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Historical Tour
Location Hollofield Area
Patapsco Valley State Park
Baltimore and Howard Counties
Patapsco River History Visitor Center, 410-737-0451
Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters, 410-461-5005 (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Access Park entrance located 2 miles west of I-695 on Route 40 West
Distance Six miles driving
1.5 miles walking
0.5 miles optional strenuous hike
Time Half a day to one day
Trail If you have not completed the Patapsco River Avalon Area Historical Tour, go to the Patapsco River History Visitor Center located off of Route 1 South near Elkridge for an orientation. Otherwise, start at the park headquarters in Hollofield for trail map. Next visit the scenic Valley View Overlook in Hollofield, with an optional hike to Union Dam on the Patapsco River. Then travel via car to the Daniels Area for views of the Daniels Dam and milltown ruins (Route 40 West to Rogers Avenue, right on Old Frederick Road, go one half mile and turn left on Daniels Road to the river). Then visit historic Ellicott City (Return to Route 40, cross it and continue on Rogers Avenue to Main Street in Ellicott City.) Continue with a walking tour of the town
Skill Level Novice
Suitable For Families? Yes
Hazards/Restrictions Very steep hike to Union Dam. Be conditioned and wear proper footwear.
Potable Water Available at park headquarters at Hollofield and at Hollofield Picnic Area.
Natural Features Scenic views of steep wooded river valley with rocky outcrops.
Historic/Cultural Features Partially restored 18th century milltown with railroad station along first commercial railroad in the U.S. Several museums located in town. Old dams and mill races for water-powered mills.
Guiding Local museums
Camping Located at Hollofield Campground. Call 1-888-432-2267 for rates and availability.
Other Points of Interest Ellicott City: B&O Railroad Station Museum, Firehouse Museum, and Howard County Tourism Council Visitor Center. Main Street Ellicott City was the original trace of Baltimore National Pike, a formerly privately owned toll road, started by the Ellicott Family for farmers to transport crops to the mills. The town now offers numerous gift shops and restaurants. The nearby milltown of Oella in Baltimore County offers antique auctions and the Benjamin Banneker Park. Canoeing is possible on the Patapsco River in the Daniels Area.
Other Accommodations Motels available on Route 40.
Fees or Permits $2 per person service charge at park entrance. Fees for camping.
Description A driving and walking tour of a steep wooded ridge and valley area of the Patapsco River that visits terrain reminiscent of Western Maryland. The tour includes a scenic overlook, an optional hike to Union Dam and visit to the historic milltowns of Daniels (ruins) and Ellicott City (partially restored). Ellicott's water-powered mills included cotton, grist, saw, and silk mills along old Baltimore National Pike, a formerly privately owned toll road. Ellicott City is connected to Baltimore via the first commercial railroad in the United States.


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