Gunpowder Falls State Park Wildlands Loop with The Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (Template)

This loop follows the upland forests of the fall zone, crossing a few easy streams (pretty much non-existent in the winter) and visiting a pleasant waterfall, then meanders downstream along Big Gunpowder Falls as it leaves the piedmont. Watching Big Gunpowder Falls sliding through several narrow gorges, it is hard to believe that only 5 miles downstream the falls will spread to a deltalike, broad river more than a mile wide." "Copyright Hiking Maryland and Delaware"

Trail Information

Nearby City: Baltimore
Length: 4.5-5.0 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy to Moderate with one easy stream crossing (stepping stones available)
Season: Year-round
Local Contacts: Gunpowder Falls State Park
Local Maps: USGS White Marsh, Maryland
Topo Map: Wildlands Loop, Gunpowder Falls State Park Topographic Map

Swimming Hole

This has a fantastic swimming hole that I marked on the trail which clear, cool, and averages 5 to 8 feet in depth. Since it does require a hike to reach it, it is not very crowded and there is no way to park any closer than where we do and hoof it in.

Stream Crossings (5 Very Minor Crossings)

There are 5 minor stream crossing meaning the water is usually even less than ankle deep and very easy. As a result, there are no crossing stones since the water is so shallow, even in spring. However, the swimming whole never dries up and is part of the river flowing through much of Gunpowder Falls State Park