Patapsco: McKeldin and Woodstock Rd.

[bikerRob]

4/26/04>>> It’s been while since I’ve seen a post on Patapsco’s McKeldin area. Since I rode there Sunday I thought it was about time for a trail update on conditions. All the trails I rode were in prime condition despite the rain we had on Friday. I thought of crossing the stream to ride over to the Woodstock Rd area (unmaintained park area) but decided against it when I saw how deep and wide the stream was running. As I stood there contemplating wither to cross or not, a couple (M/F Mt. Bikers) came along and they began telling me that they rode the other side on Saturday and that all the trails were in good shape.
I completed the McKeldin loop in just over an hour so I thought I’d drive over to Woodstock Rd. and get a quick looksy at the conditions along Woodstock myself. The last time I rode Woodstock was winter. I expected to see a lot of mud bogs dug up by the equestrians but I was surprised to see that most of the trails were in very good condition…despite the heavy equestrian traffic the area gets, a most pleasant surprise. Even in places where the horses dug up the ground it was easy to ride because of the dry conditions. During the whole ride I only saw a couple mud spots and one or two easy-to-cross dead falls. Only one trail was not cleared of dead fall, which was the trail that passes to the west side of the quarry pond. Other than that it was a great day for a ride. The next time I ride McKeldin I’ll bring my surf shoes along so I can cross that stream (hey, the rocks hurt my feet!) (Special note: while riding Woodstock I got to see a barn Owl…they are so cool, rare to see during the day…see the photo!)

[Dobbs]

07-17-04 Afternoon - McKeldin is in good shape, weather-wise, but there are several spots where it appears that horse traffic has torn up the trail. Lots of horseshoe prints in ground that is now very soft and looks cultivated. Also, more horse droppings than I have seen before. Overall, good riding, though.

[Dobbs]

Aug 9, 2004 5PM
Lots of water-caused erosion on the beginning of the east end of the Switchback Trail going downward toward the Plantation Trail, bringing large roots, large rocks of all types, and loose gravel to points high above the dirt surface. It was even worse on the steepest downhill part of the Tall Poplar Trail. Attempts to fill in little bits of the trails with sand are evident, but fail to adequately do the job. Runoff has really done a job on parts of this location, leaving it a mess.

[bikerRob]

8/30/04 >> I got a chance to ride the area around Woodstock Rd. yesterday and was disappointed in what I saw. There was a lot of dead-fall west of Woodstock Rd. along the river trail and north where the trail follows the Patapsco headed towards the McKeldin Area. The horses are really starting to tear up large sections as the riders try to find ways around some of the downed trees and ruts they had previously made. The area is primarily used by equestrians. One of the local Equestrian clubs used to clear trails here but have not made an appearance since the hurricane some months ago. Maryland DNR does not maintain this area of Patapsco. Last night I left a post on one of the local equestrian web sites. Hopefully, I will get a response. As it is now I can't say I will ride the area anytime soon until some of the trees (dead-fall) are cleared. It's a shame...as dry as the trails are the area begs to be ridden.

[allen_bh]

I live 5 minutes from McKeldin and have been out there now about 5-6 times, but I can't seem to find the trails on the other side of the river. I recently followed this route: From the basketball courts, I took the trail towards the river (downhill) towards the right (not the trail that heads towards the gun range and the switchback trail). From there, once I got to the bottom of the hill where it meets the river, I turned right and went for about 100-200 yards and found a place to cross the river. On the other side of the river I found a trail that runs along the river, but never turned away from the river. So where did I go wrong? I'd be eternally greatfull to anyone who can guide me to the Woodstock area from McKeldin by crossing the river.
Thanks! (you can also email me if you prefer).
--

[bikerRob]

From the basketball courts, I took the trail towards the river (downhill) towards the right (not the trail that heads towards the gun range and the switchback trail). From there, once I got to the bottom of the hill where it meets the river, I turned right and went for about 100-200 yards and found a place to cross the river. On the other side of the river I found a trail that runs along the river, but never turned away from the river. So where did I go wrong? --

