Morning Choice Trailhead – Avalon Area loop from Rockburn Branch Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Howard County

Ilchester

Morning Choice Trailhead – Avalon Area loop from Rockburn Branch Park

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

Morning Choice Trailhead – Avalon Area loop from Rockburn Branch Park

07:16

26.0km

450m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Patapsco Valley State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.15 km

Morning Choice Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Trailhead to one of the most famous hikes in Patapsco Valley State Park, the Morning Choice Trail. The trail can be connected with various other trails (e.g. Ridge Trail) and …

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2.99 km

Patapsco Valley State Park Orange Grove Area

Highlight • Bridge

The Orange Grove Area of Patapsco Valley State Park is a beautiful and historic section known for its swinging bridge, with stunning views of the Patapsco River. Here, you can …

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5.29 km

Ruins in Avalon Area, Patapsco Valley State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

The Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area is a portion of Patapsco Valley State Park near the center of the park's sprawling 14,000 acres of land. This area has miles of trails and hosts a portion of the Patapsco River.

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14.8 km

Avalon Dam

Viewpoint

15.8 km

Avalon Area

Highlight • Forest

Avalon Area is part of Patapsco Valley State Park. This area has many trails suitable for both hikers and MTB enthusiasts.

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15.9 km

Ridge Trail & Valley View Trail Junction

Highlight • Trail

Coming from Ridge Trail (from the south), this is where the trail divides into Ridge Trail and Valley View Trail. Walk to the left to follow Ridge Trail and to the right to change to Valley View Trail.

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18.6 km

Ruins of old latrines

Highlight • Structure

Right next to the Ridge Trail, you can see some ruins that used to be men's and women's latrines.

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19.2 km

Shelter

Highlight • Rest Area

Very small shelter to take a little rest close to the River Road.

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20.0 km

Swinging Bridge, Patapsco Valley State Park

Highlight • Bridge

This popular swinging bridge crosses the Patapsco River. It is a wooden suspension bridge with metal cables.

On the bridge you'll have great views of the river and surrounding woodland. …

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