Parking & Directions
Patapsco Valley State Park has no single entrance. It stretches 32 miles along the Patapsco River, and no park roads connect its areas, so you drive to the area you want. The ones that fill first are Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney (one entrance at 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227, for the Swinging Bridge and Cascade Falls) and Hollofield (8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, the park headquarters and campground). On busy weekends, lots fill and some areas close to new cars, so arrive early and carpool.
Addresses at a Glance
Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney
5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227
- From I-695: take Route 1 (Exit 12-A) toward Elkridge, go about 3 miles south to South Street, turn right; the entrance is on the left.
- From I-95: take I-195 to Route 1 (Exit 3) toward Elkridge, then right on South Street.
- From Howard County: follow Route 1 north through Elkridge into Baltimore County and turn left on South Street.
Parking is along the park road, at the Lost Lake lot in Glen Artney, and at the Orange Grove lot by the Swinging Bridge (1.6 miles in). See Avalon Area.
Hollofield
8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043
- From I-695: take Route 40 West (Exit 15) for 2 miles; the entrance is on the right.
- From I-70 or Route 29: take Route 29 South (Exit 87) to Route 40 East for 2 miles; the entrance is on the right.
Campers taller than 11 feet 1 inch use the Route 40 East entrance. See Hollofield Area.
McKeldin
11676 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
- From I-695 or I-70 West: I-70 to Marriottsville Road (Exit 83), north 4 miles; entrance on the right.
- From I-70 East: Route 40 to Marriottsville Road, turn left, 5 miles; entrance on the right.
- From Route 26: Marriottsville Road south 4 miles; entrance on the left.
Horse trailers park in the field by the basketball courts. See McKeldin Area.
Hilton
1101 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228
- From I-695: Exit 13, Frederick Road west 2 miles, left on South Rolling Road, bear right onto Hilton Avenue, 1.5 miles, right into the park.
- From I-95: Exit 47 north on Route 166 to South Rolling Road, 1.8 miles, sharp left on Hilton Avenue, 1.5 miles to the park.
See Hilton Area.
Pickall (Shelter Renters Only)
8125 Johnnycake Road, Woodlawn, MD 21244 From I-695 take Security Boulevard (Exit 17) west half a mile, left on North Rolling Road, next right on Fairbrook Road, 1 mile, left on Johnnycake Road, 1.5 miles to the entrance on the left. See Pickall Area.
Daniels
2090 Daniels Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043 Take Route 29 north to its end at Route 99 (Old Frederick Road/Rogers Avenue), turn right on Rogers Avenue to the traffic circle and take the third exit onto Old Frederick Road. Go about half a mile, turn left on Daniels Road and drive about a mile to the parking area by the dam. See Daniels Area.
Parking Tips
- Arrive early on weekends and summer days. DNR names Avalon, Hollofield and the Daniels Trailhead among the areas that close at capacity.
- Carpool, and if you have a large group, arrive together so everyone gets in before the area closes.
- Check the event calendar. DNR warns that park events can limit parking; its Patapsco page links an events calendar and an alerts page.
- Pay at the contact station or, from November to March, by the honor system (Hours & Fees).
Parking & Directions FAQ
What is the address of Patapsco Valley State Park?
The park headquarters is at 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (Hollofield Area). For the Swinging Bridge and Cascade Falls, use the Avalon entrance at 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227.
Where do you park for the Swinging Bridge?
At the Orange Grove lot, about 1.6 miles inside the Avalon entrance on South Street. The bridge is next to the lot.
Are the areas of Patapsco connected?
Not by car. No park roads connect the areas; each has its own entrance and address.
Does Patapsco fill up?
Yes. On busy weekends DNR closes Avalon, Hollofield and the Daniels Trailhead to new cars once they are full. Arrive early.