Park
Patapsco Valley State Park
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Trails
60
Points of interest
4
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Patapsco Valley State Park
Maryland · Upper Chesapeake watershed
About this park
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park is a popular destination located in Maryland. There are many good reasons to visit the park, including the stunning scenery, exceptional hiking trails, and a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, biking, and camping, among other activities. The park is also home to several historic sites, such as the Daniels Area and the Thomas Viaduct.
Some specific points of interest to see in Patapsco Valley State Park include the ruins of the Orange Grove Flour Mill and the Swinging Bridge. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Cascade Falls and Hilton Falls. Additionally, visitors can explore the popular Avalon Area, where they can hike, bike, or picnic.
Interesting facts about the park include that it is one of the oldest state parks in Maryland, dating back to 1907. The park covers more than 16,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. It also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back 5,000 years.
The best time of year to visit Patapsco Valley State Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities in each season. Summer is an excellent time for swimming and kayaking, while winter offers the opportunity for sledding and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Patapsco Valley State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and range of recreational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Maryland gem.
Some specific points of interest to see in Patapsco Valley State Park include the ruins of the Orange Grove Flour Mill and the Swinging Bridge. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Cascade Falls and Hilton Falls. Additionally, visitors can explore the popular Avalon Area, where they can hike, bike, or picnic.
Interesting facts about the park include that it is one of the oldest state parks in Maryland, dating back to 1907. The park covers more than 16,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. It also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back 5,000 years.
The best time of year to visit Patapsco Valley State Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities in each season. Summer is an excellent time for swimming and kayaking, while winter offers the opportunity for sledding and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Patapsco Valley State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and range of recreational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Maryland gem.
StateMaryland
WatershedUpper Chesapeake
Latitude39.1784°
Longitude-76.7192°
In the park
Streamflow in Patapsco Valley State Park
Live USGS discharge at streamgauges inside the park boundary.
In the park
Trails in Patapsco Valley State Park
Named trails whose route falls inside the park.
Affeldt Climb (Hoco Thru Trail)
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Backside Of Daniels
0.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Bestivus
0.8 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Bge Access
1.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Blasphemy Climb
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Burnout
0.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Buzzards Rock Reroute
0.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Buzzards Rock Trail
1.1 mi · Hiking, Running
Church Trail
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Davis Trail
0.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Davis Trail
0.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Davis Trail
0.1 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Davis Trail (Affeldt Drop To The Beech)
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
East Branch Trail
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Farm Connector Trail
0.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Hilltop Connector
0.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Hoco Thru Trail
0.0 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Hoco Thru Trail
4.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Horse Fly Alley
0.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Joe's Trail
0.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Killarney
0.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Magic Mike
0.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Mckeldin Falls Rapids Trail
0.6 mi · Hiking, Running
Medicine Tree Trail
0.3 mi · Hiking, Running
Middle Thru Trail
1.4 mi · Hiking, Running
More Fun
0.0 mi · Hiking, Running
More More Fun
0.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Nun's Run
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Nun's Trail
0.8 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Oec Connector
3.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Oec Connector Trail
2.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Ole Ranger Trail (Blue)
1.1 mi · Hiking, Running
One Eye
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Out Of Range Trail
0.9 mi · Hiking, Running
Overlook Loop
0.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Patapsco State Park - Mckeldin
12.9 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Pickall Trail
1.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Pigs Run
0.0 mi · Hiking, Running
Plantation Trail
1.3 mi · Hiking, Horseback, Running
Power Line Access
0.5 mi · Hiking, Running
Quarry Access
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Quarry Trail
1.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
River Ridge Trail
0.1 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Santee Branch Trail
4.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Sawmill Branch Trail
0.9 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Sawmill-Ilchester Connector
0.2 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
School's Out Loop
1.0 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Schools Out Loop
1.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Smokey
0.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Soapstone
0.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Something's Gotta Give
0.3 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Stone Wall Trail
0.3 mi · Hiking, Running
Switchback Trail
1.5 mi · Hiking, Running
Tall Poplar Trail
1.4 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Tulip Poplar Trail
1.2 mi · Hiking, Running
Union Dam Trail
0.4 mi · Hiking, Running
Vineyard Spring Trail
0.7 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Whoop De Doos
0.5 mi · Biking, Hiking, Running
Wood-Marr (Hoco Thru Trail)
3.6 mi · Biking, Hiking, Horseback, Running
Wright Of Way
0.2 mi · Hiking, Running
In the park
Points of interest in Patapsco Valley State Park
Landmarks and points of interest inside the park boundary.
Detailed forecast
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Hourly detail
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
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Deep dive
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
Long-term outlook
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
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Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Patapsco Valley State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
FAQ
About Patapsco Valley State Park
What can I do at Patapsco Valley State Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Patapsco Valley State Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Land designation
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.