Just Outside Baltimore Is A Gorgeous Maryland State Park With Lush Forests, Waterfalls, And Historic Bridges

Maryland occupies something of a unique geographic niche in the lower 48 states. Blending elements of the South, the Chesapeake, the Mid-Atlantic, the DC Beltway, and Appalachia, Maryland offers a distinctive assortment of memorable destinations to visitors. From urban getaways like Baltimore's cozy and authentic Little Italy waterfront neighborhood to coastal charms like the gorgeous peninsula of Elk Neck State Park right on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland has a little something for everyone. For outdoor lovers, one of Maryland's most enchanting destinations is the lush Patapsco Valley State Park. Looking at a map, this state park stands out for its location alone. While many pristine nature parks require long drives from civilization, Patapsco Valley State Park is located a mere 13 miles away from Baltimore. Going purely by convenience, this by itself would make Patapsco Valley one of Maryland's best state parks. 

Of course, the park is far more than just an easy day trip from Maryland's largest city. Despite being so close to a major urban area, Patapsco Valley State Park is a pristine showcase of everything that makes Maryland beautiful. The park's namesake river valley bears a picturesque collection of the rich forests indicative of the top areas in Appalachia. And with mountain rivers and hilly terrain, you tend to get waterfalls as well. And as it turns out, the waterfalls in Patapsco Valley State Park are among Maryland's most stunning natural wonders. The park even has a superb collection of storied bridges for history buffs. Taken together, Patapsco Valley State Park is a top Maryland treasure, sitting amazingly close to Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Founded in 1907, Patapsco Valley is Maryland's oldest state park. By itself, the fact that this particular area was the top priority for the burgeoning Maryland state park system should tell you that the area's natural resources are truly special. The park encompasses 16,043 acres of rich woodlands and 32 miles of shoreline along Maryland's Patapsco River, which flows from Baltimore Harbor through the lovely forests and hills north of the city. Protecting a winding and wild river system means that Patapsco Valley State Park needs to get creative with its layout. Today, the park consists of eight distinct recreational areas of varying degrees of continuity: the McKeldin Area, the Daniels Area, the Avalon/Glen Artney/Orange Grove Areas, the Hilton Area, the Pickall Area, and the Hollofield Area. 

Each area has its own reserve of treasures, both natural and human-made. The Hollofield and Pickall Areas, for example, have excellent family-friendly shelters and picnic spots with excellent views of the river. The Daniels Area, by contrast, is much less developed, offering a more pristine Patapsco River experience (plus excellent opportunities for paddling and fishing). The park's river resources also provide some truly special attractions. In the Avalon Area, hikers can easily find the picturesque Cascade Falls — just a quarter mile from the parking lot! While not as high as its counterpart waterfalls in Western Maryland's uncrowded fall foliage getaway of Swallow Falls State Park, Cascade Falls nonetheless provides photo-worthy scenery in the heart of an equally photogenic forest. Patapsco Valley also has several notable historic sites leftover from the region's days as a mill center and railroad route, including the nearly 200-year-old Thomas Viaduct, the Old Gun Road Stone Arch Bridge, and the thrilling Swinging Bridge. 

Across all of Patapsco Valley State Park's recreational areas, you'll find excellent amenities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and more. For hikers, the park has miles and miles of incredible trails that showcase both its abundant natural beauty and its historical sites. Most of the park's trails are, at worst, of only moderate difficulty, meaning most hikers can enjoy the park's superb beauty without breaking too much of a sweat. The Cascade Falls Loop Trail, arguably the park's best, is a manageable 2.3-mile nature walk to the trail's namesake waterfalls, which most hikers can complete in less than 90 minutes. History buffs can also take a self-guided Patapsco Valley history tour past the park's major historic landmarks, using routes like the Patapsco Grist Mill Trail. Other trails feature some of the park's natural wonders (like the trail to the Camel's Den cave) or its unique flora (like the Patapsco Medicine Tree Trail). There are even trails that are great for horseback riding. 

With the Patapsco River taking the lead role, the park is also a prime spot for paddling adventures, including both flat water sections and swifter currents. The river is also a great spot for fishing, offering opportunities to catch trout, perch, bass, and catfish. Plus, the Hollofield Area even has a place where you can swim! (Note that no lifeguard is on duty.) If you want to stay overnight, Patapsco Valley State Park has two main campgrounds at the Hilton and Hollofield Areas, complete with tent sites, cabins, and electric hookups. Of course, with Baltimore just a short drive away, you can also take advantage of the more modern lodging options there!