Patapsco Valley State Park · MD
McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail
Easy riverside trail in the McKeldin Area leading to the McKeldin Rapids, where the North Branch tumbles over rock ledges. Often combined with the Switchback Trail for a longer loop.
Live · updated
Today
Skip the hiking plan today.
Today's best: hiking
Conditions
Score by activity
Hiking
Skip the hiking plan today.
Trail running
Skip the trail running plan today.
Dog walking
Thunderstorms in today's forecast — dogs panic and trails become dangerous.
Score breakdown
- · 85°F air — Within comfort range, outside ideal
- − Thunderstorms — Get off exposed ridges before they arrive
- ✓ Trail: prime — No meaningful rain in the last 48 hours. Trail surface is dry and tacky — prime traction.
Trail facts
- Distance
- 1.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 59 ft
- Surface
- dirt
- Difficulty
- easy
Trailhead
Coordinates
39.3528, -76.8856 — MD.
Park
Part of Patapsco Valley State Park (official site →).
Peak nymphal tick activity — check yourself within 2 hours of leaving the trail.
Frequently Asked
How long is McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail?
McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail is a 1.2-mile route with 59 feet of elevation gain — easy — gentle grades, generally suitable for families and beginners with normal fitness. The trail facts panel on this page lists distance, surface, and access tags as they appear in OpenStreetMap.
What's the trail surface like at McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail?
McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail is natural dirt singletrack — soft underfoot, holds water, slow to dry after rain. Today's mud rating, derived from recent precipitation and the surface type, is shown in the conditions panel above.
Who manages McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail, and where do closure alerts come from?
McKeldin Falls Rapids Trail is in Patapsco Valley State Park, which is managed by the managing agency. Closure and advisory data on this page comes from the agency. Always confirm against the park's own page before driving — emergency closures can post faster than scrapers refresh.