10/14/04 >> Allen, once you go past the basketball courts and reach the bottom of the really nice down hill ( the one with all the nice berms ) there are two ways to go about crossing ( I guess..) ..If it was me, I'd turn left and follow the trail that parrallels the stream ( toward the gun range). Eventually, you will come to a lesser trail that branches off to the right. Turn here ..( *If you miss it you will reach a sign that prohibits bikes beyond that point...turn around, ride back a ways and look for a trail to your left ) This trail will lead you down to a place where you can cross the stream. The stream will be a good thirty to forty ft. wide and is not easy to ride across so expect to get your feet wet. If the water levels are low enough you might be able to find some stepping stones to walk across a little further down stream. I've tried to ride across several times but only seem to get about three quarters of the way across before I have to step out...regardless, you're going to get wet so be prepared. Once across, bear to your left and follow the trail a ways ( *note: do not take the trail that goes directly up the hill, it is very steep) follow the trail a short distance ( maybe several hundred feet ) and you will see another trail branching off to your right that makes a more gradual climb...take this trail. At the top of the hill the trail comes near a paved service road. To your right the trail will pick up again headed S.Westerly. From here you're on your own. Explore and enjoy. ;) *Note..This area of Patapsco is not maintained by Md. DNR. It is heavily used by equestrians so expect some rough terrain. There are no known maps of the current trail system as it stands at this time. If you have any more questions then give me a shout.

[cyclecat]

You can pick up the $6 map from park HQ or any park office. This map is fairly accurate and does show the trails inside and outside the maintained areas. The map was created three years ago for the park, and it covers the entire park area from Elkridge to Sykesville . There are some slight differences between the map and the trails, primarily with respect to newly created trails. The foldable map is made of a special water resistant paper and can easily be carried in a camelbak in case you need it.

[bikerRob]

1/16/05 >> I took a quick trip to McKeldin today thinking maybe the cold temps last night were enough to make it rideable...I couldn't of been more wrong. The lower section down by Marriotsville Rd. was nothing but a mud bath. I took one look at it,(cursed under my breath) turned around and went home. Yeah, I could of went around the mud and rode anyway but I figured if it was this bad at the start there would undoubtedly be more mud baths on the other lower sections....sometimes, ya just got to do the right thing. Oh, for those that don't know what that is....
It means you don't *%$#*%# ride! Ok! sorry...I'm going thru MTB withdraw and still have a bad case of cabin fever. ;)

[Dobbs]

I also have MTB withdrawl. Hopefully the upcoming low temps will freeze the ground and any moisture. Any prediction under this condition?

[DKEG]

1/16/05 >> I took a quick trip to McKelding today thinking maybe the cold temps last night were enough to make it rideable...I couldn't of been more wrong. The lower section down by Marriotsville Rd. was nothing but a mud bath. I took one look at it,(cursed under my breath) turned around and went home. Yeah, I could of went around the mud and rode anyway but I figured if it was this bad at the start there would undoubtedly be more mud baths on the other lower sections....sometimes, ya just got to do the right thing. Oh, for those that don't know what that is....
It means you don't *%$#*%# ride! Ok! sorry...I'm going thru MTB withdraw and still have a bad case of cabin fever. ;)

It may be drive but gambrill, the shed & greenbrier are ridable. They could fix you.

[bunky]

http://www.more-mtb.org/story.php?module=showevent&id=1420

Yes, it will be cold but it is the sure fire cure for the cabin fever blahs. Our monthly Gambrill on Wed. ride has gotten a little cult following in recent months--hey what's not to love about rocky, dry (and now frozen bulletproof) singletrack followed by dollar pints of Frederick's finest microbrews? As cults go, it beats the heck out of those Heaven's Gates fools. What was with THEM?

With the temps where they are over the next few days, you'll be hard pressed to find any mud up there. So come on out!

Bunky

PS-If it is snowing lightly, as predicted, I am willing to bet that will make for very cool visuals with head mounted lights! JUMP TO LIGHTSPEED, CHEWY!

[pirate]

Anyone ride McKeldin recently? I was thinking about taking a rookie friend out there this afternoon, but I've never been there myself, and don't really know what to expect. Is it an okay place to take a somewhat out of shape smoker?

[bikerRob]

Anyone ride McKeldin recently? I was thinking about taking a rookie friend out there this afternoon, but I've never been there myself, and don't really know what to expect. Is it an okay place to take a somewhat out of shape smoker?

9/16/05 >> ...My 2 cents...McKeldin is rugged in spots and also very hilly (think tech. climbs )...not the place I'd take a newbe right away. Also a little hard on someone who's lungs might have some phlegm clogging up the works. Some of the climbs are real gut busters.

If you are looking for a local (greater Balt. area) ride suitable for a newbe then I would be thinking maybe Loch Raven or perhaps take in Rockburn Pk. coupled with some of the more moderate Avalon trails on the Howard Co. side. If you're up for more of a drive then maybe take in Cedarville St. Forest.