked along the river on the paved path on a beautiful fall day. Lots of people out with dogs (leashes required) or on bicycles. We even saw a group of people practice with their lightsaber on the open ground near the river. There are 2 swinging bridges that were fun to cross. Parking can be a challenge in some spots.

I mountain bike, trail, run, and hike here at least fours days a week. I bought my house within a two mile drive or ride from the park. There are two swinging bridges, multiple waterfalls, and well marked trails that are easy to follow. There are also pavilions your can rent through the park service.

I sell Real Estate in the area and find clients that have lived here for years and never knew this was right in there own back yard!

Patapsco Valley State Park has a lot to offer. They have multiple entrances/parks in the string of land that makes up the park. We have visited all of the parks for different reasons. Our favorite is the Hilton Area with a wonderful Tire Park playground that uses recycled tires for the play equipment and playing surface. They also have group camping for scout and youth groups as well as family camping-both cabins and tents. We love to hike down to the Swinging Bridge. The other park areas all have their own unique treasures.

Medium to hard trails for hiking. Great view of the river valley. Close to Baltimore and yet feels like you are in the wilderness.

very nice Park! I was here at first time. On a very hot day, the park is still cool and I was relaxed and fun with my friend. Some people came with family or kids or grandparents,and friends. There are a way for hiking and a way for easy walking.

Great location for picnics and general family time. Quiet, well kept and really pretty. A staple in the Ellicott City experience for families.

We went here on one of the days that allows you to fish in the park without a license or trout stamp, and first went to an area farther afield to get some peace and quiet to fish. Although we had a somewhat peaceful place, there was a large family a little ways away that started to have some "fun" and I mean that in the way of laughing, talking loudly, splashing in the lake, etc. Needless to say we didn't catch anything, but it was a beautiful day, so it wan't a total waste.

My husband and I explored this place looking for a good woods spot to walk, canoe, and swim with our dog. What we found is a park we had to pay for, $3 a person, and lots of crowds. When we got to the park we were told that the area we wanted to visit was full so we had to park on the right. We never figured out what he meant by that. The park was very pretty but the river levels were fairly low preventing us from canoeing. The park is a great place for people from the city to come and experience nature. For those who are looking for a quiet get away you should try and find another park.

I grew up in Baltimore County and never ever get tired of visiting Patapsco. Each Area of the park has something different to offer. Alberton is a easy walking/biking trail. Steeped in history, you can see the remains of a town wiped out by Hurricane Agnes. McKeldin has more challenging trails. Picknall is great for picnics with pavilions to rent.

Simply go...TODAY...to any section of this beautiful state park that hugs the banks of the Patapsco River for many miles. We gift our families with an annual pass ($75) at Christmas time and they treasure it as a favorite gift. Seniors, 62 and over, pay a one time fee of $10 for a lifetime pass. I truly hope the state will eventually fund this park well enough so there is no entry fee. Baltimore set a great precedent by opening museums to the public free of charge. For folks to value preserving the environment and our natural resources they must have greater access to experience its wonder and beauty. Please respect this park by ALWAYS cleaning up after yourselves. Thanks.🐬

Patapsco Valley State Park offers incredible hiking options with beautiful scenic views that can be fun for all age groups!

If you're in or around Ellicott City and looking for a place to walk you dog that is cool and scenic, try the Old Main Line Trail in the Daniels Area of the park. Unlike many other park areas, it is free! The address of the parking lot is 2092 Daniels Rd, Ellicott City. There is a dam and waterfall directly across from the parking lot. Facing the dam, walk upstream to your left along the street, and you'll see another small parking lot used by kayak'ers to put their boats into the Patapsco. The Old Main Line trail starts there. You'll have to cross a small stream (barely an inch or two of water) to get onto the trail. The trail is mostly packed crushed stone and/or dirt, and is very flat. There will be some muddy puddles after a big rain. There are trails branching off the main trail that follow the edge of the river. It's very scenic and quiet -- with woods, the river, and granite outcroppings. There are picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot. Best of all, our dogs did not pick up any ticks!