Regardless of whether the weather is warm or cool, most of us are usually up for an outdoor adventure when we have free time. You can experience a plethora of activities at Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland. Head here for swinging bridges, ruins, camping, waterfalls, trails, and so much more. You could spend days (or weeks) exploring all of the areas this park has to offer, and still have more to see. Seriously. Read on for the details, and happy exploring!
Maryland’s Patapsco Valley State Park covers 32 miles and 16,043 acres, sprawling across parts of both Baltimore County and Howard County. That’s a lot of area to explore!
dnr.maryland.gov
It could take weeks to explore each park area, so better get started! Plenty of man-made attractions await, like the swinging bridges along the Avalon/Orange Grove/ Grist Mill sections…
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
…or make your way through the tunnels below the many railroad bridges.
TripAdvisor / Pa n
Some of the man-made structures are mere shells of what they once were. Visit an abandoned town in the Daniels area, where you’ll find crumbling churches, old cars, and more.
Flickr / David Heise
A handful of waterfalls can be found along the dozens of trails. From water that trickles along dams…
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
…to natural wonders, like Cascade Falls. Hike to this spot and stay a while. You can even dip your feet in the water for a refreshing break among nature.
Flickr / Bart
Since the Patpasco River extends along the entire park, there are plenty of watery sights…
Flickr / Sheila Berrios-Nazario
…and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Just be aware that it’s swim at your own risk!
TripAdvisor / cmacf1
If you’d like to spend a few days among this Maryland gem…
Flickr / David Heise
…reserve a campsite and pitch a tent! It makes for one great place to wake up to. There’s always more to see and to enjoy at Patapsco Valley State Park, whether you make it a day trip, or stay for several nights. See you at the park!
TripAdvisor / Kate P
For more information about Patapsco Valley State Park, including trail maps, campsites and more, visit the official website. Have you been to Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland? Share your experience in the comments! Then check out these 11 beautiful state parks in Maryland that will knock your socks off.
dnr.maryland.gov
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
TripAdvisor / Pa n
Flickr / David Heise
Flickr / Bart
Flickr / Sheila Berrios-Nazario
TripAdvisor / cmacf1
TripAdvisor / Kate P
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Patapso Valley State Park in Maryland November 13, 2020 Beth Price-Williams What is the most scenic state park in Maryland? Determining the most scenic state park in Maryland really boils down to personal preference. However, one of the most unique parks in Maryland has a fairy tale vibe to it, making it a must visit. Tucked in Charles County, Chapman State Park promises a little bit of everything – from water views to lush woodland. A simple stroll through the park will lead you to the Mt. Aventine Mansion, a tiny but touching cemetery, and abandoned structures that give us a glimpse into the past. You might want to carve out time to follow each of its hiking trails. What places in Maryland should I see before I die? Next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect outdoor adventures in Maryland, head to one of its 53 general state parks. Gambrill State Park, nestled in Frederick County, boasts some of the most beautiful views in Maryland. Snap photos of the wild horses at Assateague State Park, also a picture-perfect spot for an overnight camping adventure. Drink in sensational views from the cliffs at Calvert Cliffs State Park, a popular spot for hunting for fossils. (You can even take the fossils you find home with you.) Janes Island State Park and South Mountain State Park are also must visit state parks in Maryland. What underrated places in Maryland should I visit? Some of the best state parks in Maryland are the most underappreciated. Washington Monument State Park, for example, boasts sensational views, especially from the top of the historic monument. Don’t forget your camera, so you can capture the jaw-dropping views. Stroll along tree-lined paths at Chapman State Park, which features quite a few beautiful spots – a mansion, a tiny cemetery, and scenic trails. Purse State Park is an ideal destination if you’re up for a bit of fossil hunting. Bring a bag along, so you can save your treasures. You might even find a few shark teeth as you’re exploring.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Patapso Valley State Park in Maryland
November 13, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What is the most scenic state park in Maryland? Determining the most scenic state park in Maryland really boils down to personal preference. However, one of the most unique parks in Maryland has a fairy tale vibe to it, making it a must visit. Tucked in Charles County, Chapman State Park promises a little bit of everything – from water views to lush woodland. A simple stroll through the park will lead you to the Mt. Aventine Mansion, a tiny but touching cemetery, and abandoned structures that give us a glimpse into the past. You might want to carve out time to follow each of its hiking trails. What places in Maryland should I see before I die? Next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect outdoor adventures in Maryland, head to one of its 53 general state parks. Gambrill State Park, nestled in Frederick County, boasts some of the most beautiful views in Maryland. Snap photos of the wild horses at Assateague State Park, also a picture-perfect spot for an overnight camping adventure. Drink in sensational views from the cliffs at Calvert Cliffs State Park, a popular spot for hunting for fossils. (You can even take the fossils you find home with you.) Janes Island State Park and South Mountain State Park are also must visit state parks in Maryland. What underrated places in Maryland should I visit? Some of the best state parks in Maryland are the most underappreciated. Washington Monument State Park, for example, boasts sensational views, especially from the top of the historic monument. Don’t forget your camera, so you can capture the jaw-dropping views. Stroll along tree-lined paths at Chapman State Park, which features quite a few beautiful spots – a mansion, a tiny cemetery, and scenic trails. Purse State Park is an ideal destination if you’re up for a bit of fossil hunting. Bring a bag along, so you can save your treasures. You might even find a few shark teeth as you’re exploring.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Determining the most scenic state park in Maryland really boils down to personal preference. However, one of the most unique parks in Maryland has a fairy tale vibe to it, making it a must visit. Tucked in Charles County, Chapman State Park promises a little bit of everything – from water views to lush woodland. A simple stroll through the park will lead you to the Mt. Aventine Mansion, a tiny but touching cemetery, and abandoned structures that give us a glimpse into the past. You might want to carve out time to follow each of its hiking trails.
What places in Maryland should I see before I die?
Next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect outdoor adventures in Maryland, head to one of its 53 general state parks. Gambrill State Park, nestled in Frederick County, boasts some of the most beautiful views in Maryland. Snap photos of the wild horses at Assateague State Park, also a picture-perfect spot for an overnight camping adventure. Drink in sensational views from the cliffs at Calvert Cliffs State Park, a popular spot for hunting for fossils. (You can even take the fossils you find home with you.) Janes Island State Park and South Mountain State Park are also must visit state parks in Maryland.
What underrated places in Maryland should I visit?
Some of the best state parks in Maryland are the most underappreciated. Washington Monument State Park, for example, boasts sensational views, especially from the top of the historic monument. Don’t forget your camera, so you can capture the jaw-dropping views. Stroll along tree-lined paths at Chapman State Park, which features quite a few beautiful spots – a mansion, a tiny cemetery, and scenic trails. Purse State Park is an ideal destination if you’re up for a bit of fossil hunting. Bring a bag along, so you can save your treasures. You might even find a few shark teeth as you’re exploring.
