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Baltimore, MD: Patapsco Valley State Park
You'll find two wooded creeks and plenty of solitude on this 2.8-mile lollipop loop nestled in the heart of Patapsco Valley State Park.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Maryland (MD) |
| Distance: | 2.75 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Relay |
| Rating: | Unrated |
From the parking lot, begin hiking southwest on the Soapstone Trail. The trail immediately descends 200 feet to Soapstone Creek and follows the creek, zigzagging through hundred-year-old trees and thick, lush forest. At the Soapstone day use area, veer northwest paralleling another unnamed creek, before meeting up with the Bull Run Trail. Turn right onto the Bull Run Trail, climb to the top of a small hill, and cross an open meadow. Follow the path along the ridgeline before descending back down to the Soapstone trail. Turn left onto the Soapstone Trail and retrace your steps back to the car.
Mapped by Josh and Leanne TallmanTO TRAILHEAD: Take I-395 S to I-95 S toward Washington. In 5.8 miles, take exit 47B and merge onto MD 166 N toward Catonsville. In 1.1 miles, bear left to stay on MD 166 N, then turn left onto S. Rolling Rd. Continue 0.2 mile and park on right side of the road at trailhead turnout.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Patapsco Valley State Park
| Distance: 2.75 mi | Points: 259 |
Patapsco Valley State Park
Points of Interest
WPT001
Location: 39.245144, -76.719498From the parking lot, hike southwest on the Soapstone Trail (marked with purple blazes). The first 0.2 mile descend nearly 200 feet to Soapstone Creek where the trail zigzags through hundred-year-old trees; watch for small marmots scurrying around.
WPT002
Location: 39.235821, -76.725494Continue straight on the Soapstone Trail @ 3-way junction.
WPT003
Location: 39.235828, -76.726898Soapstone Day Use Area: From the day use area, head northwest along an unnamed trail, paralleling a slightly larger creek.
WPT004
Location: 39.236588, -76.729187Cross the creek and continue rock hopping; keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer hiding in the woods. Forget the hustle and bustle of city life along this stretch of wilderness.
WPT005
Location: 39.237270, -76.729599Break out some snacks and soak up the quiet on this small, flat rock along the trail. Depending on the time of day, it is not uncommon to see wildlife coming down to drink at the creek.
WPT006
Location: 39.238361, -76.728523After crossing under powerlines, veer right @ 3-way junction onto the Bull Run Trail (marked by orange blazes). Next, start climb up a small hill.
WPT007
Location: 39.239197, -76.724800After passing through a small meadow, continue straight across a deserted gravel road and continue hiking south.
WPT008
Location: 39.238037, -76.725143Begin a steep descent back down the hill to the Soapstone Trail. At Waypoint 2, turn left and retrace your route back to the parking lot.
Trailhead Parking
Location: 39.245144, -76.719490Park Boundaries
Location: 39.244995, -76.719444Fall Colors
Location: 39.241753, -76.721062Soapstone Creek
Location: 39.240509, -76.720673Soapstone Trail
Location: 39.237877, -76.722710Stream
Location: 39.235798, -76.727150Wooded Stream
Location: 39.235958, -76.728241Related Trips
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