Day Hike - Patapsco Valley State Park (11 Miles) + Jailbreak Foodworks
Details
Patapsco Valley State Park is a 16,000-acre property located near Ellicott City, MD. The park's 70 miles of maintained trails showcase its industrial past with remnants of mills, factories, railroads, and dams. However, thanks to time and the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) the park now has a wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.
We will meet at the Greenbelt Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. There is ample parking at the backup trailhead parking location if you wish to drive there directly. You are also welcome to organize carpools from other locations in the comments section below. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 11 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 1,329 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Greenbelt Metro Station
- Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.24531535369895, -76.71963177976626 (If the trailhead lot is full, go to the Catonsville Park & Ride lot across the road: 39.2466908297143, -76.71954608557395)
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-7-2025-174b395?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
While Patapsco State Park is so large that it is broken up into eight named areas, we will be seeing just three of them -- Glen Artney, Hilton, and Orange Grove. Our hike will mostly go through forested areas, which should make for nice hiking even during the peak of summer. However, we will cross the Patapsco River twice and will walk along it for part of the trip. We will also see some historical structures throughout the journey.
On the way back, I plan to stop at Jailbreak Foodworks in Laurel, MD. The address is 9445 Washington Blvd N Ste F, Laurel, MD 20723.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
Day Hike - Patapsco Valley State Park (11 Miles) + Jailbreak Foodworks