A family of three hiking a wide dirt trail through a sunlit spring forest, seen from behind, small in the frame

Plan Your Visit

Plan a Patapsco Valley State Park visit by choosing an area first, because the park is a string of separate areas along 32 miles of river with no roads between them. Go early on weekends, since Avalon, Hollofield and the Daniels Trailhead close to new cars when full. The park is open 9 a.m. to sunset, entry costs $2 per car on weekdays and $3 per person on weekends for Maryland residents from April to October, and you should download DNR's free trail map before you leave, because cell service in the valley is unreliable.

At a Glance

Planning at a Glance

Open9 a.m. to sunset

Fee (Apr–Oct, MD)$2 per car weekdays, $3 per person weekends

BusiestSummer weekends at Avalon, Hollofield, Daniels

MapsFree DNR PDFs, download first

Phone410-461-5005

Emergencies911; Natural Resources Police 410-260-8888 (24-hour)

Pick Your Area

First visit, history and the Swinging Bridge: Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney, with the Grist Mill Trail and Cascade Falls.
Camping, an overlook and short loops: Hollofield.
Long trails, rapids, disc golf and riding: McKeldin.
Small kids and cabins: Hilton, with the 2-acre tire playground.
Quiet water, fishing and ruins: Daniels.
A large group picnic: Pickall, by reservation.

A mown picnic lawn under mature sycamores beside a wide shallow river, a stone-and-timber picnic shelter at the edge of the lawn

Timing

Weekends and summer days are busiest. Arrive early, carpool, and keep a second area in mind if the first is full.
After rain, wait at least 24 hours before hiking, as DNR asks.
Check DNR's Patapsco alerts page for trail, park and river closures, and its events calendar for programs.

Before You Go

Know the fee and bring a way to pay (Hours & Fees).
Download the map for your area (Trail Map).
Look up your area's address; there is no single park entrance (Parking & Directions).
Bringing a dog? Check which areas allow them (Dogs).

What to Pack

DNR's list: snacks, a first-aid kit, rain gear, a cell phone with GPS, a whistle and bug spray. DNR's trail tips add water and sturdy footwear.

Safety and Contacts

Park headquarters: 410-461-5005, patapsco.statepark@maryland.gov
Emergencies: call 911.
24-hour help or to report a violation: Maryland Natural Resources Police, 410-260-8888 or 1-800-825-7275
The river is unguarded; see Swimming before you get in.

FAQ

Plan Your Visit FAQ

Which area of Patapsco should I visit first?

For a first visit, the Avalon Area: one entrance gives you the Thomas Viaduct, the Swinging Bridge at Orange Grove, Cascade Falls and the Grist Mill Trail.

What should I bring to Patapsco Valley State Park?

DNR suggests snacks, a first-aid kit, rain gear, a phone with GPS, a whistle and bug spray. Bring water and sturdy shoes, and download the trail map first.

When is the best time to visit Patapsco?

Weekday mornings are quietest. On summer weekends, arrive early, because Avalon, Hollofield and the Daniels Trailhead close when full.