Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area

Category: State park

Address: 5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227, USA

Phone: +14104615005

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–7:15PM

Monday: 9AM–7:15PM

Tuesday: 9AM–7:15PM

Wednesday: 9AM–7:15PM

Thursday: 9AM–7:15PM

Friday: 9AM–7:15PM

Saturday: 9AM–7:15PM

Reviews

DJ Smith

Jul 28, 2022

One of my favorite places in the area for a nice hike or nature stroll.

Jessica Long

Jan 1, 2022

The hike was great. Definitely moderately strenuous with streams to traverse. It was beautiful with varied wooded landscapes. I would just say that some of the trails are really easy to follow with clear markers and direction, while others aren’t, which made it a tad bit confusing. Some of the trailheads didn’t have maps… also, the $4 entrance fee needs to be in cash.

Valerie Mason

Dec 31, 2021

I visited the park a few times over the summer and had a great time riding my bike hiking exploring the area and meditating in the woods. The swinging foot bridge and waterfall were a couple highlights I especially liked.

Rachel R

Dec 15, 2021

In the summer on weekends or holidays check the MD DNR Twitter to see if the park is full. This is a main entrance and the river is pretty close to a lot of the parking. If you go right when you enter you don’t have to go very far to get to the grist mill trail which is paved. If you go left there is a playground. If you keep driving for quite a while you get to the orange grove area which also has access to the grist mill trail (across the swinging bridge) and there are several other trails here but almost no cell service.

Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.

Questions & Answers

Can you swim and fish here.

Shaurese Hester | Sep 12, 2021
Tina Hickson | Sep 13, 2021

Yes to both

Read More

Do I need to bring trash bags

Kevin Lane | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

Yes, you will need a way to remove your trash. All Maryland State Parks are “Trash Free”. Please practice “Leave No Trace” principles and take your trash with you when you leave.

Read More

Does anyone know if you are allowed to bring your own inner tubes for the river?

Jamie hoggatt | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

Yes, you will need to bring your own tubes if you wish to go tubing.

How long is the walk to the water

letty rodriguez | Nov 12, 2019
Mandy S | Nov 13, 2019

Just a few minutes for the most part, but it really depends on what part of the water you want to get to and where you start

Read More

Is the Grist Mill Trail still closed?

Wanda Miller | Nov 12, 2019
Wanda Miller | Nov 13, 2019

According to Pk Ranger, it will be closed indefinitely. Flood damaged wooden bridge & since it is man-made structure, it has to meet specific guidelines for reconstruction & safety.

Read More

Is there a paved trail here? If so, how long? Would like to take my daughter for some biking and need something that is not super strenuous.

Thomas “tonepoet” Lindsey | Nov 12, 2018
John Donovan | Nov 13, 2018

There is usually a paved trail but it was partially destroyed by the flood and will be closed for a while.

Read More

What time they open ?

Kenneth Zirkle | Nov 12, 2018
J W | Nov 13, 2018

9 am

Read More

Can you go fishing here?

Vampire Vegan Chef | Jul 14, 2021
Bobby Wisner Sr | Jul 15, 2021

Yes some people fish there but you'd have to find a good spot most of it is just a river swimming but I see people fishing all the time and seen them pull nice size fish out of there

Does Avalon 104 have a water source? A spigot or hose?

Lynda Tucker | Jul 14, 2021
Bobby Wisner Sr | Jul 15, 2021

I think we were in 105 and they had a pipe that came out the ground with a handle you pull up to release water I'm not sure if that's a spigot but 105 has one

Read More

What is being done about people parking on Washington Blvd and going over the rail? There not paying to enter the park and it's very noticeable!!! You have to pay for every person in a car but you have people entering illegally!!

ThatAnnoying Human | Jul 14, 2021
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Jul 15, 2021

Thank you for sharing your concerns. You do not pay an entry to walk or bike into the park.

Is ok to bring dogs?

Math Klinic | Jul 14, 2021
Rebecca Terenyi | Jul 15, 2021

Yes!!

Read More

What is the Measurement/ength of the picnic tables and the picnic benches at the Avoalon

Zena Warrior Princess | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

Hi Bernadette, The Avalon Shelters (104 and 105) have 12 foot tables. If you have any other questions about the shelters, I would be happy to help you.

Read More

Is there grills at this park and if so how many?

Cole Donahey | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

There are uncovered picnic tables and grills available first come, first served throughout the park areas. The covered shelter areas with grills are available for reservation. http://parkreservations.maryland.gov

Read More

Community I can go to this place without permission from an office, oh is some kind of authorization necessary to enter ??? THANK YOU.

Lester Morales | Feb 14, 2021
Ilda Sinay | Feb 15, 2021

Not only do you have to leave early to find parking from 10 am onwards there is no parking and they charge three per person, children, children do not pay, they pay at the entrance to the River

Read More

Is the parking lot/ hike area at Avalon open at sunrise

Lisa Reid | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

The Avalon area is open from 9 am to sunset every day except for Christmas.

Can we swim here?

Angelis Garcia | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

You may swim, at your own risk, at any point in the river except where 'No Swimming' signs are posted or within 300 feet of a dam.

