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Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
Maryland
Baltimore County
Arbutus

Avalon Area – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Saint Denis

Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
Maryland
Baltimore County
Arbutus

Avalon Area – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Saint Denis

Easy

4.9

(8128)

15,764

riders

Avalon Area – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Saint Denis

01:50

22.7km

250m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Patapsco Valley State Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

3.66 km

Ruins in Avalon Area, Patapsco Valley State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

The Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area is a portion of Patapsco Valley State Park near the center of the park's sprawling 14,000 acres of land. This area has miles of trails and hosts a portion of the Patapsco River.

Tip by

2

4.56 km

Avalon Area

Highlight • Forest

Avalon Area is part of Patapsco Valley State Park. This area has many trails suitable for both hikers and MTB enthusiasts.

Tip by

3

4.57 km

A fun trail area with ton of elevation for Maryland riding. You can expect trails along a ridge, jump trails and some rocky and rooty sections.

Tip by

4

6.53 km

The Orange Grove Area of Patapsco Valley State Park is a beautiful and historic section known for its swinging bridge, with stunning views of the Patapsco River. Here, you can …

Tip by

5

8.36 km

Morning Choice Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Trailhead to one of the most famous hikes in Patapsco Valley State Park, the Morning Choice Trail. The trail can be connected with various other trails (e.g. Ridge Trail) and …

Tip by

6

9.44 km

Rockburn Branch Park

Highlight • Trail

Rockburn Branch Park has 7.4 miles of trails and is home to Rockburn Branch, a small tributary to the Patapsco River. There are also a few historic buildings in the park with informational signage.

Tip by

7

18.7 km

Lost Lake

Highlight • Lake

Lost Lake is a small lake just north of the Patapsco River within Patapsco Valley State Park's Glen Artney Area. The lake often has various species of birds and vegetation to look at while you ride.

Tip by

B

22.7 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.6 km

3.26 km

2.94 km

1.82 km

1.28 km

583 m

202 m

Surfaces

12.1 km

6.31 km

2.90 km

1.08 km

369 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (110 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

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Weather

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Today

Wednesday 17 June

30°C

17°C

35 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for an accessible yet rewarding mountain biking experience in Patapsco Valley State Park, the Avalon Area – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Saint Denis is an excellent choice. This easy 14.1 miles (22.7 km) route, with a modest 817 feet (249 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hours and 50 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, enjoyable ride or for those new to mountain biking in the Avalon Area Patapsco Valley State Park.

What to expect on Avalon Area – Morning Choice Trailhead loop from Saint Denis

This route offers a pleasant journey through dense forested areas and along river valleys. While the broader Patapsco Valley State Park can be quite technical, the Morning Choice Trail itself is known for its considerably smoother and flatter sections, often described as soft singletrack paths. You'll find a mix of terrain, but it generally avoids the extreme rocks and roots found on adjacent trails. Keep an eye out for historical remnants like the Orange Grove Flour Mill, adding a unique dimension to your ride. This trail is particularly well-suited for those seeking a relaxed ride without overly challenging technical features, making it a great option for family-friendly mountain biking Avalon Area.

Planning your visit

The Avalon Area is a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to secure parking. While the Morning Choice Trail is generally easy, remember that the extensive network of interconnected trails in Patapsco Valley State Park allows for much more challenging extensions if you choose to link up with routes like the Ridge Trail. Always check local park advisories for any seasonal closures or specific rules regarding mountain biking permits or fees, though none are specifically mentioned for this trail in the provided data.

Trail details

  • Distance: 14.1 miles (22.7 km)
  • Elevation gain: 817 feet (249 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 50 minutes

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