Hiking: Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park winds along the gorge of the Patapsco River, practically within shouting distance of the Baltimore Beltway. The park is used mainly for camping and picnicking on the high ground, but on this warm fall day we went to enjoy a hike down to the river.
Naturally we eschewed the marked trail in favor of the steep foot path down the ravine. Trailwalker ended up on her butt at least once as Broken Claw led the way through some rather thick vines and briers. Nevertheless we made it to the bottom unscathed. We strolled along the railroad tracks and down to the river’s edge. Eventually we made it to the railroad tunnel where we found the park trail back up to the picnic areas. We continued our walk to the camping section. Our path was crossed several times by deer looking for their afternoon meal. The park extends for some distance along the Patapsco River and has several easy hiking trails.
I should also mention that the railroad tracks and tunnel are not part of the public area, and traversing them is dangerous and considered trespassing on railroad property. At one time I had posted a photo of us walking across the tracks, and I received an email from the Department of Natural Resources advising me to take down the photo.