Switchback Trail Hike Review
Park: Patapsco Valley State Park - McKeldin | Baltimore, MD
Difficulty level: Moderate; relatively flat, rocky at times
Parking: Parking on site
Entry Fee: $3
Trail Type: Loop
Hello Hikers!
Switchback trail is a great hike if you are looking for a nice beginner trail with a little bit of a challenge. Nestled right outside of Baltimore, MD in Patapsco Valley State Park McKeldin, Switchback Trail is a 4 mile looped trail that has a variety of wildlife, river views, and hiking trails for all experience levels. The trail begins at entrance of the park.
At the trailhead, there is a large lot that offers parking. We hike this trail pretty often - during the week and during the weekend. Patapsco Valley State Park is a large park in Maryland covering over 16,000 acres and 5 site locations with the McKeldin area being the least popular out of all the locations. Because of this, parking is often not an issue.
The trail took us a total of 1 hr and 40 mins to complete with a total elevation gain of 371ft. An easy hike typically sees around 0 - 300 change in elevation; which is why we rate this trial easy to moderate. Needless to say, you will get a workout in! We burned a total of 1000 total calorie on this trail. Hiking clockwise, the 3rd mile is the hardest with the steepest incline.
The trail itself is relatively flat and well maintained with a few inclines spread out. On a hot day, you will be shaded under the plentiful trees and have beautiful views of Baltimore's Patapsco river.
Swtichback trail follows a white trail marking. There is a bathroom about at the parks' entrance and about 1 mile into the loop.
It is important to download the trail map ahead of time to serve as backup navigation. There are many smaller trails that branches off the main trail and if you aren't paying attention, you can find yourself on a trail you aren't supposed to be on. Usually, we either download the trail map from google, the parks site, or use paper maps that can be picked up at the main park office.
Recommended Items to Pack:
Containers (if you want to collect raspberries , in season)
Extra socks
Hiking poles for elevationLong pants/ leggings OR tall socks for bushes
Sunglasses
Water
Happy hiking!
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