Picturesque river valley in winter with bridge crossing rushing water
Outdoors

Patapsco Valley State Park: Avalon Swinging Bridge & Scenic Winter Cascade Falls Trails

Visit on your scheduleNov 1 – Feb 28 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Open daily 9:00 AM to sunset; Avalon and Orange Grove areas accessible year-round (weather permitting)

Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227 · 7.5 mi approx. from BaltimoreDirections

All ages; paved Grist Mill Trail ideal for strollers and wagons; child-friendly low-grade trail to Cascade Falls

From $3Maryland residents $3 per vehicle on weekends/holidays ($2 weekdays); Non-residents $5 per vehicle ($4 weekdays)

About this adventure

Spanning 32 miles of the scenic Patapsco River valley southwest of Baltimore, Patapsco Valley State Park is Maryland's first state park. The Avalon and Orange Grove recreation areas are premier winter hiking hubs for families, featuring the iconic pedestrian swinging suspension bridge that gently bounces across the rushing waters of the river. Families with strollers or toddlers can stroll the paved 2.5-mile Grist Mill Trail, which runs flat along the riverbank past historic stone mill foundations, frozen river rapids, and active water birds. Slightly more adventurous families can cross the footbridge to hike the short, kid-friendly trail up to Cascade Falls, which often transforms into glistening ice formations in freezing weather. Heated restrooms are located at the Avalon shelter area, with plentiful picnic tables and scenic riverside resting spots.

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