Morning Choice, Cascade Falls and Ridge Trail Loop

Join us on this Fall hike northeast of DC to Patapsco Valley State Park near Ellicott City, MD. We'll hike through the park by making a loop out of three connecting trails: the Morning Choice Tail, Cascade Falls Trail, and Ridge Trail. This hike is 5-6 miles.

Along the way, we will have three stream crossings so you may want to pack an extra pair of socks just in case. While we won't have steep elevations, there are plenty of places that will require sure footing on this easy to moderate trail.

About halfway through, we'll stop by Cascade Falls to see the park's popular waterfall. Then, we'll veer off of our loop to have lunch at picnic tables next to the Patapsco River; and, we'll have time to cross and pose for pictures at The Patapsco Swinging Bridge - a pedestrian suspension bridge.

Our trip fee is $5, plus a $4 mileage reimbursement to drivers (if you participate in a carpool). Due to limited parking at the trailhead, carpooling is encouraged. We will depart from the Greenbelt Metro Station parking lot at 9:00 a.m. There will be a pit stop at the Sheetz in Linthicum Heights on the trip out. For those meeting us at the Morning Choice parking lot trailhead, we will be there by 10:00.

For those interested, there is an optional stop by RegionAle in Ellicott City afterwards for food and drinks.

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