Avalon, Hilton, Glen Artney, Orange Grove Areas Trail Guide

Patapsco Valley State Park
Avalon, Hilton, Glen Artney and Orange Grove Areas
Trail Guide
Patapsco Valley State Park extends along nearly 35 miles of the Patapsco River, from Elkridge in the east to Woodbine in the west. This river valley park encompasses more than 14,500 acres and several distinct recreation areas, including the areas of Avalon, Hilton, Glen Artney and Orange Grove nearest the town of Elkridge. Within a short drive of the Baltimore metropolitan area, Patapsco Valley offers a natural escape from urban life and a multitude of recreation attractions.
The recreation areas of Patapsco featured in this guide have a wealth of natural scenery, adventure and leisure recreation opportunities, and interesting remnants of the region's historical past. Cascading waterfalls, scenic rock outcrops, wildflowers, picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields and a 300-foot swinging bridge over the Patapsco River appeal to visitors of all ages. These areas may be best known for their extensive and challenging 17-plus mile maintained trail system, which is popular as a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian destination.
Wildlife and Nature Appreciation
While visiting Patapsco Valley State Park, you will see a variety of natural habitats. Mature deciduous woodlands of tulip poplar and oak blanket the uplands, while cascading streams cut deep ravines in the valley's hillsides, often shaded by groves of coniferous forest. Throughout the spring and fall, dogwoods, maples, redbuds, sassafras and many varieties of wildflowers color the forest's understory.
Due to the park's soil type and geology, several plant species more common to mountainous areas can be uniquely identified. Along the Cascade Trail, eastern hemlocks are notable. Other mountain species you will see are erect trillium, false hellebore and wild sarsaparilla.
Avalon has abundant habitat for small mammals and birds, including migratory species. If you pause during your trek through the forest, you are likely to see rabbits, gray squirrels, beavers, white-tailed deer and red fox. Colorful bluebirds, scarlet tanagers and Baltimore orioles can be enjoyed during their migration through Maryland in the spring and fall. Listen for the beautiful songs of warblers or the whistle of a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead. Along the banks of the river, bird watchers will spot Canada geese, green herons, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks year-round. Although rarely seen, screech owls, barred owls, great-horned owls, kestrels and wild turkeys also inhabit the forest.
Fishing
The Patapsco River meanders through the park and is a popular attraction for anglers. The Department of Natural Resources' Fisheries Service stocks the river as a put-and-take fishery with adult rainbow and brown trout in the spring and fall. Anglers also enjoy catching naturally reproducing smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish and rock bass.
Fishing opportunities have been exclusively set aside at Lost Lake for youth under 16 and seniors 62 years of age and older. This area is also designed for anglers with disabilities, including a wheelchair accessible fishing pier.
Consult your freshwater sportfishing guide, which is issued with the purchase of a fishing license, for detailed information on rules, regulations and creel limits. Information and stocking schedules are also posted on this website.
Historically, the Patapsco was a spawning ground for a number of migratory fish species, including American eel, shad, yellow perch and river herring. The construction of mills and dams on the river over the past 300 years, however, had blocked fish passage to this critical freshwater spawning habitat. DNR's Fish Passage Program has been working to re-open these barriers on rivers throughout Maryland since 1988. Four fish passages have been created on the Patapsco, including a fish ladder at Bloedes Dam. The goal of easing these barriers is to bring migratory fish species back to their historic population levels. As yet, however, these migratory fish species remain off limits to anglers.
Camping
The mature, wooded setting of the Hilton Area is a popular destination for family and youth group camping. Tent sites include picnic tables, fire rings, grills and access to a heated comfort station with hot showers. Enjoy the park's ballfields, as well as a popular recycled tire playground. The Area also has six mini-cabins for rent. Tables and facilities for the disabled are provided.
For camping and mini-cabin reservations May 1 through September 30, call Park Reservations at 1-888-432-2267 or make your reservation on the Internet at reservations.dnr.state.md.us For reservations October 1 through April 30, and all youth group camping reservations, call the park office at 410-461-5005.
Discover History Along the Trail
Enter another time as you explore Patapsco's trails. Layer upon layer of history tells the story of man's interaction with nature. Native Americans hunted, gathered and fished here for centuries. In the 1700s, the valley became a premier site for America's Industrial Revolution. Early colonists felled trees for charcoal used to fire iron furnaces. The river's current was dammed and channeled to power iron, paper, grist and textile mills. Towns and tobacco farms were established throughout the valley.
In the early 19th century, significant transportation improvements were constructed, connecting Baltimore City to flour mills in Ellicott City and other commerce along the Patapsco River. These projects included construction of the initial leg of the first federally funded national road. In 1828, the first commercial steam-powered railroad, The Baltimore and Ohio, followed the river from Baltimore to the resources of the West. A catastrophic flood in 1868, however, destroyed most of what man developed and only ruins of the valley's vibrant communities remain. You can still see the concrete ties that supported the railroad along the Patapsco River in the Avalon Area.
Conservation efforts began in the river valley in 1907 when the Patapsco State Forest Reserve was established. During the Depression years of the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted trees and built trails, picnic areas, campsites and handsome cut-stone pavilions to improve what had by then become "Patapsco State Park."
Throughout the post-war recreation boom of the 1950s, Patapsco State Park began to expand its acreage and recreation opportunities to meet increasing visitation demands. In 1972, however, another severe flood resulting from Tropical Storm Agnes destroyed all park improvements along the valley's floor. An extensive reconstruction of the recreation facilities was begun in 1980, along with an ambitious effort to expand the park's boundaries through funding by the Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Since then, the park has doubled in size, protecting the valley's watershed.
Give an added purpose to your outdoor adventure. Stop at the park's Avalon Visitor Center for an interpretive historical brochure.
Trails
Adventure seekers will enjoy hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on the park's popular trail system. More than 17 miles of challenging and rugged singletrack trails follow the ridges, steep hillsides and stream valleys of Patapsco's rugged terrain. These trails are also excellent gateways for wildlife viewing, birding and general nature appreciation. Please respect the rights of nearby private property owners by using only blazed trails, which are maintained by the park.
Remember that the park is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, slippery trail surfaces, insects, etc., and normal precautions should be taken. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Hilton Area:

Buzzards Rock Trail (2.1 miles)
This steep trail runs along the top of a ridge and provides a scenic view above the railroad tracks, especially during late fall and winter. Please note that 0.7 miles of this trail is foot-use-only. Mountain bikers must detour on to Santee Branch Trail.
Sawmill Branch Trail (0.9 miles)
This trail starts at the end of the Grist Mill Trail or off the Buzzards Rock Trail. The trail's moderate grade meanders downstream, allowing hikers to view several scenic pools and glades.
Ilchester Rocks Trail (0.1 miles)
This very steep trail is an offshoot of the Buzzards Rock Trail and provides a nice view of rock cliffs above the river. This area is also popular for rock climbing.
Charcoal Trail (0.7 miles)
This wide-open trail, which follows the power line, connects the Sawmill Branch and Santee Branch trails.
Forest Glen Trail (0.6 miles)
This foot-use-only trail has several very steep grades, and connects the end of the Grist Mill Trail to the Hilton Area complex near the recycled tire playground.
Pigs Run Trail (0.2 miles)
This relatively flat trail is nicely wooded and connects Forest Glen and Santee Branch trails.

Avalon Area:

Ridge Trail (2.2 miles)
This popular hiking and mountain biking trail runs along the ridge above the river. The trail has two entrances, one at River Road and the other located just downriver of the Orange Grove Area comfort station.
Rockburn Branch Trail (1.2 miles)
Access this trail from the Ridge Trail at River Road. The trail loops through woods and steepens as you head back to River Road on the Howard County side.
Valley View Trail (0.9 miles)
This foot-use-only trail has a great view of the river valley and primarily runs along the ridge. Watch for a few steep sections with loose rocks.
Morning Choice Trail (1.8 miles)
A relatively level trail, this route connects Cascade Falls Trail with Rockburn Branch Trail, as it winds through areas of beautiful mature trees, and passes a stand of bamboo, an exotic invasive species near Old Track Loop.

