OVERVIEW: One of the more scenic routes in the Patapsco Valley State Park in the Hilton Area which includes multiple stream crossings, viewings and waterfalls including Cascade waterfalls, two swinging bridge crossings, Ilchester Overlook, and Bloedes Dam. This is a moderate hike and can be hiked in either direction. Counterclockwise is an easier hike with lesser inclines. Clockwise has more inclines. Has some rocky terrain and about 1200′ of cumulative ascent. While beginning in the Hilton Area, this hike includes the Avalon, Orange Grove and Glen Artney areas of PVSP.
DIRECTIONS TO HIKE SITE: From I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), take Exit 13, Frederick Road west. follow for two miles and turn left on South Rolling Road. At first intersection, bear right in Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into park.
From I-95, take exit 47 (keep left on exit ramp), heading north (Route 166) to South Rolling Road. Follow 1.8 miles and make a sharp left on Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into park.
From Baltimore Airport, take I-195 North until it ends at Rolling Road northbound. Turn left on Brooks Avenue. Turn left on Hilton Avenue and continue south to park entrance on the right. Park entrance fee $2.00 or Annual Maryland State Park Pass.
Address: 1101 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228
HIKE DESCRIPTION: Counterclockwise. Parking underneath the power lines, follow them through the grassy field for about 1/2 mile before turning left into the woods on Santee Branch Trail. Turn right and cross under the powerlines again on Vineyard Spring Trail. Going under the train tracks, turn right and continue on the paved Grist Mill Trail. Turn left to cross the Swinging Bridge (restrooms here), then go uphill on the Cascade Falls Trail. Continue to follow the blue markers and the trail will route to the right, then downhill to the left to reconnect to the trail along the river towards Bloedes Dam. Lunch at Bloedes Dam. Following the river, circuit around when the trail ends at Ilchester Road (go over guardrail) and route back onto the Grist Mill Trail by crossing the second Swinging Bridge. Turn left at Bloedes Dam to get onto the Buzzard Rock Trail. At the top, to the left is the Ilchester Overlook. Continue on the Buzzard Rock Trail until it ends at a small parking lot. Cross under power lines again to continue on the trail. Continue left on the Saw Mill Branch Trail and meander along the stream. Cross in front of the train tunnel and go left up the hill on Forest Glen Trail to return to the Hilton Parking Area.
COMMENTARY: For those that have been following me, as you know I’m recovering from a blown out knee, tennis elbow and Lasik surgery that all happened in January. I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to get out and hike. Patapsco Valley State Park is my favorite place to hike, first because it is fairly close to my home and secondly because it offers such a variety of terrain, and scenery without having to work really hard for it. I enjoy this hike so much, that I’ve done it twice this week, with another hike scheduled for this Saturday for a total of 26 miles for the week ! I’ll be ready for the Inca Trail before I know it.
This particular route is my favorite out of all the hikes that I’ve done in Patapsco. Not only are there several stream crossings, but a lot of time is spent meandering along the babbling brooks throughout the park. Of course, enjoying Cascade Falls, Ilchester Overlook and the two Swinging Bridges is always special. This park has much to offer to everyone and even has educational programs for children, and geocaching. Many bikers, hikers and trail runners are seen on the trails. The Hilton Area offers picnic areas and pavilions that can be reserved as well as restrooms.
For the Photogs out there, I’ve been using my Canon G12, and I have been able to slip it in my pocket fairly easily now. I’m finding that setting the camera on Aperture Priority, selecting my ISO has been a great way to go. It’s been very easy to change settings, such as the in-camera HDR capability. So far, I’ve been very happy with this as a point and shoot. I still don’t see it as a replacement for my DSLR, but for those quick shots it’s been super. I especially like the LCD screen that can be moved out. Minor adjustments have been made in Lightroom 3.5.
TRAIL MAPS:
Maryland State Park Trail Maps for purchase
My Delorme Patapsco-Hilton Area Map
Categories: All about Hoofbeats & Footprints, Foot Prints, Maryland Area Hikes
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
I forgive you for not going on my hike the same day. My knees are ok but the bottoms of my feet are sore and there’s a blister in back where the top of my low sneaker rubbed. On the return I did diverge some from the hard-surface and went on “natural” trail.
Viewing your pictures and write-ups, I think you’d be a good travel writer.
When I clicked on your Delorme Patapsco-Hilton Area Map I got your map from the AT Wolfsville-Raven Rock hike.
Thank you so much Reuben ! I’m glad that the Koury’s gave you my update. I’m going for 3 shorter hikes this week, instead of one long one. Glad the hike went well for you. Thanks for letting me know about the link too. Serves me right for not double checking my work. Have a great day!