Patapsco Valley state Park (PQ)

Patapsco Valley is one that we have visited several times, mostly because it's close proximity to... everything!  So of course this was one Park Quest that we wanted to complete. This hike was a little over 3 miles, pet friendly, and do-able for our pre-schooler. Our two year old hiked a portion of the way, and eventually chose to ride along in our hiking backpack. The hike was great but this was also an EXCELLENT quest for our kids to participate in.

There were a lot of hands on activities that were applicable and useful to the things that we do as a family while outdoors. We learned to pitch a shelter using a rope, tarp & trees. We also tried our hands at tying a series of different knots. These activities kept the kids involved and excited about the hike. Some of the other clue stops involved learning the "ethics" of hiking -- following trails in a single file line, attempting to leave the surroundings as unaffected as possible; learning how close is "too close' to the wildlife; purposes for fires, and when to use/not to use fire; identifying animal prints. Again here, our little navigator got to get some experience with a compass. We learned to measure out meters in the form of counting steps. We used this tool to guide us to each clue-stop over a series of trails through the park. Really, it was so much fun for the entire family!

We found some truly beautiful natural works of art --  this trip seemed to theme around the beauty of "hiking up close", some pics of what we found below, click to enlarge... I apologize for the layout here... I need to find a way to thumbnail these!.  

And for our memories, the Actual quest posted below!

Introduction To Quest

The Park Quest Challenge at Patapsco Valley State Park will have your team test your outdoor living skills as well as learn some new ones. You will ask yourselves, “What are some basic skills we should know when going out for a hike in the woods.”

You will step into to the past before we had the luxury of hand held GPS units that tell us our exact location and coordinates. Your team will be challenged with the task of learning how to properly read a compass and learn how to count your paces for understanding about how your body covers ground and for estimating specific distances. You will also learn how to properly read a compass and follow specific degrees to follow a trail and participate in several simple challenges along the way. Challenges include answering questions about outdoor ethics as well as shelter building and knot tying. On the trail, you will learn about the seven Principles of Leave No Trace and how you can implement them into your daily life and outdoor adventures.

Quest Information

The Quest will be available daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. On weekends, your team will pick up backpacks and the worksheet booklet at the Patapsco Valley State Park; Hollofield Area Ranger Station. On weekdays, Teams should go directly to Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters (HQ). Make sure to leave enough time to complete the 1.7-mile hike before 4 p.m. (average duration 2 hours) in order to get your Passport stamped and return your backpack.

The journey will begin at the parking lot at HQ and take you through a 1.7-mile long loop through our Peaceful Pond Trail (orange blazes) and Ole Ranger Trail (blue blazes). This is a moderate trail, which will involve varying terrain and some strenuous activities. Pets are permitted along the trail as long as they are on a leash. The packs will be given out on a first come first serve basis and the area is also open to the public.

Once the quest is completed, your team will return to the Ranger Station or Park Headquarters where the attendant will stamp your Passport. The Quest will take approximately 2 hours to complete with some strenuous hill walking.

Park Information

Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park’s many popular pavilions.

The park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery. We have over 170 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles actively maintained. There are hiker only trails and multi-use trails accessible from many areas of Patapsco.

The Hollofield Area of Patapsco is located almost in the center of the park along Rt. 40 (Baltimore National Pike). Home to Park Headquarters and one of two campgrounds in the park, this area has one of the most stunning views of the Patapsco River Valley. The Overlook changes with every season from the brilliant greens of spring to the rich colors of fall. The Patapsco River Valley shows its full beauty in every season from this vantage point. This area is perfect for a family gathering or a quick picnic lunch while on your lunch break from work.

Trails such as the Old Ranger Trail or Peaceful Pond Trail provide a quick respite or workout in beautiful setting just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Baltimore. Anglers can gain access to the river by following Union Dam Trail down to the river. Our campground is a little piece of wilderness in the middle of suburban Baltimore. While occasionally you can hear the buzz of cars along Rt. 40 or see a nearby neighborhood through the trees, you really feel like you’re away from everyday trappings enjoying the great outdoors when camping with us.