Avalon, Orange Grove & Glen Artney Areas
The Avalon Area is the southern gateway to Patapsco Valley State Park, at 5120 South Street in Halethorpe, Maryland, just off U.S. Route 1 near Elkridge. One entrance leads to three connected areas along the river: Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney. Together they hold the park's best-known sights, including the Thomas Viaduct, the Swinging Bridge, the Cascade Trail and the Grist Mill Trail. The gates open at 9 a.m. and close at sunset, and on busy weekends this area fills to capacity, so arrive early.
Avalon Area at a Glance
The Three Areas
Maryland DNR treats Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney as one destination with one entrance and one fee.
- Avalon: large picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails and the William Offutt Johnson History Center, plus the road to Orange Grove and Glen Artney.
- Orange Grove: the Swinging Bridge, a picnic shelter and picnic sites, trails, and the site of the removed Bloede Dam.
- Glen Artney: Lost Lake, a picnic area and trails. Most of the area's picnic sites are here.
The roads in these areas do not connect to the park's other areas. Hollofield, McKeldin, Hilton and the rest each have their own entrance and address (see Parking & Directions).
How to Get There
From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take Route 1 (Exit 12-A) toward Elkridge and follow Route 1 South about three miles to South Street. Turn right; the park entrance is on the left. From I-95, take I-195 to Route 1 (Exit 3) toward Elkridge, then turn right on South Street. Coming north through Elkridge from Howard County, turn left on South Street.
The Thomas Viaduct is in view as you drive in. DNR says to park in the driveway in front of the contact station and walk the road carefully to look at it, watching for the blind curve.
2026 Entry Fees
- April through October, weekdays: $2 per vehicle for Maryland residents, $4 for out-of-state vehicles. Buses (more than nine passengers) pay $10.
- April through October, weekends and holidays: $3 per person for Maryland residents, $5 per person from out of state.
- November through March: an honor system, $2 per vehicle in-state and $4 out of state.
Children in car seats get in free, as do seniors 62 and older with the Golden Age Pass, holders of the Universal Disability Pass, and active-duty military and Maryland National Guard members who show their military ID. Shelter rentals do not include the entry fee. Full details are on Hours & Fees.
Things to See
The Swinging Bridge crosses the Patapsco at Orange Grove, about 1.6 miles northwest of Avalon along the park road. Cross it to reach the stone ruins of the Orange Grove flour mill, which burned on May 1, 1905. The current bridge dates from the late 1970s. Our Swinging Bridge guide covers parking and the walk.
Cascade Falls, which DNR lists among Avalon's highlights, is on the Cascade Trail on the Orange Grove side of the river (see Cascade Falls).
The Grist Mill Trail follows the river from the end of the Lost Lake parking lot past Orange Grove toward Ilchester. A tanker truck that Tropical Storm Agnes left on the riverbank in 1972 still sits beside it. See the Grist Mill Trail page.
Camp Tydings: near Shelter #1 are the remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that ran from 1933 to 1942. During World War II it became the nation's first camp for conscientious objectors. The chimney at Shelter #1 was part of the camp's recreation hall.
Lost Lake is a small man-made pond in Glen Artney, rebuilt after Agnes destroyed it in 1972. DNR's history-hike guide notes the area was closed to visitors after floods in 2016 and 2018, so follow the posted signs.
The William Offutt Johnson History Center sits in the last surviving stone duplex of the Avalon Iron and Nail Works. DNR lists it as closed for the season, with private tours available by request through the park.
Trails From Avalon
DNR's Avalon map (updated December 2019) shows these named trails in the three areas, each marked by its blaze color on the map: Cascade, Ridge, Valley View, Morning Choice, Old Track Loop, Rockburn, Soapstone, Bull Run, Vineyard Springs and the Grist Mill Trail. The Santee Branch Trail climbs from Glen Artney to the Hilton Area. Download the map from our Trail Map page; cell phones are not reliable in the valley.
Picnic Shelters
There are about a dozen rental shelters across the three areas. Shelter #104 holds up to 100 guests and #105 up to 200, with restrooms and playgrounds nearby. Orange Grove's #106 holds 70. DNR counts nine rental shelters in Glen Artney (its list names eight), from 10 to 70 guests. Alcohol permits are available only for the larger shelters and must be arranged in advance through the state reservation service. Grills are allowed only in designated picnic areas. See Picnic Shelters.
Swimming, Fishing and Paddling
Swimming is allowed along the river except where posted closed. There are no lifeguards, and the current can be strong. All of the river here is open to fishing except within 300 feet above and below the Bloede Dam site, according to DNR's Avalon fishing page; upstream of the Thomas Viaduct is non-tidal water and downstream is tidal, and different licenses and rules apply to each. Paddling and tubing work when the water is up in spring and fall or right after summer storms; bring your own gear. See Swimming & Tubing and Fishing.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney areas on a leash at all times. Clean up after them. See Dogs.
Good to Know
- Arrive early on weekends. DNR names Avalon among the areas that close when full.
- Winter restrooms: from November 1 to April 1 the only open restroom here is by Shelter 104.
- Bike commuters: riding through Avalon and Glen Artney outside park hours needs DNR's after-hours bicycle waiver.
Avalon, Orange Grove & Glen Artney Areas FAQ
Where is the Avalon Area of Patapsco Valley State Park?
At 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227, off U.S. Route 1 just north of Elkridge. From I-695 take Exit 12-A to Route 1 South, go about three miles, and turn right on South Street. The entrance is on the left.
How much does it cost to get into the Avalon Area?
From April through October it costs $2 per car on weekdays for Maryland residents ($4 out of state) and $3 per person on weekends and holidays ($5 out of state). From November through March an honor system charges $2 or $4 per car.
Is the Swinging Bridge in the Avalon Area?
Yes. It is at Orange Grove, about 1.6 miles northwest of the Avalon entrance along the park road, past Shelters 104 and 105. Park at the Orange Grove lot next to the bridge.
Are dogs allowed in the Avalon Area?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney areas on a leash at all times.
Does the Avalon Area fill up?
Yes. On busy weekends DNR closes Avalon to new cars once it reaches capacity. Arrive early, and if your group is large, enter together.