Patapsco Valley State Park Tours

Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park featuring a garden
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park


Wander through the scenic riverside forest, embark on fun and challenging trails and locate the viaduct railroad and old mills.

Patapsco Valley State Park is a scenic area of dense woodland that follows a 32-mile (51-kilometer) section of its namesake river. The immense park contains eight individual recreation areas, with picnicking, mountain biking and canoeing among the main activities. Bring your family to spend a day in the park to be closer to Maryland’s plants and animals.

Go hiking with your friends to encounter some of the park’s most spectacular attractions. Stroll along the Swinging Bridge over the river for a rush of excitement. Snap photos of your group beside the enormous pillars of the Thomas Viaduct, an extensive many-arched railroad bridge.

Let kids clamber over the climbing frames and hefty wheels of the Tire Park playground. Enjoy snacks and refreshments at one of the picnic pavilions, against a scenic backdrop of the river. Go horseback riding and mountain biking in the western McKeldin Area. Try kayaking in the Daniels Area. In the Avalon Area, follow the Grist Mill Trail in the Orange Grove section, which once held a flour mill.

Make your way to the Avalon Visitor Center, housed in a 19th-century stone abode, to learn about the region’s intriguing history. The park is one of Maryland’s oldest, having been founded in 1907. Inspect the re-creation of the 1930s forest warden’s office, among other exhibits.

Pay a fee to enter the park for the day. Patapsco Valley State Park is in the northeastern suburbs of Ellicott City in central Maryland. It is just west of the Baltimore Beltway and surrounds the Patapsco River on its journey southeast from the wilderness of Maryland.

Drive west from Baltimore for 13 miles (21 kilometers) to get here in 20 to 30 minutes. Visit nearby sights, such as the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, the Woodlands Golf Course and the University of Maryland Baltimore County campus.

Plan a trip to see Patapsco Valley State Park

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Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel
Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Patapsco Valley State Park

Ramada by Wyndham Baltimore West

Ramada by Wyndham Baltimore West

2 out of 5
6422 Baltimore National Pike, Rt 695 Exit 15 B, Catonsville, MD
Ramada by Wyndham Baltimore West
Charming townhome with WiFi and fitness room in lovely Woodlawn

Charming townhome with WiFi and fitness room in lovely Woodlawn

Woodlawn
Charming townhome with WiFi and fitness room in lovely Woodlawn
Fox Cottage *Pet Friendly*

Fox Cottage *Pet Friendly*

Catonsville
Fox Cottage *Pet Friendly*
Rollingside Guest Suite

Rollingside Guest Suite

Catonsville
Rollingside Guest Suite
Super 8 By Wyndham Baltimore Northwest

Super 8 By Wyndham Baltimore Northwest

2 out of 5
6700b Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD
Super 8 By Wyndham Baltimore Northwest
Step back in time with this unique gem along the Patapsco River.

Step back in time with this unique gem along the Patapsco River.

Ellicott City
Step back in time with this unique gem along the Patapsco River.
Spacious 4-bedroom house in cool Woodlawn with AC, WiFi Baltimore DC area

Spacious 4-bedroom house in cool Woodlawn with AC, WiFi Baltimore DC area

Woodlawn
Spacious 4-bedroom house in cool Woodlawn with AC, WiFi Baltimore DC area
Rodeway Inn

Rodeway Inn

2 out of 5
1654 Whitehead Ct, Baltimore, MD
Rodeway Inn
Caton Manor Estate and Pool

Caton Manor Estate and Pool

2 out of 5
Catonsville
Caton Manor Estate and Pool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City offers a variety of activities for visitors, including sports and entertainment options. Explore recreational areas with numerous trail opportunities, featuring some of the best trails for hiking, biking, and nature walks. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the park while engaging in outdoor adventures that cater to all skill levels and interests.

Food and drinks

Visit Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House for craft beers with a romantic vibe, or enjoy a distillery tour at Sagamore Spirit Distillery, offering fun entertainment. For a family-friendly meal with stunning views, Captain James Landing is perfect, combining city charm with a cozy atmosphere.

Shopping

For shopping near Patapsco Valley State Park, visit Baltimore Sports & Novelty, just 8 miles away, for unique gifts. Lexington Market offers a vibrant atmosphere and is 9 miles away. If you're up for a drive, Arundel Mills Mall, located 10 miles away, features a wide variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Explore Oriole Park at Camden Yards for an energetic sports experience, only 9 miles away. Enjoy a round of golf at Diamond Ridge Golf Course, just 2 miles away, surrounded by nature's beauty. For relaxation, visit the Jewish Community Center of Baltimore, located 7 miles away, offering wellness programs.

Adventure

The BWI Trail, located 7 miles from Patapsco Valley State Park, offers scenic hiking amidst nature's beauty. For a thrilling experience, visit The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, 17 miles away, featuring exciting zipline and ropes courses. Additionally, the B&A Trail, 18 miles away, provides another fantastic hiking option.

Nightlife

For a lively evening, visit Maryland Live Casino, 10 miles away, offering excitement and romance. Enjoy a cultural experience at Hippodrome Theatre, 9 miles away, perfect for family entertainment. For adventurous fun, check out TagParty RECON, 11 miles away, where families can enjoy arcade games together.

Find the best attractions near Patapsco Valley State Park

During your visit to Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City, Maryland, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture, outdoor activities, and family experiences. Explore historic colleges, urban parks, and modern universities. Don't miss nearby Baltimore attractions, including the Baltimore Museum, the Maryland Zoo, and scenic areas along the Patapsco River for a well-rounded getaway.

  • Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Inner Harbor, where you can enjoy waterfront activities, dining, and shopping. With stunning views and a lively ambiance, it’s perfect for adventure seekers and those looking to relax by the water.
  • Johns Hopkins University: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of one of America’s premier institutions. Stroll through its beautiful campus, admire the architecture, and appreciate the scholarly vibe that has fostered innovation and education for over a century.
  • Baltimore Convention Center: As a hub for business and events, the Convention Center offers a dynamic atmosphere for conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. It’s a great place to engage with various industries and connect with professionals from around the country.

Best time to go to Patapsco Valley State Park

The best time to visit Patapsco Valley State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
June72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Patapsco Valley State Park

To save money on your trip to Patapsco Valley State Park, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Utilize Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly options, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities. Joining the One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays. Additionally, explore nearby free attractions like Arundel Mills Mall and Johns Hopkins University to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Patapsco Valley State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Patapsco Valley State Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Patapsco Valley State Park with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.