Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a small waterfall in the Orange Grove part of Patapsco Valley State Park's Avalon Area, and DNR lists it among the Avalon Area's main features. To get there, enter the park at 5120 South Street in Halethorpe and drive the park road to the Orange Grove parking area by the Swinging Bridge. Wikipedia describes the falls as reached by a marked trail from the last Orange Grove lot; on DNR's Avalon map, the trail that starts there is the Cascade Trail, marked in blue. The park is open 9 a.m. to sunset, and Avalon's lots fill early on warm weekends.
Cascade Falls at a Glance
How to Get There
- Enter at the Avalon gate, 5120 South Street, off U.S. Route 1 north of Elkridge, and pay the entry fee (Hours & Fees).
- Drive the park road west about 1.6 miles to the Orange Grove parking lot, next to the Swinging Bridge.
- Pick up the Cascade Trail (blue on DNR's map) by the Orange Grove lot, on the same side of the river as the parking. Download DNR's Avalon, Glen Artney, Orange Grove and Hilton map before you go (Trail Map); cell service is unreliable in the valley.
DNR does not publish a mileage or a difficulty rating for the Cascade Trail. Wikipedia describes the falls as dropping over a face of about 10 to 15 feet. Expect a woodland trail with rocks and stream crossings: DNR notes that many Patapsco crossings are stepping stones with no bridge.
On the Map
DNR's Avalon map draws the Cascade Trail in blue as a loop in the woods west of Orange Grove. The Morning Choice Trail (yellow) and the Old Track Loop (red) branch off to the south, and the Ridge Trail (orange) runs along the slope toward Avalon.
A Bit of History
In the 1910s and 1920s, primitive campsites lined both sides of the Cascade Trail. White Baltimore residents could reserve them free for the summer, and many families lived in the park all season while commuting to work by train. Few traces remain.
Safety
- Rocks around falls and streams are slippery when wet. DNR asks hikers to wait at least 24 hours after rain, which also protects the trail.
- DNR permits unguarded river swimming at your own risk except where posted. There are no lifeguards anywhere in the park (Swimming).
- Carry water, a snack, a first-aid kit and a whistle, as DNR suggests, and tell someone your route.
Pair It With
- The Swinging Bridge and the Orange Grove mill ruins, beside the lot. From November 1 to April 1 the only open restroom on this side of the park is by Shelter 104 in Avalon.
- The Grist Mill Trail along the river.
- The Bloede Dam site, about a mile upstream.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
Good for: a woodland walk to a waterfall from a lot with a restroom; combining with the Swinging Bridge. Maybe skip if: you want solitude on a summer weekend, when DNR says the Avalon Area often fills to capacity. DNR calls the Camel's Den loop at Daniels one of the least traveled trails in the valley.
Cascade Falls FAQ
How do I get to the waterfall at Patapsco State Park?
Enter the Avalon Area at 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, and drive about 1.6 miles to the Orange Grove parking area by the Swinging Bridge. A marked trail leads from the last Orange Grove lot to the falls; on DNR's Avalon map it is the blue Cascade Trail.
Where do you park for Cascade Falls?
At the Orange Grove parking lot in the Avalon Area, next to the Swinging Bridge. The Avalon entry fee applies.
Is the Cascade Falls hike hard?
DNR does not rate it. It is a rocky woodland trail with stream crossings, so wear good shoes and avoid it right after heavy rain.
Can you swim at Cascade Falls?
There are no lifeguards. DNR allows swimming along the river at your own risk except where posted closed.
Are dogs allowed at Cascade Falls?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney areas on a leash.