Ride Overview
Patapsco Valley State Park is one of the most popular and diverse outdoor recreation destinations in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region. The park stretches for more than 32 miles along the Patapsco River and encompasses over 200 miles of trail, many of which are open to mountain bikers.
Within this sprawling landscape, riders will find trail options ranging from smooth beginner zones to challenging cross-country singletrack. The park has dozens of developed areas — including Avalon, Glen Artney, Woodstock, Daniels, and McKeldin — either interconnected or within easy reach of each other.
Patapsco also boasts one of the most diverse and inclusive outdoor communities in the region. The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park (FPVSP) works closely with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and local volunteers to promote sustainable recreation for all users.
In recent years, a major accomplishment has been the development of Maryland’s first adaptive mountain biking trail system in the McKeldin Area. This network features wider, smoother trail surfaces, improved signage, and accessible parking and trailheads to accommodate adaptive mountain bikes, handcycles, and other adaptive equipment — opening up the park’s natural beauty to riders of diverse physical abilities.
Ruins and trail features in the Avalon area of Patapsco Valley State Park — a testament to the park’s blend of natural beauty and historical richness.
Ride Details at a Glance
Location: Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, and Anne Arundel Counties, MD
Length: Varies
Ride Time: Varies, depending on skill level and trails ridden
Ride Type: Mountain Bike
Difficulty: Level 1 - Level 5 Riding (route dependent)
Patapsco Valley State Park caters to riders of all abilities, from gentle mixed-use loops to demanding singletrack that can challenge even experienced riders. The park’s terrain varies with elevation changes, river crossings, forested climbs, and flowy ridges — providing endless exploration.
Ride Notes: Patapsco’s expansive trail network can keep riders engaged for months on end without repeating a route. Popular areas like Avalon and Woodstock are known for classic off-road loops, while McKeldin and Daniels offer mixed-use trails with scenic river views.
Within the McKeldin Area, the adaptive trail system created in collaboration with FPVSP and Maryland DNR has made significant strides toward inclusive recreation. Trails were widened, grades smoothed, drainage improved, and key access features enhanced to meet adaptive cycling needs. These improvements ensure riders of all physical abilities can explore the park’s natural environment.
Extension & Connectivity:
Many riders create extended rides by linking multiple areas of Patapsco Valley State Park. For example, it’s common to connect sections from Avalon to Woodstock, or combine Daniels and McKeldin loops for a long, varied day of riding. The park’s trails also interface with local parks like Rockburn Branch Park — home to a dedicated skills area that helps riders refine techniques before venturing into Patapsco’s deeper singletrack.
Future Growth:
The adaptive mountain biking initiative at McKeldin sets a precedent for future inclusive trail projects. Partners continue to explore ways to improve connectivity and expand trail options while preserving Patapsco’s natural values and multi-use trail culture.
Route Maps
The interactive route maps below highlight several classic loops and trail combinations within Patapsco Valley State Park. Use the maps to explore elevation changes, technical sections, and alternate trail combinations.
These routes are documented in Mountain Biking DC/MD, which includes additional regional context, access notes, and nearby riding options.