Patapsco Valley State Park stretches for 32 miles along the Patapsco River southwest of Baltimore and, at more than 14,000 acres, is Maryland’s largest state park. Its beginnings date to 1906–1907, when land around Bloede Dam was protected to reduce erosion and the Patapsco State Forest Reserve was created, including an early donation from John Mark Glenn that gave the Hilton Area its name. Expanded in 1912, the park grew into a chain of distinct river valley areas. Civilian Conservation Corps work in the 1930s shaped much of its infrastructure, and in 1941 one camp became the nation’s first Civilian Public Service camp for conscientious objectors. Today it combines major recreation opportunities with industrial ruins, historic crossings, and ongoing conservation.

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Ellicott City, Maryland · USA