Patapsco Valley State park
Howard County
Patapsco Valley is a must see for marylanders, with stunning waterfall and river views, historic landmarks, and extensive trail options
Patapsco Valley State Park has a little of everything: river views, wooded trails, waterfalls, historic ruins, picnic spots, and plenty of room for hiking, biking, wading, camping, and fishing. Different sections of the park feel quite unique, so you can choose between a relaxed family picnic area or a more rugged trail day. The park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset with a $2 vehicle fee for state residents, and some areas are easier to navigate than others, depending on what kind of outing you want.
Patapsco Valley State Park was another one of our favorite locations. We decided to go on the Cascade Falls trail, where we would be surrounded by beautiful forest views and streams running parallel to our path, with an area of rocky waterfalls and shallow pools. After parking, we crossed the street to investigate the swinging bridge before starting our hike. The swinging bridge, suspended by ropes and crossing over the river, is a historic staple of the park. Across the bridge were some railroad tracks and historic stone structures we spent some time exploring. It was a warm day, and the trees were practically glowing in the sunlight.
Crossing back over the bridge, we started up to the Cascade Falls trail, excited to see some waterfalls. However, we hadn't inspected the map super closely before heading onto the trail, and not only did we start at the end of the whole Cascade Falls trail loop, we also took a wrong turn at an intersection, where we accidentally wandered off into the woods in an entirely wrong direction. After a while of walking, we realized we weren't quite where we were supposed to be, and figured out our way back to the main trail pretty quickly. At this point, though, we were on the complete back of the trail, taking the extra long way around. While we were a little tired from the hills (our own fault), we continued on, joking about how we were "true adventurers" for getting lost and pushing through. The main path followed a stream, and we started nearing a small wooden bridge.
Stopping at the bridge to cool off, we took shoes off and started wading in the water. The water was perfectly cold and refreshing. Underneath the bridge, we spotted frogs, and there were fish swimming around. While resting on the bridge, a blue heron flew over us. This is where it really started to feel like our hard work paid off- we were starting to see a lot more than trees and dirt paths.
Following the water, we continued down the trail, and we started seeing more and more water. Rounding the corner to find a decently sized pool surrounded by rocks, we decided to go for a little swim. The ground underneath was sandy, and little fish swam all around our toes. The water was only a few feet deep, but it was enough to lay back in and float, feeling like one with nature. Coming out of the water, we spotted an American Toad, just sitting on a rock. It let us get pretty close as we tried our best to get photos without disturbing it. Patapsco really seemed to be thriving- we were spotting new wildlife with each turn.
The path started to rise above the stream, and the water was down in a rocky ravine as we crossed another bridge over it. After just a few more minutes of walking, we finally found what we had came here for- the waterfalls.
We started at the top of the waterfalls, working our way down beside them on rocky paths, passing people playing in the water. The one closest to the bottom was the tallest, and we spent some time watching it (from a safe distance, although you could probably get pretty close).
After the waterfalls, just a few minutes later, we popped back out where we had started. We were a little shocked- we had spent so long trying to find the waterfalls, and the place we had started the trail was just a bit past where we had came out- the real start of the trail. Thoroughly worn out from our hike, we grabbed our sandwiches from the car and crossed the swinging bridge again, working our way down a little path to the edge of the river.
Sitting on a rock in a sandy area, we sunbasked as we ate our sandwiches and shared stories, perfectly content. The river here was wide and moving slow, so after our lunch break we went for a final swim before leaving. The water was pretty shallow, but it was perfect for floating on your back. Splashing and joking, we drifted down the river, past the bridge, and got out in a rocky area just down the path. The drive home was peaceful and quiet as we left feeling completely fulfilled.
Although it wasn't quite what we expected going in, we had a really great time, and we might've not made it back to those wooden bridges and the seen all the wildlife had we started on the correct side. The longer hike also gave us some good bonding time, and we left feeling more connected not only to nature but to each other. As one of our first trips, it really set the tone for our project. So, if you want a simple and easy trip to the waterfalls and a shallow swim, learn from our mistakes and make sure you start on the right side of the trail. But, if you want to embrace the spirit of a "true adventurer" and have a more secluded, wildlife-filled, unique experience, try exploring a little farther down the path and see what you can find.
