McKeldin Area Trail Guide

Patapsco Valley State Park
McKeldin Area Trail Guide
Patapsco Valley State Park extends along nearly 35 miles of the Patapsco River, from Elkridge in the east to Woodbine in the west. This river valley park encompasses more than 14,500 acres and several distinct recreation areas, including the McKeldin Area located in the southeastern corner of Carroll County. Here, the Patapsco River's north and south branches unite, flowing southward to Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
McKeldin may be best known for its varied, steep and wooded terrain, reminiscent of the mountains of Western Maryland. Families and outdoor adventure enthusiasts enjoy recreational opportunities throughout this 1,403-acre area, including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on eight miles of trails, as well as picnicking and fishing. Overnight use is limited to youth group camping by reservation.
Wildlife and Nature Appreciation
McKeldin's contrasting upland forests and riverine wetlands support a wide variety of plants and animals. The forest is predominately oak, but includes a host of other deciduous tree species, such as tulip poplar, dogwood, maple sassafras, redbud and many large sycamores. Wildflowers bloom year-round and decorate the forest floor and fields. Be on the lookout for lady's slipper, Jack-in-the-pulpit, May-apple, bloodroot, mountain laurel, goldenrod, black-eyed Susan and Indian pipe.
McKeldin also has abundant habitat for small mammals and birds, including migratory species. Sit quietly under a tree and watch rabbits, gray squirrels, woodchucks, red fox and white-tailed deer appear from hiding. Colorful bluebirds, scarlet tanagers and Baltimore orioles can be enjoyed during their migration through Maryland in the spring and fall. Listen for the beautiful songs of warblers or the whistle of a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead. Along the banks of the Patapsco River, bird watchers will spot Canada geese, green herons, kingfishers, mallards and wood ducks year-round. Although rarely seen, screech owls, barred owls, great-horned owls, kestrels and wild turkeys also inhabit the forest.
Fishing
The Patapsco River meanders through the park and is a popular attraction for anglers. The Department of Natural Resources' Fisheries Service stocks the river as a put-and-take fishery with adult rainbow and brown trout in the spring and fall. Anglers also enjoy catching naturally reproducing smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish and rock bass. Consult your freshwater sportfishing guide, which is issued with the purchase of a fishing license, for detailed information on rules, regulations and creel limits. Information and stocking schedules are also posted on this website. Be aware that it is approximately a half-mile, steep hike from any parking lot to the river. The river rewards those who make the effort, however, with a great fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages.
Picnic Shelters and Other Recreation
McKeldin has two large picnic shelters, including grills and a fireplace, and eight smaller shelters in a forested setting. Explore short hikes from the shelters to scenic areas in the park, or enjoy two nearby playgrounds, ball fields, a disc golf course and a basketball court.
For picnic pavilion reservations May 1 through September 30, call Park Reservations at 1-888-432-2267 or make your reservation on the Internet at reservations.dnr.state.md.us For pavilion reservations October 1 through April 30, and all youth group camping reservations, call the park office at 410-461-5005.
Heritage
The Patapsco is known as the River of History, for its rich and fascinating heritage. McKeldin was historically traveled and hunted by Native Americans. In 1744, the Treaty of Lancaster ceded the area, along with other lands in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, from the Six Nations of the Iroquois League to American colonists. Marylanders took out patents on the land from the colonial government in Annapolis and began tobacco plantations. Farmers later discovered, however, that the area was not as suited for tobacco as the lower lands of the Coastal Plain, and turned to grain farming for a money crop. The international market for flour ground in mills along the Patapsco and other Maryland rivers made Baltimore a major world port city.
In 1953, the State of Maryland purchased the area as an addition to Patapsco Valley State Park. The area was named in honor of Theodore R. McKeldin, former Mayor of Baltimore and Governor of Maryland (1951-1959), in recognition of his dedication to protecting the length of the Patapsco River valley as a park for future generations.
Trails
McKeldin Area trails are popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, birding and general nature appreciation. Snowfall in the winter provides excellent conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter sports.
In order to protect the area's sensitive environment and accommodate the recreation interests of multiple trail users, the park's trail system includes specific user designations. Please respect these user designations during your visit to the park.
Please remember that the park is a natural area with certain hazards, such as poison ivy, slippery trail surfaces, insects, etc., and normal precautions should be taken. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.
Multiple Use Trails:

Plantation Trail (1.4 miles)
This trail, which begins at the basketball courts and horse trailer parking area, is one of the favored equestrian routes. The trail is steep and passes through a series of pine groves, running along one of the highest ridges in the McKeldin Area.

