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The McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park is located in the southeastern corner of Carroll County, approximately 12 miles from the Baltimore Beltway. From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take I-70 west for nine miles. Exit north on Marriottsville Road and travel three miles. The park entrance will be on your right. From Columbia Pike (MD Route 29), go north to I-70. Go west on I-70 for four miles and follow directions above.
General Description: Patapsco Valley State Park extends along the Patapsco River for nearly 35 miles. This river valley park encompasses more than 14,500 acres and several distinct recreation areas, including the McKeldin Area located in the southeastern corner of Carroll County. Here, the Patapsco River's north and south branches unite, flowing southward to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Within a short drive of the bustling Baltimore metropolitan area, a mountain bike ride on the McKeldin Area trail system featuring spectacular views of the valley and river rapids is the perfect escape from urban life. The 1,403-acre McKeldin Area of Patapsco State Park, best known for its varied, steep and wooded terrain, is reminiscent of the mountains of Western Maryland. Recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on eight miles of trails. Facilities include two large picnic shelters with grills and a fireplace, and eight smaller shelters in a forested setting. McKeldin's predominantly oak upland forests and the river wetlands support a wide variety of plants and animals. Watch for rabbits, gray squirrels, woodchucks, red fox and white-tailed deer. Along the banks of the Patapsco River, you may spot Canada geese, green herons, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks year-round. Although rarely seen, screech owls, barred owls, great-horned owls, kestrels and wild turkey also inhabit the forest. The park also offers guided nature hikes, evening star gazing programs, and fun programs geared for children. Check with the Park office or park website for more details and schedules. (see For More Information below). For more advanced riders there are additional trails for mountain biking in the Hilton, Avalon, Glen Artney and Orange Grove areas of the Patapsco River Valley Park System. 17+ miles of challenging and rugged singletrack trails follow the ridges, steep hillsides and stream valleys of Patapsco's rugged terrain.
The Trails: The Patapsco Valley State Park McKeldin Area, located near Baltimore and about 45 miles northeast of Washington, DC is a favorite outdoor recreation destination for area hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders. In order to protect the area's sensitive environment and accommodate the recreation interests of multiple trail users, the park's trail system includes specific user designations. Please respect these user designations during your visit to the park. The Medicine Tree, McKeldin Rapids, Spring Glen and northern end of the Switchback Trails are for foot-use only. The following are all multiple use trails: Switchback Trail (4 miles): The major trail in the Park. This is a 4 mile multi-use loop trail which begins by the contact station at the top of the hill near the entrance to the park. The northern part of this trail is foot-use-only, but riders can make their loop by using the Plantation Trail. During late fall and winter, enjoy a scenic view at the Liberty Dam Overlook located at the end of the trail. Plantation Trail (1.4 miles): This trail, which begins at the basketball courts and horse trailer parking area, is one of the favored equestrian routes. The trail is steep and passes through a series of pine groves, running along one of the highest ridges in the McKeldin Area. Tall Poplar Trail (1.4 miles): This trail can be accessed from Shelter #576 or across the road from the basketball courts. Aptly named for the impressive tulip poplar trees that are found along the way, you will have an opportunity to hike or mountain bike the wide variety of terrain that McKeldin has to offer. The trail traverses moderately steep slopes, connecting riverside habitats to hardwood forests and open fields.
McKeldin Rapids Trail (hiking only) After your ride, you can hike the McKeldin Rapids Trail. It can be accessed from the Switchback Trail. It leads to the largest single rapid on the Patapsco River. It cascades over a series of ledges and drops about 12 feet in 20 yards into a large deep pool of water. This is a great fishing spot for anglers. Note: Swimming is not permitted due to dangerous undercurrents. The exposed rocks are a favorite spot for several species of snakes including the northern water snake and occasional copperhead, one of two poisonous snakes in Maryland. The nongame and Endangered Species Act protects all native snakes in Maryland.
Historical Note: Elkridge Furnace Inn Historic Ellicott City
For more information: Patapsco Valley State Park Phone: (410) 461-5005
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