Read More

a question can be hung amaca

catrachita Dayana joelin Manzanares | Nov 11, 2020
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 12, 2020

No, you cannot hang a hammock on trees. You can use a hammock stand.

Read More

It is allowed to fish there

Williams Rodriguez | Nov 11, 2020
Ilda Sinay | Nov 12, 2020

And

Is the playground open?

anthony sharps | Nov 11, 2020
Tea Cope | Nov 12, 2020

Yes

Some are saying it opens at 9am, others say dawn. Can anyone confirm please? I would like to do some early morning fishing

Axis | Nov 11, 2020
Kim Mason | Nov 12, 2020

The Avalon entrance opens at 9am. There are other areas like the Daniels area that are open from dawn to dusk.

Read More

Any good swimming holes around this part of the park?

Christopher Shaver | Nov 12, 2019
Marissa Miller | Nov 13, 2019

Cascade falls isn't too far from that entrance and there are spots all along the river really I've taken my dogs to a spot just below the swinging bridge to swim!

How much is it to rent a sight for grilling?

Vampire Vegan Chef | Nov 12, 2019
Mandy S | Nov 13, 2019

It depends on the size of the site. I think large are $100 and the smaller ones are $50

How much is to enter the park on Saturday?

Vampire Vegan Chef | Nov 12, 2019
Patapsco StatePark -DNR- | Nov 13, 2019

The entrance fee for a Saturday in July is $3 per person in state. $5 per person out of state and children in car seats are free.

Read More

What time does the park open on Wednesday on 5/29/19 ?

Jong Shin | Nov 12, 2019
Mandy S | Nov 13, 2019

From dawn til dusk every day

Read More

Its possible to swim or get in the water here?

Ruth Salvador | Nov 12, 2019
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area (Owner) | Nov 13, 2019

Yes! There are several areas where swimming and wading are allowed. The Avalon area is particularly nice. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty and swimming is at your own risk. And as others have posted, we advise caution, especially after rains cause the river level to rise.

Read More

When does Avalon area of Patapsco park open for the season?

Bo Chaffman | Nov 12, 2019
Kendra Thurmond | Nov 13, 2019

It's open.

Read More

Is this patk equipped with a pavillion that holds about 250 people and does the park offer swimming?

Mona Farmer | Nov 12, 2019
Cesar Castaneda | Nov 13, 2019

Yes it's!!

Read More

When does the park close

Alexus Constantineau | Nov 12, 2018
Mandy S | Nov 13, 2018

Dusk

Read More

Is this etrance opened currently?

Sara Feigenbaum | Nov 12, 2018
Abril Mexico | Nov 13, 2018

Yes, every day.

Can I fish in this park?

Eduardo Ramirez | Nov 12, 2018
Carrie Wareheim | Nov 13, 2018

Yes with a license

Do they got ducks here?

Monique Johnson | Nov 12, 2018
J W | Nov 13, 2018

It's not a zoo, but they are here on occasion.

Do they have a map for the bike trail?..

Juan Marcos marquez | Nov 12, 2018
Richard Reinhardt | Nov 13, 2018

Yes, there are trail maps available for purchase at the camp office. But they are somewhat out of date due to recent work.

Is tha park Avalon entrance still closed from the flooding rain last weekend?

Chris Adams | Nov 12, 2018
Richard Spittel | Nov 13, 2018

Yes. From what I understand, it will be closed to vehicular traffic for several weeks/months. There is a tremendous amount of mud to be cleaned off parking lots, picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, roads, paths etc. I've also seen pictures of some of the damage that was done - sadly, it won't be fixed quickly. OTOH, you might be able to walk/mountain bike into that section of the park from either Rolling Road between Arbutus and Catonsville, or from Landing Road between Elkridge and Ellicott City. I can't say what condition you'll find parts of the park in if you do make it down to the river.

can u walk in for free ?

Legendary 10 | Nov 12, 2018
Richard Spittel | Nov 13, 2018

Yes. Only people in cars/busses have to pay to enter. Hikers, cyclists, roller bladers, equestrians, tip-toers, dancers, joggers, etc. can enter without cost. (I guess it's because they can't control access to the park to these folks, and for the most part, don't do any damage to the park.)

Read More

Are pets allowed

Melissa Hulbert | Nov 12, 2018
damien baker | Nov 13, 2018

Yes, only with a leash. Most people I've seen don't even use leashes, but their dogs seemed to be well trained off a leash.

Read More

How much does it cost to enter Avalon Park?

Boniqua Preis | Nov 12, 2018
John Donovan | Nov 13, 2018

November thru March is $2 per car. April thru October is $2 per car on weekdays and $3 per person on weekends and holidays.

Read More

Is it stroller friendly?

Stephanie Parker | Nov 12, 2017
Sang Lee | Nov 13, 2017

The picnic area and some paved areas are, but the trails and to get to right by the water are not.

Are propane and electric grills allowed??

Dolly Sewell | Nov 12, 2018
J W | Nov 13, 2018

You can use your own grill in the proximity of any of the other grills, pavilion or not. Just not in a random place along the river or in the woods

Read More

Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.

Thanks! Your question is awaiting moderation.

Related Places