Rules & Regulations

The core rules at Patapsco Valley State Park are simple: the park is open 9 a.m. to sunset; dogs must be leashed and are barred from the Pickall Area, buildings and playgrounds; grills are allowed only in designated picnic areas; alcohol needs a permit and is allowed only at the larger shelters; inflatables are banned; and all activity is prohibited within 300 feet of any dam. Maryland DNR's Natural Resources Police enforce them; report problems at 410-260-8888.

Hours and Gates

• Open 9 a.m. to sunset. Sunset times are posted at the entrances, and gates lock at sunset.
• Do not block the gates.
• Some activities, such as fishing, the boat launch and permitted hunting, are allowed outside regular hours. Check with the park first (Hours & Fees).

Pets

Dogs are allowed on a leash in most areas but not in the Pickall Area, park buildings or playgrounds. Pets must be licensed and vaccinated, owners must clean up, and excessive barking is not allowed, especially during campground quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Full details: Dogs.

Picnics and Shelters

• Grills: only at designated picnic areas, to protect vegetation, soil and wildlife and to prevent burns from hot coals. None at the Daniels Area.
• Alcohol: only at shelters that offer a permit, with the permit arranged in advance through the reservation service. Smaller shelters do not allow alcohol.
• Inflatables and trampolines: not allowed. Water devices such as portable pools and dunk tanks are banned too.
• Entry fees are charged on top of shelter rentals (Picnic Shelters).

Water

• Swimming is unguarded and at your own risk, and closed where posted, including the McKeldin Rapids and the pool below (Swimming).
• No activity of any kind within 300 feet of a dam.
• Fishing needs the right Maryland license; tidal and non-tidal rules change at the Thomas Viaduct (Fishing).

Trails

• Horses are allowed in all areas, but only on designated trails and roads. Clean up after horses in parking areas.
• Some trails are hiker-only; follow the posted signs.
• Wait 24 hours after rain before using the trails.
• Riding a bike through Avalon and Glen Artney outside park hours (bike commuting) requires DNR's after-hours bicycle waiver.

Hunting

Archery-only deer hunting is allowed on 3,760 acres of designated hunting areas, with daily sign-in and a Managed Hunt Permit or free permit. On the Mercer property, archery and muzzleloader deer hunting is allowed on 150 designated acres by permit and reservation. Hunt-from-vehicle provisions exist for hunters with disabilities. Check DNR's hunting maps before hiking in fall.

Railroads and Private Land

Active railroad lines run through the valley, including the Thomas Viaduct and the Union Dam Tunnel. Stay off the tracks. Some historic sites, such as the original Daniels mill and the James A. Gary church, are private property.