Cascade Falls, Patapsco Valley State Park

Ellicot City
Howard County
Maryland

Hiking Trails:
Cascade Falls Trail
Ridge Trail
Old Connector Trail
Old Track Loop Trail
Morning Choice Trail

Total Time: 1:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.5 Miles

Pros: Scenic area in the Baltimore area
Cons: No views

Hiking Partner:
Ari Gunzburg

I had been visiting family in Baltimore for the weekend, and joined my Baltimore friend Ari Gunzburg for a quick Sunday morning hike in the Baltimore area. Ari, a Baltimore native, was very familiar with the hiking and trails in the area, and was my guide for this hike, doing all the planning.

The weather forecast was for a heavy, steady rain. Luckily the rain held up in the morning and we had a dry and pleasant hike. The rain started shortly after we finished the hike on our way back.

We parked at the trailhead parking on Landing Road, and took the Cascade Falls Trail. This trial goes alongside the brook in a ravine and ends near the Patapsco River at Cascade Falls. We then took the Ridge Trail alongside the top of the ridge over the Patapsco River. From there we took the Old Connector Trail to the Old Track Loop Trail, and then to the Morning Choice Trail which we took back to our car.

Map of the Route

Trail Information at the Beginning of the Hike

Me at the Kiosk at the Beginning of the Hike

Strange Rock Instrument Like a Millstone along the Cascade Falls Trail

Ari Gunzberg Crossing the Cascade Falls Brook

Approaching Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls, Patapsco Valley State Park

Me at Cascade Falls

Ari at Cascade Falls

Small Home Ruins Along the Patapsco Gordge

Another Home Ruins

Larger Home Ruins

Me and Ari at the Old Track Loop Trail