Two people floating on inner tubes down a calm stretch of a wooded river, small in the frame, seen from behind

Swimming, Tubing & Paddling

Swimming in the Patapsco River is allowed throughout Patapsco Valley State Park except where posted closed, but it is unguarded and entirely at your own risk. There are no lifeguards. DNR warns of strong, swift currents and sharp stones on the river bottom, and it closes the McKeldin Rapids, the pool below them, and the water within 300 feet of every dam. Tubing and kayaking work in the Avalon area when the river is up in spring, fall or after summer storms, and the flat water behind Daniels Dam is paddleable all year.

At a Glance

On the River at a Glance

SwimmingAllowed along the river at your own risk, unless posted

LifeguardsNone anywhere in the park

ClosedMcKeldin Rapids and pool; 300 feet around dams

HazardsSwift currents, sharp stones on the bottom

TubingAvalon area, when water is up

Flat-water paddlingAbout 2 miles behind Daniels Dam, all year

GearBring your own

Is It Safe to Swim?

DNR's answer is careful: you may swim, at your own risk, and you should take care because the river can have strong currents. After storms the current is especially swift. Stay out when the river is running high.

Closed areas:

McKeldin Rapids and the pool below them, because of dangerous currents and undercurrents (McKeldin Area).
Within 300 feet above or below any dam, including Daniels Dam (Daniels Area).
Anywhere posted closed. DNR's alerts page lists current trail, park and river closures.

Tubing and Kayaking From Avalon

DNR says the Avalon stretch is paddleable when water levels are up in spring and fall, and right after summer storms, when the current runs fast. Bring your own equipment. You can hike to just below the old Bloede Dam site (outside any posted no-trespassing area), put in, and take out at the Gun Road bridge, or keep going down toward the Halethorpe area. DNR names Terrapin Adventures as its recreation partner for this area.

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

Flat Water at Daniels

The Daniels Area is the park's year-round paddling spot. Daniels Dam backs up about two miles of flat water even in low-water conditions, and a soft launch sits just above the dam. When the river runs high, experienced paddlers can travel about 4.7 river miles from Woodstock Road (Route 125) down to Daniels. Stay at least 300 feet from the dam.

Dogs in the Water

Maryland Park Service rules let pets go off leash only while swimming in designated areas. Elsewhere, keep dogs leashed (Dogs).

Before You Go

Check DNR's Patapsco alerts page for closures.
Wear water shoes; the bottom is rocky.
Know where your exit is before you put in, and pack out what you bring.

A lone kayaker paddling on calm flat river water between wooded banks, light mist, seen from behind

FAQ

Swimming, Tubing & Paddling FAQ

Is it safe to swim in Patapsco?

Swimming is allowed at your own risk, but there are no lifeguards and DNR warns of strong currents and sharp stones. The McKeldin Rapids, the pool below them and the water near dams are closed to swimming.

Can you swim at Patapsco Valley State Park?

Yes, along the river except where posted closed. It is unguarded everywhere in the park.

Can you go tubing at Patapsco?

Yes, in the Avalon area when the water is up in spring, fall or after summer storms. Bring your own tube and gear; the current is swift after storms.

Where can you kayak at Patapsco?

The flat water behind Daniels Dam is paddleable all year, with a soft launch above the dam. The Avalon stretch works when water levels are high.