patapsco valley state park

just go!!it is an area gem.what do i ask for when it is my turn to be celebrated... and it is nice outside?''can we go hiking at patapsco?''my favorite present!!there are all kinds of trail choices... long or short.what a wonderful way to really enjoy being outside!!take water alongwith you or leave it waiting for you in the car.

Tons of trails not enought time. I have visited each different areas in Patapsco and love them all. Swing bridge nice. Find the trail that you want to try. Each one is so different beautiful. When you feel your alone on the trail you then see a biker come by or a family making that hike up the mountain side look easy. You will love it. Find the list of actives and go learn something new.

Be sure to hike to the falls and cross the walking brindge over the river. Lots of great little things to explore, such as the train tracks and old train viaduct.

We were looking for a short, but worthwhile family hike and we had a nice time. We came in early November when the fall foliage was glowing. We will definitely come back!

Patapsco Valley State Park has many areas. McKeldin is one of my favorites as it seems more spacious and more convenient. They have a Frisbee golf course and nice hiking trails. Nice pavilions and play areas, too.

Pleasantly greeted; offered maps to the park grounds; given military discount; parking areas well light and maintained; would return again and again.

During our visit the fall foilage was in its' full beauty, we visited the Ruins of the Female Institute and found the history and building beaufitul. It was amazing to walk through, and could be a pleasure for those interested in hiking.

We pulled up to the camp at 12:30, two and a half hours before check-in, and we were not allowed to enter at all! We were not allowed to even walk the trails! What a bad first impression to give your customers!

We went here on one of the days that allows you to fish in the park without a license or trout stamp, and first went to an area farther afield to get some peace and quiet to fish. Although we had a somewhat peaceful place, there was a large family a little ways away that started to have some "fun" and I mean that in the way of laughing, talking loudly, splashing in the lake, etc. Needless to say we didn't catch anything, but it was a beautiful day, so it wan't a total waste.

So far I have only explored the Hilton area of this park. I hiked both the buzzard's rock and saw mill trails. Reasonable price for entry (3$ per person on weekends) and plenty of parking on a busy Sunday. We had a hard time finding the entrance to the trails and in finding a posted map. Luckily I had a map on my phone which I would recommend as a lot of the trails cross - it helped a lot. Restrooms were clean and everyone we passed on the trail quite friendly. Buzzard's rock trail is easier counter clockwise. You get to traverse some very steep rocks on this trail. Saw Mill trail had a cool little segment where you traverse over large rocks in the stream. Really enjoyed both. Looking forward to exploring more of this park in the future.

I did not think we'd be able to squeeze in a weekend camping trip this year, but then learned that there was a campground just 30 minutes away at Patapsco State Park, in the Hollofield Area of of Rt. 40. The campground is sprawling and clean, and well shaded. Really great spot for a local getaway or a cheap place to stay if visiting Baltimore. Be aware that some campsites are smaller than others if you have a large tent. We took a short hike down to the Patapsco River, which would be a convenient place to cool off the kids. Apart from the Hollofield area, it's a large park with a lot to do and worthy of a few days of exploration. Also close to civilization for quick grocery runs or a meal you don't need to cook yourself. Firewood is $5 for a decent amount, $2 Ice, $1 fire starters. Showers were clean and hot, and there is also ADA sites and facilities.

Great for bikes, strollers, walkers, runners and hikers! The main path at Avalon area is well sized and starts out paved for at least 2 miles. We found visiting the historical markers in the park to be worthwhile. They were interesting.

Patapsco Valley State Park is a great park. It covers a huge landscape and has multiple hiking trails. It's beautiful both in the winter and the summer. Hiking, picnic-ing, biking, walking, running... you name it, you can do it here. As a note, I usually park on Hilton Ave in Catonsville.

I grew up in Baltimore County and never ever get tired of visiting Patapsco. Each Area of the park has something different to offer. Alberton is a easy walking/biking trail. Steeped in history, you can see the remains of a town wiped out by Hurricane Agnes. McKeldin has more challenging trails. Picknall is great for picnics with pavilions to rent.

We stayed at the Hollofield campground over the 4th of July weekend, 2014. Thursday and Friday were beautiful and my wife and I commented on how this was one of the best campsites we've stay at with our 16' travel trailer. All the sites were clean and equally appealing with flat gravel pads that drained well and large fire pits with grill surfaces to cook on. Bathroom facilities were adequate Thursday and Friday but when Saturday rolled around there was a line to use the shower. There were only two stalls and many campers took very long showers despite being aware of the long line of people waiting for them to finish.Speaking of Saturday, this is when the the park lost 2 stars from what would have been a perfect score. The campground rules state music cannot be played louder than what you can hear in your own site. The campers obeyed this law but all day long we heard booming rave/hiphop music coming from a nearby neighborhood. The campground host said there was nothing that could be done about it and it happens on every holiday weekend. The music can be clearly heard everywhere in the campground. We left and did some hiking only to return in the afternoon to the music still going on. It didn't stop until late in the evening. The couple in the campsite next to us left early because of the music.