Hollofield Area
The Hollofield Area sits near the middle of Patapsco Valley State Park on Route 40 (Baltimore National Pike) in Ellicott City, about two miles west of the Baltimore Beltway. It is home to the park headquarters, one of the park's two campgrounds with 73 sites, ten picnic shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and an overlook with one of the best views of the Patapsco River valley. It is open from 9 a.m. to sunset. On busy weekends it fills to capacity, so come early.
Hollofield at a Glance
How to Get There
The address is 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043. From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take Route 40 West (Exit 15) and go two miles to the park entrance on the right. From I-70 or Route 29, take Route 29 South (Exit 87) to Route 40 East and go two miles to the entrance on the right.
Campers with a unit taller than 11 feet 1 inch must use the Route 40 East entrance.
The Overlook
DNR calls the Hollofield overlook one of the most stunning views of the river valley. The historic Route 40 bridge is visible to the north. In winter, with the leaves down, the river shows through the trees; in spring the valley turns green, and in fall it becomes a patchwork of color.
The Campground
Hollofield's campground has 73 campsites, some with electric hookups. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, and all equipment must stay on the camping pad and driveway. Base rates are $18.50 a night, or $24.50 with electric, before reservation fees. Book through the Maryland Park Service reservation system at parkreservations.maryland.gov or 1-888-432-2267. Volunteer camp hosts live on site for at least a month at a time and can help with questions and emergencies. Our Camping page compares Hollofield with the Hilton cabins.
Picnic Shelters
The ten rental shelters here were built by the CCC during the Great Depression, more than 80 years ago. Shelter 300 holds up to 75 guests and Shelter 301 up to 100; both can get an alcohol permit through the reservation service. The other eight are smaller, for 10 or 20 guests, with no alcohol permits. Inflatable play equipment, trampolines, and anything that needs water, such as dunk tanks or kiddie pools, are not allowed. The entry fee is charged on top of the rental. See Picnic Shelters.
Trails
Hollofield's trails are short, which makes them good for a lunch-break walk or a quick loop.
- Ole Ranger Trail: a loop of about 1.5 miles, starting at park headquarters.
- Peaceful Pond Trail: 0.1 mile to the small pond it is named for.
- Union Dam Trail: 0.3 mile from beyond Shelter #300 down into the valley to the river. DNR calls the terrain fairly steep.
- River Ridge Trail: 0.2 mile, another route to the water.
The Hollofield and Pickall trail map is free to download from DNR (see Trail Map). DNR asks hikers to wait at least 24 hours after rain before using the trails.
Union Dam and the Tunnel
The first Union Dam was built in 1810 by the Union Manufacturing Company to power a cotton mill in what is now Oella, more than a mile downstream. A concrete dam replaced the original in the early 1900s and was removed in 2010, which revealed what was left of the first one. Follow the Union Dam Trail past Shelter #300 to see the site.
Nearby, the B&O Railroad's Union Dam Tunnel dates from 1902. It is on private property and is an active railroad, so look from a distance and stay off the tracks.
Fishing and Swimming
Anglers reach the river by the Union Dam and River Ridge trails, or where Old Frederick Road crosses the river, where a dirt lot beside the bridge and tracks gives parking. Unguarded swimming is allowed along the river at your own risk except where posted. See Fishing and Swimming.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in Hollofield's day-use area and in the campground, on a leash at all times.
Fees and Good-to-Know
Hollofield charges the same entry fees as the rest of the park: from April to October, $2 per car on weekdays for Maryland residents ($4 out of state) and $3 per person on weekends and holidays ($5 out of state); November to March, $2 or $4 per car on the honor system. From November 1 to April 1 the open restroom is the one by Shelter 300. See Hours & Fees.
Hollofield Area FAQ
Where is the Hollofield Area of Patapsco Valley State Park?
At 8020 Baltimore National Pike (Route 40), Ellicott City, MD 21043. From I-695 take Route 40 West (Exit 15) for two miles; the entrance is on the right.
Can you camp at the Hollofield Area?
Yes. Hollofield has 73 campsites, some with electric hookups, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Base rates are $18.50 a night or $24.50 with electric. Reserve at parkreservations.maryland.gov or 1-888-432-2267.
Are dogs allowed at Hollofield?
Yes, in the day-use area and the campground, on a leash at all times.
What trails start at Hollofield?
The Ole Ranger Trail (a 1.5-mile loop), the Peaceful Pond Trail (0.1 mile), the Union Dam Trail (0.3 mile) and the River Ridge Trail (0.2 mile).
Is the park headquarters at Hollofield?
Yes. Patapsco Valley State Park headquarters is in the Hollofield Area. The phone number is 410-461-5005.