Patapsco Valley State Park is a peaceful, serene and conveniently located adventure spot

July 7, 9:33 PMBaltimore Day Trips ExaminerLaura Pritzker

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A waterfall at Patapsco Valley State Park

Discover a world of natural splendor and endless excitement practically in your own backyard. Come out to Patapsco Valley State Park for a day filled with your favorite activities.

Patapsco Valley State Park is one of Maryland’s premier parks, having first been established in 1907. The park extends over 30 miles along the Patapsco River and includes 14,000 acres of natural land as well as five areas developed for recreation. The park areas surround the south and to the west of Baltimore City with its main headquarters in Howard County, Route 40, west of the Hollofield area.

The history of the area dates back to well before the establishment of Maryland as a colony. Many historic artifacts, spanning over the last 300 years, are housed at the Avalon Visitor Center which has been recreated in the image of a Warden’s Office from the 1930s. Other historically significant sites to behold at Patapsco Valley State Park include: Fort Dix, which was an 1861 strategic Civil War fort; Elkridge Landing, the former colonial deep water port for tall ships established in 1690; the Thomas Viaduct, the world’s largest arched stone railroad bridge built in 1835; the Patapsco State Forest Reserve, established in 1907, and many more.

The park was also home to the families of many iron forgers and other workers of the trade from way back when. These towns were known as Orange Grove, Alberta, Avalon, Elysville and Daniels. The park’s various areas are still referred to by these original names. Other areas of interest include: a swinging bridge with a 300 ft. suspension walkway, a grist mill trail, Bloede’s Dam—the first internationally housed electric dam and many others.

There are multitudes of activities to do at the Patapsco Valley State Park. Popular adventures include: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, tubing, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing and much more. There are even equestrian trails for those who are looking for an alternate ride on the wild side. The Grist Mill Trail and Bloede’s Dam are great for hiking. The Daniels area has a great fishing ladder. Pavilions and plenty of open space make for a perfect picnic setting. The two-acre tire playground is any young child’s dream. There are also four campsites located in the park.

Various activities occur throughout the Patapsco Valley State Park including the trail maintenance programs which are crucial for the area’s preservation. These programs require volunteers to work with the park’s award-winning trail crew to improve and upgrade the park’s trail system. The next scheduled tail maintenance program will be held on Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To participate you must be at least 16 years of age.

Patapsco Valley State Park withholds the standard for experiencing great adventure without having to travel far from home. The main office is located at 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043. For more information call 410-461-5005 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapscovalley.html.