Patapsco State Park Avalon Area

Honestly, I came to know of Patapsco State Park through the podcast Serial. The podcast talks about two parks: Patapsco and Leakin Park. Patapsco is where Jay and Adnan go to smoke weed allegedly on the day of the murder, and Leakin Park is the park where Jay’s ex-​girlfriend was found and apparently according to the podcast you can’t walk more than a few feet in that park without tripping on a body.
I was curious about the setting and places from that podcast, and for safety’s sake (apparently Leakin Park is safe because the murders are not committed there, the bodies are just dumped there), I decided to visit Patapsco, which ironically was used for the Blair Witch Project.
On my first visit to Patapsco park, I thought why yes this is a very scenic park for high schoolers to partake of some ragga dagga, but it’s not secluded at all (tons of hikers/​bikers/​families everywhere and it costs money to get in and closes at sunset. It’s kind of a lot of work for a stoner, but what do I know.
My first visit was not my last visit though. I love this park on warm winter days, when other trails are too muddy or flooded, I came here cause there is a good distance of gravelly path to walk on. It’s more of an exploration, enjoy the scenery kind of park vs. strenuous hiking for me. It’s a bit more crowded than I prefer, but the combination of hiking and biking trails is a big plus for this park. The Avalon area is the easiest area to park and hike at. A noteable scenic trail form this area is the cascade falls trails (see:
), which has little waterfalls along the way and some stream jumping. Additionally, this area has long rope suspension bridge and a large dam, Bloede Dam, which is soon to be removed so get there while you can! The dam is a great fishing spot apparently and gorgeous to look at up
summer the river is open for swimming expect for within 300 feet of the dam, which makes perfect sense.
Also, just in case, you’re looking to make good on your New Years Resolution, Patapsco State park holds an ultra marathon 50k in October: pat​ap​sco50k​.com/​r​a​c​e​-​info/. You can get up at 5am, wear a headlamp, run through trails and mud.
I won’t be doing that but you can.

This park offers everything you can think of for outdoor activities, biking, hiking, fishing and family BBQ. The price is just worth the visit alone and I can’t wait for them to finish the renovations. I am not a fisherman but appears that this is very popular as there were about 10 people lined up on the shores of the river.
Saw a lot of bikers as well going through the rough terran and plenty of runners. As a visitor I would come back just for the hike and opportunity to take some pictures and maybe get in some fishing. A great family park no matter what activity you enjoy.

this is a beautiful state park with a lot of character. my family and I come here for biking, hiking, or just to get out of the city for a while on a weekend and take a leisurely walk and have lunch. nothing better than this well-​maintained park, being among the tress, forest and nature. only negative is that I don’t get to spend more time here and that places like this aren’t a part of our everyday life.

Absolutely beautiful park! I wish I had more time to venture around because I can only imagine what more it has to offer. We had a company picnic there! Super easy to make reservations and a decent price, especially for the space and the beauty of the place. I got a chance to go down by the water for a little bit which I enjoyed. Very scenic park that is great for families and picnics for large groups! We will definitely be back

State parks truly are gems, each park having its own character. I absolutely adore Patapsco and had a great time getting lost on its trails. I went here specifically to go trail running and hiking, but I saw a lot of mountain bikers as well as some people hanging out in the river. A must-​check out trail would be the Cascade Falls Trail, I liked how the path ran along the water. It was especially calming after a few hectic days in the city. The Grist Mill Trail is a nice large paved path that runs by the train tracks which is pretty cool. On a Sunday, it was only $ 3 entry fee, so it’s definitely worth getting out of the city and checking out some of the trails!

Great park! Entrance fee per person on the weekends.
Nestled near Baltimore, this place is not too crowded like some other parks. The trails are well kept and marked. A lot of bikers at this park. So be aware and share the road and trail. Many trails available and picnic areas, so you could spend the whole day here. Bring a snack or two!
Tried out the cascade falls trail. Not a hard trail. Easy inclines and lots to see. Woods. Glens. Streams. Mini falls. You will have to get over streams. Either by rock jumping or fording the stream. Really not a challenge. A few bridges here and there. Just need to be aware and be careful.
A great time was had at this park and will be back again!

