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Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 6,785 Google reviews · Running trail in Ellicott City, Maryland · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 200 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area'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.
Founded in 1907, this large park along the Patapsco River offers recreation from hiking to camping.
What runners say about Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area
“5-mile loop hugged the riverbank, offering stunning views of the water cascading over rocks and lush greenery carpeting the hillsides.”
“Past the bridge there is great fishing spots calm water very open water seems like a perfect place to relax and fish here”
Very quiet and large open space with several trails. There are lots of parking spots. My favorite was the swinging bridge. It actually swings a bit and that’s a fun walk! The lost lake should have been better maintained. It has a great location but the water is very stagnated, full of weeds and there are no fish in it.
A Thrilling Escape into Nature As a tourist seeking a break from the urban jungle, Patapsco State Park and River in Maryland was a breath of fresh air (and the kind without car exhaust!). Spanning over 16,000 acres along the Patapsco River, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts like myself.
It is a little downhill walk. Not advised for older people not good on very uneven terrain. Very small walk paths after the bridge. Nice place for kids to walk in the water near shore. More of a hiking part of Patapsco state park once you par in the rear to the path areas .
Play ground is very nice and park rangers were friendly. Two dollars to enter the park. To get to the river there is a long steep trail down that requires a level of fitness. I was able to go there with my two girls under 2 but def not stroller friendly. The river is beautiful and the bridge is pretty.
Trail conditions & character
“5-mile loop hugged the riverbank, offering stunning views of the water cascading over rocks and lush greenery carpeting the hillsides.”
“I enjoyed learning about the history of the railroad and got to see trains go through hills and tunnel.”
“It made every walk feel peaceful and refreshing, especially when the sunlight came through the trees.”
“Most trails are narrow, winding, and rocky as well as having lots of steep areas.”
“Tip: The park fills up early on weekends and summer days, and once the parking lot is full, they close the entrance.”
“Hiking Trails for Every Level: My adventure began with a hike on the Grist Mill Trail in the Avalon area.”
“The restroom facilities looked nice although we did not need to use them, they definitely looked better than other public parks!”
“5-mile loop hugged the riverbank, offering stunning views of the water cascading over rocks and lush greenery carpeting the hillsides.”
“My dogs love coming here and the view of the river lake is beautiful”
Plan your run at Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance200 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. 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
- Phone(410) 461-5005
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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