Overview
Patapsco Valley State Park is in Central Maryland.
3 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Patapsco Valley State Park
Swinging Bridge
A 300-foot suspension walkway over the Patapsco River.
Thomas Viaduct
The world's longest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge. Of course, it's not too hard to set a record when you set your sights on such a narrow category, but the bridge is in any rate quite pretty, and worth a visit.
Tire Playground
A giant tire playground, which would bore only the most Nintendo DS-addicted kid.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Baltimore)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 33 mi away (major hub). Directions
The park is just west of the Baltimore Beltway, and the principal road in the area is US-40, the Baltimore National Pike, which cuts right through the park. The main visitor center is at 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Swinging Bridge, Thomas Viaduct
- Afternoon Tire Playground
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Patapsco Valley is easily the largest park (save the narrow Rock Creek National Park) in the densely populated section of the country between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. As such, it is quite popular with day-trippers and campers alike seeking to escape the suburban sprawl for a while, and to explore its natural and historic sights.
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
The park is just west of the Baltimore Beltway, and the principal road in the area is US-40, the Baltimore National Pike, which cuts right through the park. The main visitor center is at 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City.
Fees and permits
Day use during the main season is $2 for Maryland residents; $3 for out-of-staters.
See
See Thomas Viaduct
The world's longest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge. Of course, it's not too hard to set a record when you set your sights on such a narrow category, but the bridge is in any rate quite pretty, and worth a visit.
See Tire Playground
A giant tire playground, which would bore only the most Nintendo DS-addicted kid.
Sleep
Call +1-888-432-2267 for reservations, which are often necessary in nice weather, given the lack of camping opportunities in this densely populated section of the state.
Camping
Tent and cabin camping are possible in designated campsites; the former costs $10/night and the latter $20. Separate from these campsites are sites for RV camping, with full hookups for $25.
Go next
The park is just north of Ellicott City—worth a visit for its old Main Street, with its historic attractions and fine dining.
Nearby
Ellicott City
City / town · 23 listings · 2 mi away
Columbia
City / town · 28 listings · 5 mi away
Pikesville
City / town · 17 listings · 7 mi away
Hanover
City / town · 5 listings · 8 mi away
Owings Mills
City / town · 12 listings · 8 mi away
Linthicum
City / town · 10 listings · 9 mi away
Baltimore
City / town · 9 listings · 9 mi away
Savage
City / town · 13 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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