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in the Avalon, Orange Grove, Glen Artney, Hilton, Hollofield, Pickall and McKeldin
day-use areas, as well as the Hilton campground. One camp loop for visitors with pets is available in the Hollofield campground. Please help us maintain the sanitation of these areas by avoiding trails that pass through them.
throughout the remainder of the park, but they at all times. For the
safety of your pet, other visitors and the park's wildlife, please comply with the park's requirement that all pets
remain on a leash. Thank you!
| Top 10 in the Patapsco Valley State Park | Patapsco Valley State Park Areas of Interest |
| Driving Directions to the Patapsco Valley State Park |
    
| Camping Season Time Table | Canoeing, Orange Grove/Avalon Areas (2 mi.) |
| Hiking, the Old Ranger Trail | Mountain Biking, the Old Ranger Trail | Road biking, Grist Mill Trail and River Road |
Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14,000 acres and five
developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback
and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park's many popular pavilions.
In one of Maryland's first state parks (1907), the valley and its natural resources have been enjoyed by the Native Americans, explorers, settlers and present-day citizens. With its source in Frederick and Carroll counties, the Patapsco serves the Port of Baltimore, and empties into the Chesapeake Bay.
The Avalon Visitor Center houses exhibits spanning over 300 years of history along the Patapsco River. Housed in a
19th century stone dwelling in the Avalon Area, the center includes a re-creation of a 1930's forest warden's office.
- View the Thomas Viaduct - world's longest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge. (Avalon Area)
- Hike the Grist Mill Trail - A 1.5 mile paved and accessible trail for the disabled along the river. (Avalon Area)
- Walk across the Swinging Bridge - a 300 foot suspension walkway over the river. (Orange Grove Area)
- Hike to Bloede's Dam - world's first internally housed hydroelectric dam. (Orange Grove Area)
- Hike the McKeldin Area trail system for unparalleled scenery of the valley and river rapids.
- Play on a two-acre tire playground in the Hilton Area.
- Camp in one of our family campsites or camper cabins to enjoy the park activities or nearby Ellicott City or Baltimore. (Hollofield and Hilton Areas)
- View the Patapsco Valley Overlook in the Hollofield Area - the only valley overlook along the river.
- Visit the Daniels Area fish ladder to learn about Maryland's first barrier free river to shad and herring migrations.
- Visit the Avalon Visitor Center.
| Hollofield Area | Daniels Area | Pickall Area | Hilton Area | Avalon-Glen Artney-Orange Grove | McKeldin Area |
This area features a scenic river valley overlook, playgrounds, picnic sites including rental pavilions, fishing and
camping. There are 73 campsites, some with electric hookups and a pet loop. Hunting is available by permit. more
This area provides year-round flatwater canoeing for two miles of river behind Daniels Dam. Paddle
your canoe or kayak and enjoy your lunch on rocks at the headwaters of the Patapsco. View abundant Great Blue
Heron, kingfishers and beaver activity, or bring along your fishing rod. The Daniels Dam has a fish passage and accompanying exhibit.
Eleven large picnic pavilions are available for rental by reservation only. Playgrounds and ball fields are also on site. Hunting is available by permit. more
Hiking trails and shaded picnic sites are available, along with a recycled tire playground. Youth group camping area is closed. There are 14 family campsites (tent camping only - no electricity). This area also has camper cabins, with heat and electricity. more
This area offers hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, canoeing, bicycling, tubing, rental pavilions, fishing, equestrian trails, ball fields and playgrounds. The Orange Grove Scenic Area has a two mile drive along the Patapsco to the Swinging Bridge. A fish passage has been installed at Bloedes Dam. This area is known for several historical sites -
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the Thomas Viaduct, remains of the Orange Grove Mill, Avalon Iron and Nail
Works and Bloedes Dam. The Avalon Visitor Center houses exhibits detailing 300 years of Patapsco history. more
This area offers youth group camping, picnicking, rental pavilions, playgrounds, fishing, ball fields, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails and a disc golf course. Hunting is available in designated areas by permit only. Hike, bike or horseback ride scenic valley trails. more
Trail Guide
- - From the Beltway (I-695) take Security Blvd. (Exit 17) westbound. Go 0.5 mile and turn left on North Rolling Rd. Take next right (Fairbrook Rd.). Go 1 mile, turn left on Johnnycake Rd. Go 1.5 miles. Park Entrance is on the left.
From Rt. 40 take Rt. 40 to North Rolling Rd. toward Security Square Mall. Go 2.5 miles, turn left onto Fairbrook Rd. Follow above directions.
- - From the Beltway (I-695) take Frederick Rd. (Exit 13) through Catonsville to South Rolling Rd. Turn left and make first right onto Hilton Avenue. Bear left and follow Hilton Ave. 1.5 miles to the park entrance on right.
From Howard County follow Frederick Rd. through Ellicott City into Baltimore County, turn right at South Rolling Rd. and follow directions above.
- - From the Beltway (I-695) take Rt. 40 West (Exit 15). Follow Rt. 40 West 2 miles to the park entrance on the right.
From I-70/Rt. 29 take Rt. 29 South (Exit 87) to Rt. 40 East 2 miles to the park entrance on the right.
- - From the Beltway (I-695) Take Rt. 1 (Exit 12-A) toward Elkridge. Follow Rt. 1 South about 3 miles to South St. Turn right. Park entrance is on the left.
From I -95 take I-195 to Rt. 1 (Exit 3) toward Elkridge to South St. Turn right. Park entrance is on the left.
From Howard County follow Rt. 1 through Elkridge and into Baltimore County. Turn left onto South St. Park entrance is on the left.
- - From I-695/I-70 West take I-70 to Marriottsville Rd. (Exit 83). Go north on Marriottsville Rd. for 4 miles to the park entrance on the right.
From I-70 East take Rt. 40 to Marriottsville Rd. Turn left. Park entrance is 5 miles on the right.
From Rt. 26 take Rt. 26 to Marriottsville Rd. Go South 4 miles, park entrance is on the left.
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