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Tubing
Location Patapsco Valley State Park, Orange Grove/Avalon Area, 410-461-5005
Access Across the river from Orange Grove. To reach Orange Grove from Howard County, follow Route 1 through Elkridge into Baltimore County. Turn left onto South Street, the first road after crossing the river. The park entrance is on the left. To reach Orange Grove from I-695 southbound, take Southwestern Boulevard, exit 12A towards Elkridge. Follow Southwestern Boulevard to Route 1 south to South Street. Turn right. The park entrance is on the left. From I-695 northbound, take Southwestern Boulevard Exit 10 towards Elkridge, then follow directions above.
From I-195 (Exit 47 off of I-95) take Route 1 exit 3 towards Elkridge to South Street. Turn right. The park entrance is on the left. Once on the park road turn left at the "T" intersection onto Gun Road, then right onto River Road and follow it to the end. Park at the Orange Grove lot and hike the service road upstream one mile to the base of Bloede's Dam. Float from the dam to the Avalon pavilions. Take out just before the Gun Road Bridge. Leave a car at the Avalon parking area (the take out location) or arrange for someone to pick you up.
Distance Approximately 3 river miles from Bloede's Dam to Gun Road.
Time 2-3 hours
Difficulty Moderate
Suitable For Families? Yes (older children)
Hazards/Restrictions Bloede's Dam and the area just below it is restricted due to hazardous conditions and turbulence. Begin your trip on the river away from the areas posted "swimming prohibited." No pets are allowed in this area. Personal flotation devices (life jackets) are required. Alcoholic beverages are permitted at the picnic tables only. The river bottom may have jagged rocks, debris or slippery objects. Wear shoes that can get wet.
Potable Water Water and restrooms are available at the Orange Grove and Avalon areas of the park.
Natural Features The Patapsco River flows through a piedmont stream valley with steep-sided walls. The stream descends in elevation through a series of bouldery rapids through hard, erosion-resistant mica schist rock. Near the river's edge, sycamores, box elder and other floodplain is constantly regrowing and can appear somewhat disturbed due to the river frequently flooding its banks. Nearby the steep-sided hills of the river valley are wooded with upland hardwood species including American Beech, tulip poplar, and oaks in the canopy with mountain laurel, dogwood, witch hazel, spicebush and other shrubs in the understory. Numerous migratory songbirds and waterfowl frequent the river and its riparian habitat. Look for Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Heron, two common avian species. Rainbow and Brown Trout are stocked in the river in the spring, but the higher water temperatures do not sustain them year-round.
Historic/Cultural Features Bloede's Dam at the beginning of the trip was an engineering feat of the early 20th century. It is the first hydroelectric dam in the U.S. where the turbines are located inside the hollow core of the dam, maximizing efficiency in power generation. The 25-foot dam is now in ruin. Power for the local area is now derived from larger generating plants. Tubers pass under the Orange Grove swinging bridge, which was built in the mid-1800s for workers who lived in the company town of Orange Grove on the west side of the river (Howard County) to walk to work in the Orange Grove flour and saw mills on the east side of the river (Baltimore County).
A long mill race parallels the river in the Avalon area on the Baltimore County side. The water powered the Avalon Iron and Nail Works, an iron forge in the valley. On the Baltimore County side, the B&O Railroad tracks stretch between Baltimore and Ellicott City. These were the first 13 miles of railroad track laid in the U.S. The original rail cars were drawn by horses, while the steam engine was being perfected. In Baltimore County in the Avalon Area, Company 356 of the Civilian Conservation Corps made its encampment near Lost Lake at Camp Tydings. The C.C.C. built the stone picnic shelters in Orange Grove and Glen Artney (not visible from the river). Tubers pass some of these structures on their drive to Orange Grove. The C.C.C., also known as Roosevelt's Tree Army, was responsible for planting trees in the river valley to advance the reforestation efforts and reclaim the over used and abused land.
Rentals None available.
Camping Campgrounds are located at the Hollofield (Route 40 in Ellicott City) and Hilton (off Rolling Road) areas of the park.
Other Points of Interest Over 11 miles of trails are located in the Orange Grove, Avalon and Glen Artney areas. Fishing for trout is a popular activity in the river. The Avalon Visitor Center is staffed on weekends in the spring, summer and fall and provides information about the area, and exhibits on the industrial revolution that took place along the Patapsco River Valley and current park history. Nearby the Ellicott City historic district offers antique shops, gift shops, and restaurants. The B&O Railroad Station Museum and the Firehouse Museum are two interesting stops there that appeal to families. Across the river in Oella is the Benjamin Banneker Park.
Other Accommodations Hotels/motels are located along Route 40 in Ellicott City.
Service Charges or Permits A service charge of $2 per person is collected at the entrance gate. Pavilions and shelters have rental fees (picnic table outside of shelters have no charge).
Description The trip begins with a mile walk (carry your tubes) up the service road to the base of Bloede's Dam. This pleasant level forested path along the floodplain gets you away from the crowds and allows you to get just warm enough to want to cool off in the river. The riffles and easy rapids along the Patapsco River between the dam and Gun Road make for a fun and sometimes bouncy float trip with some exciting turns and drops. Put in an take out locations are convenient to parking areas. Look for Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons among other birds flying the stream valley along the way. Picnic tables and shelters are available at Orange Grove, Avalon and Glen Artney for those who like to make a day trip. Call ahead to reserve shelters.


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