Woodstock, Maryland

OVERVIEW: This 8.5 mile dumbbell shaped hike goes through an “unmaintained” lesser known area of Patapsco Valley State Park. The Granite – Woodstock trails are now well maintained by the League of Maryland Horsemen and portions of the hike follow the Patapsco River. The dumbbell shaped nature of this hike allows you to either stop at the 6.5 mile mark, or continue to add an additional two-mile loop at the end. As this hike is in a quieter area of the park, chances are you’ll have the trail to yourselves.

DIRECTIONS TO HIKE SITE: Take I-70 West from the I-695 / Baltimore Beltway. Take Exit # 83 for Marriottsville Road and head north. At the second light, turn right onto Old Frederick Road/MD 99. Take the third left onto Woodstock Road and follow to the Woodstock area at the Railroad tracks. The parking lot is located on your left across from Woodstock Inn.

Address: Woodstock Inn, 1415 Woodstock Road, Woodstock, MD 21163

HIKE DESCRIPTION: There are two ways you can do this hike. The first is to do the six and a half-mile circuit prior to going west of Woodstock road to complete the final two miles. This will place you a bit early at the overlook for the lunch break. The second alternative is to begin with the two-mile loop to the west of Woodstock Road before going under the bridge to continue on the longer loop on the east side of Woodstock Road.

To take this hike as shown on the map: From the parking lot and staying on the left side of the bridge on Woodstock Road, cross over heading north. Take the small unmarked road immediately following the bridge to your left and loop around to go under the bridge to follow the River Trail. Follow the white markers that loop through the woods, past some streams and fields before turning in the woods on an unmarked trail to the Patapsco River overlook for lunch.

Following lunch, return back to the marked trail and continue eastbound to loop around and down towards the Patapsco River. This section includes one short steep hill on an unpaved road before heading down a dell to cross a stream to head towards the river. The trail than meanders along the river before returning to the bridge at Woodstock Road. Check out the beaver activity along this section of the trail.

At this point, if you return to the parking lot, the distance is just over 6 1/2 miles. If you continue on the “thru trail” westbound from the bridge, cross a stream and turn right to begin the two-mile loop on the white-marked trail. This trail includes one small hill then loops to the left to return along the river eastbound back to the Woodstock Road Bridge.

TIPS: If you come across equestrians, please give the right-of-way to the horse and rider. Hiking poles are beneficial for some rocky terrain, stream crossings and small hills. Bring plenty of water and a lunch to enjoy at the Patapsco River overlook.

Average hike time at the speed of 2.5 mph is four hours with a 20 minutes lunch break.

COMMENTARY: This specific hike will always hold a special place in my heart as this was the very first hike I took with the Mountain Club of Maryland back in January, 2009. I’ll never forget that day as we had about an inch of snow on the ground, and even though I thought I was fit, I quickly found that those with snow on the top were far fitter than I. In particular, on the one steep, short hill I’ll always remember the trail leader running up the hill so that he could turn around and take a picture of me suffering up the hill. (Thanks Jim !!) I was so pleased to feel that this hike was practically a stroll for me. It is so rewarding to know that after all the years and mileage I’ve put in hiking that it is paying off.

Struggling going up the hill in January 2009 – That’s me in the front!

I must make special mention of a particular hiker that was out today. Her name is Carla and she is truly inspiring. Carla’s strength, determination and tenacity on the hike was truly spectacular. Carla is blind.

So for those of you out there that think for some reason or another hiking is too tough for you – think again. Use Carla for inspiration. She certainly has inspired me.

TRAIL MAPS:

Maryland State Park Trail Maps for purchase

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