Patapsco Valley North: Hikers Choice of 5.5 Miles or Up to 8.7 Total Miles!

Patapsco Valley North: Hikers Choice of 5.5 Miles or Up to 8.7 Total Miles!

This hike will take us through a loop in a section of Patapsco Valley State Park on trails over moderate, yet rewarding, terrain. Many areas inside Patapsco Valley State Park are quite developed, but the park also offers huge tracts where there are few people This is the area we will enjoy today.

We will cross the Swing Bridge, hike Vineyard Spring, Santee Branch, and Sawmill Branch Trail for about 5.5 miles. The trail explores an active rail line that started in the 1800s, and stream valleys that feed the Patapsco. After returning back over the Swinging Bridge there is an option for up to 3.2 additional miles in the South leading past Cascade Falls with an additional elevation gain of 450'.

Please note that you must sign up by 9:00 on December 4, the night before the hike.

Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Directions to Trailhead: The GPS Coordinates are 39.240879,-76.749977
The Street address to the park entrance is 5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227. After turning into the park, proceed to the end of the road (about 1/2 mile) and turn left over the bridge. Follow the road for another 2 miles or so until you see bathrooms on the LEFT. The parking lot is just pass that point. We will meet near the swinging bridge,

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.

Details
Rating: Moderate to easy side of difficult
Distance: 5.5 or 8.7 miles (your choice)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 ft (5.5 miles) 950 ft (8.7 miles)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour

Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead

Fees: No entrance fees at this time of year

Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather: The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.