Lost Lake – Patapsco Valley State Park loop from Ellicott City

Bike touring routes & trails

Lost Lake – Patapsco Valley State Park loop from Ellicott City

Moderate

3.1

(9)

riders

Lost Lake – Patapsco Valley State Park loop from Ellicott City

02:00

28.5km

230m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Patapsco Valley State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.88 km

Swinging Bridge on Grist Mill Trail

Highlight • Bridge

The Grist Mist Trail passes through Patapsco Valley State Park, alongside the Patapsco River. For a large part of the trail, it also passes alongside the railroad.

It is best …

Tip by

3.91 km

Swinging Bridge – Grist Mill Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

The Grist Mill Trail crosses over the Patapsco River here. You get a great view over the water from here too.

Tip by

4.41 km

Viewpoint

5.68 km

Swinging Bridge and Patapsco Riverbank

Highlight • Bridge

The Patapsco River flows through central Maryland and into the Chesapeake Bay.

The river is known as the River of History as it played an essential role in Maryland's Industrial …

Tip by

7.98 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

10.5 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

13.1 km

Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area — Mountain Bike Trails

Highlight • MTB Park

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

15.6 km

Small Buildings Ruins

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

A different spots along this section of the trail, runners can see photogenic ruins of various small buildings. These spooky ruins are believed by locals to be haunted. Ride at your own risk and, at least, ride fast!

Tip by

25.7 km

Patapsco Valley State Park

Highlight • Forest

The Patapsco Valley was Maryland's first and remains its largest state park. The 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) are made up of forests, winding rivers and cascading waterfalls.

It's a great …

Tip by

28.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types