Patapsco Regional Greenway | Sykesville to McKeldin

Crossings

The trail will need to cross several lightly trafficked roads and driveways. This is a picture of the driveway leading to the Freedom District Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Dense Forest

Many parts of the trail will traverse dense forest with mature trees.

Former Farmland

Intermittent clearings are often areas that may once have been farmed or inhabited. Some of these places may require cleanup to ensure trash, old fences, barbed wire, and other detritus do not pose hazards to trail users.

Vantage Points

There are many places along the trail that will allow for views of the surrounding area, including the historic CSX rail line as seen in this photo.

Steep Climbs

There are steep climbs throughout the park, but navigating the challenging terrain will be rewarded with views and the opportunity to explore a variety of natural environments.

Streams

There are streams and wetlands throughout the park. The trail will provide access to these scenic areas while avoiding impacts to wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.

Private Property

There is private property in the park that the trail should not disturb.

Ruins

The remains of even older structures may carry historical significance.

Old Growth

Larger, old growth trees have thrived in this part of Patapsco Valley State Park for decades and even centuries.

Streams

There are streams and wetlands throughout the park. The trail will provide access to these scenic areas while avoiding impacts to wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.

Clearings

Grassy clearings dot the landscape and connect areas of dense tree cover.

Bowhunters

The Heart of Maryland Bowhunters have a facility in the middle of Patapsco Valley State Park. The trail will need to avoid this area to ensure safety for trail users and to prevent interference with existing bowhunter activities.

Historic Structures

The remains of old structures may carry historical significance.

Historic Structures

The remains of old structures may carry historical significance.

Boulders & Rocks

Rougher terrain may require navigating through small boulder fields and clusters of rocks.

Fields

Some larger fields will provide open areas with interesting viewsheds for trail users to enjoy.

Pine Forests

There are stands of evergreen trees in the park that some parts of the Greenway could traverse.

Henryton Road Bridge

There is a historic bridge abutment where Henryton Road ends on the south side of the South Branch Patapsco River. Whichever alternative is selected, the project will consider the feasibility of constructing a crossing for park users that utilizes what remains of the historic bridge.

Old Structures

Older and disused structures in parts of the trail provide a window into the recent past.

Henryton Tunnel

The Henryton Tunnel is a rail tunnel that first opened in 1850. It remains in active use.

Tree Canopy

Mature trees provide shade and, in some places, reduce the density of ground-level vegetation.

CSX Railway

Parts of the Greenway alignment may parallel the CSX railroad tracks.

Rolling Terrain

Much of the area in Patapsco Valley State Park is hilly and uneven.

Slopes & Views

Terrain provides views that will change with each bend of the trail.