Time of Hike: 8:30 AM
Distance Hiked: 3.0 Miles
Temp During Hike: Low 23.0 °F   High 28.9 °F
Elevation Change: 200 Ft

We got a good start to our training this day. It was cold, in the 20s when we started, and a fresh dusting of snow was still on the ground. We met at hike leader Patti’s house in historic Oella, MD for a short 3 mile hike in Patapsco Valley State Park along the Patapsco River.

We soon found out that a cold snowy day is a good time to test how sure footed you are. Icy patches could be found along the trail in some dangerous places. Luckily we didn’t have any accidents.

The group did well on this hike. We had more time to get to know each other than we did the last time we got together. As we hiked we naturally split off into smaller groups of people hiking at the same pace. These small groups made conversation easy and each time we got started again after a break the groups reformed in a different way allowing all of us to talk.

The trail itself was fairly easy. It was level for the first mile and a half to Union Dam on the Patapsco River near route 40. Then we turned and made a steep ascent 200 ft to the top of the hill beside the river. From there it was level walking through hilltop forest. The trail led us past some signs of past lives in the area, several junk piles were next to the trail full of rusting history.

  About Patapsco Valley State Park, MD

Park Headquarters
8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 461-5005

Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14,000 acres and five developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park's many popular pavilions.

For more information visit:

• Ruins of Patapsco Valley State Park
• Official Park Site

  Photos