Scents and Sensibility
Introduction to the Quest
Come get your bandana and instructions to hike the sensory trail at the Hilton Area of Patapsco Valley State Park. Experience the various stations using your five senses just like animals do in the wild to find food, water and shelter. You can choose to take turns using the bandana as a blindfold, while the rest of the family members help guide you through. You will also complete a scavenger hunt along the trail looking for useful items you could use in a survival situation. Then once you are done, use these natural items to build a survival shelter. Make sure to take a picture of your family in the shelter you built together and post them on the Park Quest Facebook page.
Families should start at the Nature Center to pick up their materials. If no one is working at the Nature Center or Ranger Station, you will need to call the Ranger on duty at 443-534-1766
Park Information
The Hilton Area is known for its recycled tire playground for children. There is also a nature center, nature playspace, and sensory trail. Though small in size our nature center and surrounding sites are a hub for exploration. You can also gain access to the river by traveling a short hike down the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. One of the most unique features in this area can be found along the Sawmill Branch Trail -- the trail actually takes you boulder hopping in the stream. Mountain bikers will enjoy the challenges presented along the Santee Branch Trail as it connects with more challenging trails in this section of the park and in the Glen Artney, Avalon and Orange Grove areas of the park. The Hilton area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites. Hilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore.
Directions to the Hilton Area of Patapsco Valley State Park
1101 Hilton Avenue
Catonsville MD 21228
410-461-5005
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 in Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into the 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 the park.