Awesome park with a good selection of dirt or paved paths. 2 $ for MD residents and 4 $ for out of state. Enjoy!

Went here for hiking with a friend and had a pretty good time. It was a cold day (back in February), but the hike more than made up for it. Not very rocky but it has some steep stretches that will surely warm you up. Great for dogs too. The hike ends at a small waterfall which makes for some nice pictures. Overall a good place for both hiking and biking.

Fun for the whole family. Pet friendly, hiking, fishing, grilling, playground, open spaces, the list goes on. Bring the whole family and enjoy the great outdoors.

I love this place. Avalon sugar area is perfect for trail biking, Hiking, running. Best part about this park is its easy accessibility. This park is about 15 mins drive from my place and there a 2 $ parking fee or you can park for FREE on the lot across the Catonsville park and ride area on route 166 which leads directly to soapstone trail.
First I will write about the hiking experience I had. We parked in the orange grove area and started hiking on orange trail. The trail was little muddy because of the rain the previous day but it was still doable. The trail is fairly easy only frustrating part was after half way through, the sign of the trail were all over the place and it was bit confusing but other than that it was enjoyable trail ended with a splendid view of cascade falls. The place was not too crowded so we sat there listening the soothing sounds of waterfall. We did orange trail twice and blue trail in about 3 and ½ hour.
For biking, I always do Soapstone trail followed by vineyard and back by bull. I highly recommend this loop especially for beginners like me who are aiming for mountain biking in near future, its a good practice ground with Lodz of slopes. You will see plenty of artifact and bridges along the way and expect to see deer on the way. the trails leads to the edge where u can look down at the flowing river and across is the old railway line. I love seating here and devoting on my lunch sandwich.
The trails are well maintained, Very easily accessible from the cities nearby and expect enjoyable and soothing experience with nature !

Came here for some hiking with my gf, sister, and sister’s boyfriend. The park as a whole has miles upon miles of hiking and horseback trails. The particular area we went to had 15 miles of trails, some harder than others. We hiked the Cascade Trail (2.2 miles) And we passed over and around Cascade Falls, which was very cool. There were a few other hikers that were mostly friendly.
The people at the front gate of the park were also friendly and let us all in at the state fee (even though only one of us was from in-​state), so that was neat. It’s a little bit of a drive to the trailhead parking area once you get in the park, but the main entrance is literally two minutes off the interstate.
The location is convenient, it’s minimal cost, and the hiking is not difficult but still a good workout.
Definitely recommend this area.

Just about a 15 minute drive from downtown Baltimore, this park has several options for hiking trails, through wooded areas, along the famous B&O. Railroad, and with plenty of streams, and enough shade to make the hiking easier during the summer. Parking is $ 2.00! No other costs. I have been there 3 times and have spent probably 6 hours on the trails and have not used the same trails twice yet. The park staff is friendly and helpful.

This particular part of the massive 16,000 plus acres of forest known as Patapsco State Park is by far my favorite. For years I visited the Mckeldin Area in Marriottsville. Which is also a beautiful area. However there is something magical and mystical about the Avalon Area. I swear it reminds me of being lost in time. From the Cascade Waterfall where it seems little gnomes are going to pop out any minute. Then you have the suspension bridge which is historical because of the Mill worker who would use the bridge to go back and forth to work, crossing a few feet above the river. The old dilapidated cobble stone and brick structure sprinkled through the park will have you wondering of how things may have been many many years ago. I brought my children with me on a «day at the park «adventure. The had a wonderful time, and at 6 dollars for entry fee a backpack with water, snacks and first aid it was also a inexpensive way to entertain them. Far better and cheaper than a movie or amusement park. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy both of the aforementioned activities, but there is nothing quite like watching your son look on in amazement at the snake perched on a rocks ledge under a small waterfall eat tiny fish swimming up stream. Or watching my daughter try to skip rocks in the river. By the end of our 3 hour hike through the park. I had sleepy children with memories they can cherish for a life time.