Hike Patapsco State Park McKeldin Area on a lovely spring day - Moderate 5 miles

This part of Patapsco Valley State Park sits on a rocky peninsula between the North and South branches of the river, offering both a hearty workout and some beautiful views of the rivers. The current forecast says we might hit the 60's by the time we wrap up.

We'll start at the very furthest parking lot from the entrance (the fourth one) and head down the steep, but paved picnic shelter access road. At the end is McKeldin Falls, the first of several rapids we'll see on our way. From here we'll start a big counterclockwise loop of the park by heading east on the McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail to the confluence, then up the switchback trail along the North Branch. This will loop us back around near the entrance to the park. If you've had enough, you can bail here and walked the paved roadway back downhill to your car. The more intrepid souls can follow me back to the South Branch River for a bit more distance and better scenery. We'll add one more trail to the map above. Total distance is just under five miles.

The terrain is generally gently rolling, but there are two fairly strenuous ascents of about 150' - 200' each at the midpoint and the end of the hike. A section of the Switchback trail covers a wide, but cross-sloped granite ledge. We'll take it slow through this section (3 o'clock position on the map above).

Again, we'll start from the LAST parking lot along the access road. There are two other lots within a quarter-mile if that one is full (you will have passed them). Be sure to leave enough time to pay the $3 entrance fee and find the parking lot. We will do introductions promptly at 10:00 and then hit the trail.

If you've worked up an appetite, we can swing over to GO Primo's N.Y. Pizza Company, just a bit south of the park.