Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight 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.
The park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery. We have over 200 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles identified as maintained trails. There are hiker only trails and multi-use trails accessible from many areas of Patapsco.
ALERT - Posted 9/18/18 - The Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area will be impacted by the upcoming Bloede Dam demolition sometime between September 10, 2018 and December 31, 2018. The impacts will be minimal and occur for only a few hours on a few days. During the removal of Bloede Dam, several trails will be closed in the vicinity of the dam, the river will be closed from the dam to the Swinging Bridge at Orange Grove, and river access may be limited from Orange Grove to the Gun Road Bridge. Signage and staff will alert visitors on the day of the impact. Thank you for your patience while we continue to work on the Bloede Removal Project.
ALERT - Posted 9/18/18 - Due to the flooding event on May 27, 2018, portions of the Southern end of Patapsco Valley State Park remain closed. The closures will affect those visiting the Avalon area and Hilton area. Lost Lake remains closed. The Grist Mill Trail and trails leading to the Grist Mill Trail remain closed. The Buzzards Rock, Saw Mill, Forest Glen, Vineyard Springs, and Grist Mill Trails are all closed with the following exceptions. Buzzards Rock trail is open from Ilchester Rock North and East to the Saw Mill Trail. The North/East leg of the Saw Mill Trail is open to the Santee Trail. The Forest Glen Trail is open to the Pigs Run Trail. The Vineyard Springs trail loop section is open, the loop to the Grist Mill trail remains closed. The Glen Artney area of the park is open. Trail users should respect, for their safety and the safety of others, the closures following the signage on area trails as work continues. We will continue to re-open the remaining areas, including popular trails, as soon as it is safe for our visitors.
Bloede Dam Removal Project
Park, Trail and River Closures - Due to the construction associated with the Bloede Dam Removal Project, portions of the Grist Mill Trail, the Patapsco River and the park will be closed to visitation.
All closures will occur between Ilchester Road to just downstream of Bloede Dam.
For details, and current status of this project, you can visit the DNR Bloede Dam web page or see the park bulletin board.
What will I see and how will this project impact my visit"
- Access to the park will be CLOSED between Ilchester Road to just downstream of Bloede Dam on or about September 5, 2017 until approximately April 2019.
- Approximately .5 miles of the Grist Mill Trail will be CLOSED between Ilchester Road to just downstream of Bloede Dam on or about September 5, 2017 until approximately April 2019.
- All access to the river, including but not limited to swimming, fishing, paddling and tubing, will be CLOSED between Ilchester Road to just downstream of Bloede Dam on or about September 5, 2017 until approximately April 2019 during construction. There will be less than a mile of river that will be closed between Ilchester Road and the swinging bridge.
- The hiking/biking trail leading from Buzzard Rock to the Grist Mill Trail will be OPEN
- Five acres of forest will be cleared between the Grist Mill Trail and the Patapsco River.
- Once the dam is removed, the river will experience changes, such as the expansion of sand bars, due to heavy sediment releases for an undetermined amount of time. These changes could impact the quality of fishing below the dam.
The Bloede Dam Removal Project will:
Improve public safety
Enhance recreational opportunities
Provide fish passage to spawning habitats upstream
Create a free-flowing river experience for all to enjoy in the park
For more information, please contact the park.
Patapsco Valley State Park Trail Maps
New maps of the trails at Patapsco Valley State Park can be downloaded for free from this website. Please make sure to read the printing instructions and information for how to download the file to cell phones. The map is in a PDF format that requires Adobe Reader. To get the free Adobe Reader go to Adobe.com.
OPERATION: CAMPOUT!
It's never too late to discover the joys of sitting around a roaring campfire, roasting marshmallows or sleeping under the stars!
With the new OPERATION: CAMPOUT! Program, we can lend you gear free of charge (includes a tent, chairs, stove, lantern and more). This program is designed for military individuals and military families new to camping or experienced campers stationed or recovering in this area.OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is an opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and the great outdoors in a comfortable, safe and relaxing setting.
Campsites have picnic tables and fire pits. Some sites have electric hook-ups. Restrooms and shower facilities are nearby.
Contact the park office directly by phone to make your reservation. Be sure to let us know you are reserving through OPERATION: CAMPOUT!
Patapsco Activities E-mail Alerts
Would you like to receive monthly e-mail updates on what is happening in Patapsco Valley State Park, Soldiers Delight and Morgan Run? Sign up to receive the Patapsco Valley News. Park staff send e-mails no more than twice a week highlighting special activities occurring throughout the park. Send your e-mail address to DNR and enter contact information to be added to our mailing list.