A hiker seen from behind walking a leashed medium-size dog on a leaf-covered forest trail among tall hardwoods

Dogs at Patapsco Valley State Park

Yes, Patapsco Valley State Park is dog friendly in most areas. Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times in the Avalon, Orange Grove, Glen Artney, McKeldin and Daniels areas, in Hollofield's day-use area and campground, and in Hilton's day-use area. They are not allowed in the Pickall Area, in park buildings or on playgrounds. Maryland rules also require dogs to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies, and owners to clean up after them.

At a Glance

Dogs at a Glance

AllowedAvalon, Orange Grove, Glen Artney, McKeldin, Daniels

HollofieldDay-use area and campground

HiltonDay-use area (campground: check with the park)

Not allowedPickall Area

LeashAt all times (off leash only to swim in designated areas)

Never inPark buildings and playgrounds

RequiredLicense and rabies vaccination

Area by Area

Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney: allowed, leashed. This includes the Swinging Bridge, Cascade Trail and Grist Mill Trail. (Avalon Area)
Hollofield: allowed in the day-use area and the campground. (Hollofield Area)
McKeldin: allowed, leashed. (McKeldin Area)
Daniels: allowed throughout, leashed; clean up after your dog. (Daniels Area)
Hilton: allowed in the day-use area. DNR's main park page says pets are not allowed in the Hilton campground, but the Hilton pet page says they are, so call 410-461-5005 before booking. (Hilton Area)
Pickall: not allowed, per DNR's park-wide pet policy. (Pickall Area)

A hiker seen from behind on a rocky dirt trail along a wooded ridge of oaks and mountain laurel, valley visible through the trees

Maryland Park Service Pet Rules

These apply in every Maryland state park, Patapsco included:

Pets must be licensed and have all required vaccinations, including rabies.
Pets must be leashed. They may be off leash only while swimming in designated areas, or while hunting with the right permit.
Clean up after your pet. Waste containers are available in most areas.
Pets are not allowed in park buildings or on playgrounds. Service animals are allowed in all pedestrian areas.
Obey signs that close specific areas to pets.
Excessive barking is not allowed, especially during campground quiet hours, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Tips for a Walk With Your Dog

Horses and mountain bikes share many trails, especially at McKeldin. Keep your dog close and step aside for horses (Hiking).
The McKeldin Rapids rocks attract snakes, including the occasional copperhead.
Cell phones are unreliable in the valley, so download the trail map first.

FAQ

Dogs at Patapsco Valley State Park FAQ

Is Patapsco Valley State Park dog friendly?

Yes, in most areas. Leashed dogs are allowed in Avalon, Orange Grove, Glen Artney, McKeldin, Daniels, Hollofield (including the campground) and Hilton's day-use area. Dogs are not allowed in the Pickall Area.

Do dogs have to be on a leash at Patapsco?

Yes, at all times, except while swimming in designated areas.

Can dogs go on the Swinging Bridge and Grist Mill Trail?

Yes. Both are in the Avalon and Orange Grove areas, where leashed dogs are allowed.

Can I camp with my dog at Patapsco?

Yes at the Hollofield campground. DNR's pages disagree on the Hilton campground, so call the park at 410-461-5005 first.