Where to park

[nov0798]

We would like to ride Patapsco tomorrow, but not sure where to park. I see that there are 3 different areas, but not sure which to park at. I would like to ride all the trails, but not sure where to start. Can someone please help??

Thanks
Brian

[riderx]

Parking on Landing Rd. is fairly limited, so unless that is a lot closer to you, you are probably best avoiding that on busy days. That leaves inside the park (where you'll pay a small fee and support the park) or the park and ride on Rolling Rd. If you park inside the park the good thing is you'll get to finish on the downhill.

Of course the park may be really crowded on Memorial Day. Parking at Rolling Road gives you lots of parking at the Park and Ride as well as the road next to the trailhead. You get to start with a nice downhill but that means a climb for the finish.

Either way is good, but take a map if you can, hitting all of the trails will be a challenge for someone unfamiliar with the park unless you have one.

[nov0798]

I dont have a map, but I see that I can buy one at the park. If I park at Rolling road, then I guess Ill have to go find one. Thanks for the info. Im not sure if I want to hit that state park on a holiday?? i dont know??

[nov0798]

Is Patapsco worth it?

[bunky]

Is Patapsco worth it?

Totally worth it. Busy as it will be it still won't be that bad. Make sure you yield to other trail users. Also, make sure for yur first time that you park in the park itself--that way "down" will always get you back to the service roads or paved running trail and home. The rest rooms (and maybe the pavillions) usually have trail maps but for a first time, definitely buy the map.

HAVE FUN!!

[HANK440]

Brian

Keep a sharp ear out for the banjo music too while riding in the woods :eek:

[nov0798]

I have a GPS unit im gonna take, so I can always find my way back. Is the lot at the end of 195 the best place to park? DO you think the park will be crowded at 9am?

Sorry for all the questions.

Brian

[RubberSideDown]

It shouldn't be crowded at that time. I was in the park today around noon for a couple of hours and was surprised at the lack of people that were there. Of course that doesn't mean too much for tomorrow, but if you hit early you should be OK.

The park has a mobile concession stand that sells maps that will be there tomorrow. Here is a link to that info and the schedule of when it will be there.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapsco.asp

[OBwon]

Landing Road is the best (easiest access) road to park on. The trail opens up right there and there is a sign with a map. Remember, the yellow trail (if heading west) always takes you to Landing Road.


Brian

Keep a sharp ear out for the banjo music too while riding in the woods :eek:

And deer. :thumbsup:

Is Patapsco worth it?

Def yes! I was there on Sunday morning, spent about 3hrs riding practically every trail. So worth it. Granted I didn't move at all Monday morning, but it was an awesome run.