Glen Artney Area:

Vineyard Spring Trail (1.0 miles)
This is a very popular mountain bike trail and can be accessed from the Grist Mill Trail. It is narrow at points, often only two to three feet wide, as it works its way along a stream.
Santee Branch Trail (2.4 miles)
The Santee is a long trail connecting the Hilton and Glen Artney Areas. The trail follows a power line several times and can be connected with the Vineyard Springs, Grist Mill and Sawmill Branch trails to make a great 4.5 mile loop.
Soapstone Branch Trail (1.7 miles)
This trail has a loop below the Glen Artney Area. Several stream crossings are required as this trail connects with South Rolling Road (Rt. 166).
Grist Mill Trail (1.6 miles)
This trail is wheelchair accessible, traveling from the Lost Lake parking lot to the Swinging Bridge and continuing on to the head of the Hilton Area trails. The trail follows the river and railroad bed. Note: Beginning 12/01/2002 until 9/2003 the Grist Mill Trail is closed on weekdays and will remain open on weekends until further notice. The Grist Mill Trail from the Swinging Bridge to Illchester Road is now closed to all users until 9/2003.

Orange Grove Area:

Cascade Falls Trail (2.2 miles)
Beginning in the Orange Grove Area, this loop trail allows visitors an opportunity to view beautiful cascades and rapids. A short section of the trail is foot-use-only due to severe steepness. Please check the map available for sale at the park office before biking.
Ridge Trail (2.2 miles)
This trail connects the Avalon and Orange Grove Areas and is popular for hiking and mountain biking.

Patapsco Valley State Park is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Please be responsible and protect the park's natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics.

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.

Remember that all of Maryland's State Parks are Trash-Free, so pack out what you pack in! If you are mountain biking in the park, please set a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling by: riding only on open, dry trails; controlling your bicycle speed and; always yielding the trail. Thanks for being a good steward of Maryland's outdoors.
Trail Stewardship
You can help support trails at your favorite forest or park by volunteering on trail projects or purchasing a tax-deductible Trail Stewardship sticker. Your support helps maintain and construct trails to protect the environment and benefit trail users. Call 410-461-5005 for trail project information and to make a donation.
Pets
Pets are welcome throughout the park, with the exception of picnic and camping areas due to high rates of visitation. Please help us maintain the sanitation of these areas by avoiding trails that pass through them. A camping loop for visitors with pets is available in the Hollofield Area. 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!
Guides and Outfitters
For information on commerical guides and outfitters or organizing group outings, contact the park's headquarters at 410-461-5005.
Park Watch
The State Forest and Park Service's Park Watch program encourages visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting personal property and preserving the park. If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any park employee or call: 1-800-825-PARK (7275).
How to Get There

Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney Areas:
These areas are located approximately three miles south of the Baltimore Beltway. From I-95, take Exit 47 (BWI Airport) and travel East on I-195. Take Exit 3 to Elkridge. Turn right on US-1, heading south. Take next right on South Street. The park entrance is immediately on your left.

Hilton Area:
From I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), take Exit 13, Frederick Road, west. Follow for two miles and turn left on South Rolling Road. At first intersection, bear right on Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into park.
From I-95, take exit 47 (keep left on exit ramp), heading north (Route 166) to South Rolling Road. Follow 1.8 miles and make a sharp left on Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into park.
Friends of Patapsco Valley State park
The Friends of Patapsco Valley State park is a non-profit, charitable foundation established for the purpose of improving the park's Visitor Center, trails and interpretive exhibits and programs. Volunteers and financial tax-exampt donations are welcome. For information, contact the Avalon Visitor Center at 410-737-0451.
Hours of Operation
The Avalon, Hilton, Glen Artney and Orange Grove Areas of Patapsco Valley State Park are open 9 a.m. to sunset, effective March 1, 2002.

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale from Patapsco Valley State Park headquarters by calling 410-461-5005.

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Last Updated November 7, 2002