Near Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Patapsco Valley State Park
Welcome to Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland's first state park. Founded as a forest reserve in 1907, Patapsco has accommodated vacationers and daily park users since the mid-1910s. Totaling more than 14,000 acres, Patapsco is currently Maryland's second largest state park and it continues to provide the public with a wide variety of recreational opportunities that include hiking, biking, picnicking, canoeing, camping and horseback riding. Patapsco has six developed areas: McKeldin, Pickall, Hollofield, Hilton, Orange Grove and Glen Artney/Avalon. Pets are prohibited in the developed areas.
Before the state park was established, the Patapsco Valley was home to many industries including iron, cotton and flour mills. Remnants of the valley's industrial past can be found all along the river. Visitors can learn more about the park's history at the Avalon Visitor Center.
Much of the Patapsco Valley is comprised of rolling hills and sharp rock outcrops where the river moves swiftly toward Baltimore Harbor (approximately 10 miles down river from here). The Patapsco provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal wildlife. In addition to foxes, raccoons, deer and beaver, visitors may also encounter wood ducks, great blue herons, hawks and owls.
Erected by
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 39° 13.528′ N, 76° 43.181′ W. Marker is near Elkridge, Maryland, in Howard County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of River Road and Rockburn Hill Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker is at an entrance to the park that is available only to people walking and riding bicycles. Motor vehicle access to the entrance is limited to emergency vehicles only. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6159 River Rd, Elkridge MD 21075, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Baltimore County Water and Electric Company (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Drinking Water for the Public (about 800 feet away); Forging Freedom and Nails (approx. 0.2 miles away); Powering the Patapsco Valley's Industries (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Place For Progress (approx. 0.2 miles away); Iron Builds America (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elkridge Landing (approx. ¼ mile away); The C.C.C. Builds Our Park (approx. 0.3 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 339 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
