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Patapsco State Park - Soapstone Trail Start
4.8 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Halethorpe, Maryland · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 200 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Patapsco State Park - Soapstone Trail Start's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring a river and a creek, as well as rugged trails for hiking and mountain cycling.
What runners say about Patapsco State Park - Soapstone Trail Start
“The trail view was stunning, with verdant trees, melodious birdsongs, the gentle murmur of a Patapsco River, and a sun-drenched pathway.”
“The trail is moderately challenging but well-marked, and we just followed the purple blazes.”
Very fun hiking trail. You can take Soapstone trail down over the stream and through the tunnel and you will see the Grist Mill trail to your right. Walk along that paved trail to the Cascade trail where you will find the swinging bridge.
More beautiful than I thought. Many tables and grill are in the area along with the creek. Has playground and restrooms, soapstone trail is right next to the restroom.
Parking fits around 20 cars along the line by the freeway. The trail itself is fairly easy but can get muddy after some rain. No fee to enter here and it's dog friendly.
Loved it. The trails are good and the serenity of the woods is a magic cure for stress.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail view was stunning, with verdant trees, melodious birdsongs, the gentle murmur of a Patapsco River, and a sun-drenched pathway.”
“Hiking Trail Review Soapstone Trail to Vineyard Trail Loop - 5 Miles Parking is partially road parking but plenty of spots and very safe.”
“There are no restrooms within a mile of this trail head, you will need to get to the bottom of soapstone and do a water crossing to get to a restroom.”
“There are a couple different options along this trail if you would like to have more hills or take it more easy.”
“It tends to be a little muddy at times and narrow in places, but that's nature, and it's to be expected.”
“We passed several friendly people walking their dogs.”
“The trail is moderately challenging but well-marked, and we just followed the purple blazes.”
“Lots of connecting trails, so great for long runs, and I always have great cell service so I can follow where I am on the trails on GoogleMaps.”
“Hiking Trail Review Soapstone Trail to Vineyard Trail Loop - 5 Miles Parking is partially road parking but plenty of spots and very safe.”
“Walk along that paved trail to the Cascade trail where you will find the swinging bridge.”
Plan your run at Patapsco State Park - Soapstone Trail Start
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance200 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.maryland.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Halethorpe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Grist Mill Trail
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Cascade Falls Trailhead
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Gwynns Falls Trail
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Leakin Park
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Gwynns Falls Trail
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Gwynn Falls Trailhead Windsor Mill Rd
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State park offering kid-friendly hiking trails and areas for biking.