The Grist Mill Trail prior to 2003 had a natural surface and loose connections between the CSX tunnels on the Baltimore County side of the river. Some of the trail involved hiking or biking on the actual concrete encased sewer line that parallels the river. The Grist Mill Trail paving was completed from Lost Lake to the river at the Patterson Viaduct in 2003. It did not connect over the Patterson Viaduct to Ilchester Road until 2006. In an effort to connect a bike path from Ellicott City to BWI the bridge was constructed across the river in 2006. This access was designed for through traffic, not an alternative entrance to the park.
Since then several storms have come through the area and damaged the trail and the two stream crossings. In 2018, the flooding washed out both of the stream crossings. Since then the park has been maintaining temporary crossings. After each flooding event, the staff check the crossings for accessibility and repair as needed. Several flooding events have caused us to close the trail to make those repairs.
This project will remove the old temporary crossings and replace them with overflow bridges. The regular stream flow will travel under the bridges and with large rain events, the flow will travel over the bridges. Both streams have quite extensive watersheds, with much of these watersheds being impervious, making them very susceptible to high flow events.
Closure Schedule
Updated information July 11, 2023
The Grist Mill Trail will be open for use tomorrow morning 9AM. Please be careful on the trail as the park will continue to do small projects along the trail like removing and adding split rail fencing, mowing, and tree work. Access to and from both tunnel trails are on the down steam side of each bridge. Remember to take all trash with you when leaving the park.
North stream crossing. Concrete girder in place over the stream. Note the trailer being spun in the air so the tractor may drive out instead of backing down the trail.
Work continues on the Grist Mill trail crossings. All in stream work will cease on March 1. The contractor is making great progress and is on schedule. Please continue to respect the workers and for your safety stay off of the trail. If you are interested in looking at the progress, it is all very easily seen from the River Road side of the river.
If you have any further questions or concerns please contact us at
Patapsco.statepark@Maryland.gov
