How does Patapsco Valley State Park score in the top 6 park factors?

A REAL review of Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland.

The Maryland Patapsco Valley State Park is a park that I frequently visit, but this past weekend I was on a mission to answer the main questions we are all asking when we want to explore a new park! Those questions involve cleanliness, the feel of safety,  path quality, the friendliness of fellow explorer's, and the amenities of the park. Now let's delve into this review!

This review will be based on my experience hiking the Union Dam Trail, River Ridge Trail, and the Cascade Falls Trail of Patapsco State Valley Park .

I hiked the yellow and white highlighted trails.

I hiked the trail highlighted in blue.

Scoring Scale

I will be scoring each factor I review on a 5 star scale. 

1.⭐....................... Horrible

2.⭐⭐........ Needs some work

3.⭐⭐⭐........................ Neutral

4.⭐⭐⭐⭐................ Pretty Good

5.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐........................ Perfect!

Factors for review

1. Cleanliness Factor ⭐⭐
2. The feel of Safety ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Path Quality ⭐⭐⭐
4. Friendliness of fellow explorer's ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Parking ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Amenities ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cleanliness Factor

⭐⭐

Needs some work!

Not all trash seen during my visit is pictured here. I discovered dirty diapers, empty plastic water bottles and some tattered pieces of clothing. 

Overall my review of Patapsco Valley State Park overall was okay. It was cleaner than some other parks, but it definitely needs some work. As I left the park from the River Ridge trail I discovered a sign that stated that they have removed all trash cans throughout the park (except at entrances/exits). The purpose was to have the park look nicer (how ironic right?) so visitors must hold onto their trash and dispose of it as they leave.

The bathrooms were also very clean. I wasn't expecting that!

Don't get me wrong, it is not the worst, but there could be a much better system in place to assure trash is thrown away. An honor system is not always the smartest choice. 

The feel of Safety

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pretty Good!

I personally feel like this is one of the most important factors to consider when going to a new trail or park because looks can be deceiving! You could go to one of the most scenic and clean parks in your area, but if you don't feel safe and comfortable walking around then what's really the point of going? 

My review of this factor was based on a few helpful factors that made me feel more comfortable. First, at Patapsco Valley State Park, there were a few rangers around the common areas and a few that were driving around in trucks, so that made me feel a bit safer knowing that there are workers nearby. Secondly, I hiked with three other people and other hikers I passed were pleasant (I'll talk more about this in the friendliness of fellow explorer's section).

I gave this section a 4 star because I would still not feel 100% comfortable walking alone. 

Path Quality

⭐⭐⭐

Neutral

The review of this section is a based more on preference of what you like to walk on. I enjoyed the Union Dam Trail, River Ridge Trail, and the Cascade Falls Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park because the trails were easy enough to walk on - it was not just a paved path. It appeared almost man-made but using natural materials. 

The thick roots of the trees acted as stairs when going down hill and those who walked the path before used small trees that had fallen as a brace when sliding down dirt slopes. 

This is my preferred type of path because it's natural but not totally blocked by foliage. 

Friendliness of fellow explorer's

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pretty good!

My review of this factor was pretty good! I have no quarrels with the contact I made with fellow explorer's. Granted, I went in during the end of March, so there were not as many people there as there would be during the summer months - overall it was nice. There were couple's walking about, people with their dogs, and older couple's taking a stroll. Everyone was friendly but not bothersome with conversation.

I gave this factor a four star because I feel I cannot give a 100% accurate review without taking a visit during the summer months. 

Parking

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect!

My review of the parking is not just based on this one visit. I'm giving the parking a 5 star based on my most recent visit and previous visits over the years. I have never had an issue with parking! There are various entrances and places to park close to the park, so you should never have an issue finding parking when you visit! 

It is important to remember that main entrances to require a fee to enter the park, which changes based on season. 

Amenities

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect!

Patapsco Valley State Park had so many amenities that I had to give the review of this park a 5 star! Here is a list and some photos of some of the amenities available. 

• Bathrooms
• Shower rooms
• Playground
• Campground
• Pavilions
• Grills
• Picnic tables
• Trails
• Lakes
• Streams
• Swinging Bridge
• Designated hunting areas
• Railroad
• Historic Monuments

I hoped you enjoyed this review of Patapsco Valley State park. To see photos, videos, and to meet the explorer's.