Having completed most of our “spring shower defense”, going out for the first official hike of the season was now looking like a well deserved break. Maryland has many great state parks to explore all across the state. Martinek, Gunpowder Falls and Sandy Point all offer some great recreational activities. For me, living in central Anne Arundel County, Patapsco Valley State Park, specifically the Avalon/Orange Grove areas, has always been one of our favorites to visit. Not only are there some great history lessons to be learned at the park – Bloedes Dam, The Swinging Bridge, and the Arch Bridge to name a few – but there are also some great hiking trails.

On this particular day we were going to hit the Cascade Falls trail.

Cascade Falls trail is located directly across from The Swinging Bridge. Although there is a nice initial up hill climb at the start of trail, this was my daughter’s first official hike and she made it at three years old. Once you get to the top of the switchbacks, you are greeted by what I like to call the “Root Steps”, a unique root display from one of the native oak trees. The trail then meanders towards the waterfall and pool. Today the running water could be heard from some distance away as the area had been saturated by a hovering rain storm for the past two days. Use caution when crossing this area as the rocks can be slippery.

Once above the waterfall, you have a choice of taking a left and going down the Valley View trail to the road or continuing on to complete the Cascade Falls loop.

Today we decided to stop and take some pictures and then wonder back down the hill to stop by the playgrounds.

Whether it be doing routine maintenance around the house or enjoying some of Maryland’s unique outdoors, until next time –

Stay on Top of the Market,

Erik Hart

REALTOR®
Severna Park Sales
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell
www.erikhart.lnf.com

For more information on Maryland’s outdoors, visit:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/