Morning Choice Trailhead – Ilchester Rocks loop from Rockburn Branch Park

Mountain biking trails

Morning Choice Trailhead – Ilchester Rocks loop from Rockburn Branch Park

Hard

2.9

(22)

riders

Morning Choice Trailhead – Ilchester Rocks loop from Rockburn Branch Park

01:43

18.8km

290m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 12.6 km for 87 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.27 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 leads you through the forest of the Avalon and Orange Grove Areas.

Tip by

8.79 km

Ilchester Road Access to Ridge Trail and Orange Grove, Patapsco Valley State Park

Highlight • Trail

The Ilchester Road access point to the Ridge Trail offers a thrilling start for cyclists exploring Patapsco Valley State Park. Expect a steep, technical climb with rocky sections, rewarding you with flowing trails and forest views at the top. For a longer ride, connect to the Orange Grove area to enjoy smoother paths and cross the historic swinging bridge. Be prepared for limited parking and challenging terrain that tests both endurance and skill.

Tip by

8.89 km

Swinging Bridge on Grist Mill Trail

Highlight • Bridge

The Grist Mist Trail passes through Patapsco Valley State Park, alongside the Patapsco River. For a large part of the trail, it also passes alongside the railroad.

It is best to walk over the bridge as it is not very wide and there may be pedestrians.

The surface is mostly paved and quite flat so well suited to families and kids.

There are various historic sites of interest alongside the trail, including the famous swinging bridge, which was originally used by mill workers to cross the river.

Tip by

10.5 km

Ilchester Rocks

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice viewpoint just a few meters away from Buzzards Rock Trail.

Tip by

11.3 km

Ilchester Tunnel

Viewpoint

12.5 km

Swinging Bridge and Patapsco Riverbank

Highlight • Bridge

The Patapsco River flows through central Maryland and into the Chesapeake Bay.

The river is known as the River of History as it played an essential role in Maryland's Industrial Revolution that began towards the end of the 18th century.

The river flows through the Patapsco Valley State Park, winding through woodland and open countryside. There are a few good wild swimming spots too!

Tip by

12.6 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.

It isn't too high up, so even if you're afraid of heights it's still worth passing over the bridge. Be courteous of other pedestrians as the bridge is fairly narrow!

Tip by

18.8 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types