Hiking Trails by Lauren Finnegan APG News
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Thursday, April 6, 2017 • APG News A5 Patapsco Valley State Park offers outdoor fun Park features campsites, family activities and 200 miles of hiking trails By Lauren Finnegan APG News Spread across more than 16,000 acres in Baltimore and Howard counties sits the perfect place for family fun in the great outdoors: Patapsco Valley State Park. Patapsco, Maryland’s first state park founded in 1907, extends for 32 miles along the Patapsco River and has plenty of opportunities for children and adults to skip rocks, explore nature, and get a little dirty within the five developed recre- ational areas or while out on one of the trails. The more than 200 miles of trails range from hikers only to multi-use, which can accommodate horseback riders and moun- tain bikes. The park is a popular Maryland attraction that often reaches maximum capacity on beautiful spring days and holidays weekends. The park offers several ways to explore what nature has to offer. Hiking Trails The 200 miles of trails winding through- out the park— 70 of which are considered maintained trails— have varying degrees of difficulty making it perfect for more experienced hikers to climb rugged terrain through the hills or for families with small children to stroll the paved paths. The most popular trail is the Grist Mill Trail which caters to families with strollers or bicycles. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, “The Grist Mill Trail parallels the river for amile and a half and provides a close-up view of its scenic beauty, while leading past numerous sites of historic interest.” Those sights include the well-known swinging bridge, originally used by flour mill workers, and portions of the original route of the B&O Railroad. For a gorgeous view of waterfalls and rapids, visitors will want to take the Cascade Falls Trail which is an approxi- mate two-mile loop. The area surrounding the falls features shallow areas perfect for kids to splash around and rocks ideal for climbing. The Sawmill Branch Trail takes visitors boulder hopping over a stream and features scenic pools and glades. Camping The Hollofield Area of the park has a small campground which can accommo- date 73 campsites. All of the sites have a U.S. ARMY PHOTOS BY LAUREN FINNEGAN, APG NEWS picnic table and fire ring, and some have Two children make their way through the tunnel on the Sawmill Branch Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park in Catonsville. The popular electric hookups as well. attraction, and the first state park in Maryland, was founded in 1907. The Hilton Area includes 12 tent discover the valley’s past, one must be both camping sites with no electricity and six adetective and an adventurer... Since most single room camper cabins. The cabins of the valley’s historic structures were feature one full-size bed, bunk beds, heat, destroyed during a number of catastrophic and electricity. floods, your detective skills will be sharp- The Hilton Area also features a recycled ened as you search for historic ruins.” tire playground for ages 5-12 as well as a Some of the historical sites that await small nature center which is the meeting visitors include the former colonial deep spot for many programs such as the Junior water port known as Elkridge Landing, the Rangers or Little Sprouts to learn more site of the Civil War fort known as Fort Dix, about their surroundings. and Camp Tydings, a Civilian Conserva- Camp Hosts are stationed at each area to tion Corps website. offer assistance and provide park informa- The Swinging Bridge, an updated ver- tion. sion of a prior suspension bridge used by workers of the Orange Grove Flower Mill, Boating, fishing, swimming is a must see while at the park. The suspension bridge will wobble in the &more breeze, but for those brave enough to During warmer weather, visitors can cross- the views of the Patapsco River and rent tubes from the park’s resource based surrounding scenery are breathtaking. recreation partner- Terrapin Adventures, Within an 185-year-old stone house - the and float down the Patapsco River. lone surviving building of the Avalon Iron Tube rentals costs $20 per person and Works village - sits the Avalon Visitor The Swinging Bridge, an updated version of a prior suspension bridge used by workers of include a life jacket and map. History Center. Guests can learn more the Orange Grove Flower Mill, is a must see at Potapsco Valley State Park. The Maryland Anglers can fish nearly 10 miles of the about the park’s history, as well as visit the Department of Natural Resources built the new bridge which opened to visitors in 2006. Patapsco River with two locations stocking small information center inside. trout in the fall and spring. Different species of bass, sunfish, suckers, shad and More park information herring can also be found. There is even a special area for children Patapsco State Park charges a nominal under 16, senior citizens and visitors with fee per person, which ranges from $2 to $3 disabilities, known as Lost Lake. for cars with in-state plates, depending on Swimming is permitted in all areas which area of the park is entered and $4 unless otherwise posted. All locations are per person with out -of-state plates. unguarded and are swim at your own risk. Children in safety seats, senior citizens Within the McKeldin area of the park, or with the Golden Age Pass, people with the the northernmost part, sits a nationally Universal Disability Pass, members of the known 18-hole disc golf course. Disc golf is Maryland National Guard and all active agame played like regular golf except a duty military personnel are free. disc replaces the club and the ball. The goal For more information about Patapsco is to use the least number of throws Valley State Park and other state parks, possible to get the disc into the basket. The historical or recreational areas in Mary- course is open 9 a.m. to dusk. land, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for state-op- erated parks within Maryland at Historic Sites http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/. According to the Maryland DNR, “To Patapsco Valley State Park features many streams which are perfect for exploring, throughout the park..