Switchback Trail (4 miles)
This trail begins by the contact station at the top of the hill near the entrance to the park. Hikers of all ages, mountain bikers and equestrians will enjoy this beautiful, riverside trail. The northern part of this trail is foot-use-only, but riders can continue their loop by using the Plantation Trail. During late fall and winter, enjoy a scenic view at the Liberty Dam Overlook located at the end of the trail.

Tall Poplar Trail (1.4 miles)
This trail can be accessed from Shelter #576 or across the road from the basketball courts. Aptly named for the impressive tulip poplar trees that are found along the way, you will have an opportunity to hike or ride the wide variety of terrain that McKeldin has to offer. The trail traverses moderately steep slopes, connecting riverside habitats to hardwood forests and open fields.

Foot-use Only Trails:

Medicine Tree Trail (.3 mile)
This trail begins at the youth group camping field parking lot. A short loop, the trail is quite rocky and includes a bridge over a deep ravine.

McKeldin Rapids Trail (.7 mile)
This trail begins at the southern end of the park, or it can be accessed from the Switchback Trail. The trail's name hints at its destination, one of the park's best-kept secrets, a cascading rapid on the Patapsco River that flows into a large, deep pool of water. This is a great fishing spot for anglers of all ages. Swimming is not permitted due to dangerous undercurrents.
The exposed rocks in this area of the river are a favored sunning spot for several species of snakes, including the northern water snake and an occasional copperhead, one of only two venomous species in Maryland. As a part of our natural world, snakes should be left unharmed. They effectively control populations of small mammals, like mice and rats, as well as provide an important food source for hawks and other predators. The Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act protects all native snakes in Maryland.

Spring Glen Trail (.7 mile)
This loop trail begins across the lane from the contact station located at the entrance to the park, and will give you an opportunity to check out the McKeldin Area right from the start.

Switchback Trail (.6 mile)
Reminder: the northern end of this trail is for foot-use-only. Access to the trail is gained from either the Liberty Dam Overlook, the Plantation Trail or by continuing on the multi-use section of the Switchback Trail.

Patapsco Valley State Park is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Please help us protect the park's natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics.

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.

Remember that all of Maryland's State Parks are Trash-Free, so pack out what you pack in! Thanks for being a good steward of Maryland's outdoors.
Trail Stewardship
You can help support trails at your favorite forest or park by volunteering on trail projects or purchasing a tax-deductible Trail Stewardship sticker. Your support helps maintain trails to protect the environment and benefit trail users. Call 410-461-5005 for local trail project information or to make a donation.
Pets
Pets are not permitted in the McKeldin Area due to sanitary concerns associated with the high volume of park visitors using the day use area. Thank you for your understanding. Pets are welcome in other areas of Patapsco Valley State Park outside of picnic and camping areas. For the safety of your pet, wildlife and other visitors, please keep your pet on a leash when visiting these areas.
Guides and Outfitters
For information on commerical guides and outfitters or organizing group outings, contact the park's headquarters at 410-461-5005.
Park Watch
The State Forest and Park Service's Park Watch program encourages visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting personal property and preserving the park. If you observe suspicious activities, vandalism or safety hazards, please report these problems to any park employee or call: 1-800-825-PARK (7275).
How to Get There
The McKeldin Area is located in the southeastern corner of Carroll County, approximately 12 miles from the Baltimore Beltway. From the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take I-70 west for nine miles. Exit north on Marriottsville Road and travel three miles. The park entrance will be on your right. From Columbia Pike (MD Route 29), go north to I-70. Go west on I-70 for four miles and follow directions above.
Friends of Patapsco Valley State park
The Friends of Patapsco Valley State park is a non-profit, charitable foundation established for the purpose of improving the park's Visitor Center, trails and interpretive exhibits and programs. Volunteers and financial tax-exampt donations are welcome. For information, contact the Avalon Visitor Center at 410-737-0451.
Hours of Operation
The McKeldin Area is open 8 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Effective March 1, 2002, the area is open from 9 a.m. to sunset during the remainder of the year.

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails and foot-use only trails, is available for sale from Patapsco Valley State Park headquarters by calling 410-461-5005.

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Last Updated February 25, 2002