State Parks and National Parks

Patapsco Valley State Park

Patapsco Valley State Park combines the best of several worlds. It offers a wilderness outdoor experience practically at Baltimore's doorstep. It combines unique natural features with historic remnants of American industry.

And it is a park whose primary "trail" is the Patapsco River, traveled by canoe and kayak.

The park is made up of five separate areas along 35 miles of the river.

Other historical attractions are the Thomas Viaduct, the world's first multiarched stone railroad bridge that is still in use; remnants of a 1772 flour mill; and Bloede's Dam that used the world's first internally-housed power plant.

The park is largely wooded, with some steep stretches along the 100 miles of trails shared by hikers, cyclists and equestrians.

There are more than 70 seasonal campsites and 6 camper cabins. The fishing is excellent and the hunting includes bow and muzzle-loader seasons for deer.

The Soldiers Delight area contains the largest remaining serpentine grassland in the United States, more than 39 rare, threatened or endangered plant species and significant insects and minerals.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Patapsco Valley State Park. Courtesy of Patapsco Valley State Park. Courtesy of Patapsco Valley State Park.