Join us for 3.2 Miles (Longer Options Available): Hilton Area

A surprisingly rugged and remote descent into a wooded stream valley to the Patapsco River! The trail provides access to a pristine stream valley, with serene pools and small cascading waterfalls. The valley is decorated with ferns and some sections of mountain laurel. The stream valley canyon is narrow and sometimes dark. The Patapsco River flows through a piedmont stream valley with steep-sided walls. The river descends in elevation through a series of bouldery rapids through hard, erosion-resistant mica schist rock. Near the river’s edge, sycamores, box elder and other floodplain tree species predominate. The vegetation in the floodplain is constantly regrowing and can appear somewhat disturbed due to the river frequently flooding its banks. The steep-sided hills of the river valley are wooded with upland hardwood species including American Beech, tulip poplar, elm, oaks, hickory and ash in the canopy. Mountain laurel, dogwood, witch hazel, spicebush, paw paw and other shrubs comprise the understory. Numerous migratory songbirds and waterfowl frequent the river, the Sawmill Branch stream valley and its riparian habitat. Look for Belted Kingfishers and Great-blue Heron, two common avian species in the riverine habitat. Rainbow and Brown Trout are stocked in the river in the spring, but the higher water temperatures do not sustain them year-round. The rocky nature of the trail discourages many from hiking here, creating a pristine environment.

Note:
For those wishing to go further we can go additional miles as we know the trails in this area like the back of our hands. So after the 3 miles, we will ask for anyone interested in hiking further and plan accordingly. The hike leaders are willing to go up to about 6-8 miles for this trek. An option is to take the tunnel over to the Orange Grove area and hike across the swinging bridge or to the waterfall and beyond, or there are plenty more miles of trails to explore in the Hilton area as well. We have two hike leaders wishing to go further than the 3 miles so up to two groups can go additional miles to the 3 already planned.

Click here to see some pics from a past trip on this fantastic trail!

Trail Information
Nearby City: Baltimore
Length: 3.2 total miles
Elev. Gain: Minimal -Take note this is the elevation GAIN and not indicative of the elevation CHANGE on the hike. There are lots of ups and downs on this hike but it is still on the easier side of moderate because of it's short distance.
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Season: Year-round
Local Contacts: Patapsco Valley State Park Hilton Area

Pace Options

We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience. This also allows us to offer a variety of hike paces and for this particular hike you have 2 to choose from which allows us to be put together with those of a similar pace. Paces should be not only based on your preference but also ability needs to be taken into consideration.

Pace Option 1: A "walk in the woods" or "social" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be about 2.0mph.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph (pace of an average hiker).

PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine!
Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead

The park has a 2.00 dollar entrance fee payable by the honor system at the gate entrance.
Meetup Time is at 10:00 a.m. 

Directions to Trailhead
Click here for directions to the trailhead and the number of the shelter/pavilion where we meet for this hike.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back and guides/sweepers are equipped with two way waterproof radios which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and pride ourselves in our leaders being Leave No Trace certified.

Fido is welcome on this Hike!

 
Let's have good times and see you on the trail...

PLEASE take a leaders phone number with you in case you have any difficulty locating our group...

Kellie Carlisle - [masked]
Justin C. [masked]