more stats
1.3 miles
Distance
397 ft
Climb
-189 ft
Descent
00:14:11
Avg time
210 ft
Altitude change
73 ft
Altitude min
282 ft
Altitude max
73 ft
Altitude start
282 ft
Altitude end
3%
Grade
-20.9%
Grade max
22%
Grade min
4,895 ft
Distance climb
1,644 ft
Distance down
469 ft
Distance flat
00:14:11
Avg time

Soapstone Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Patapsco Valley State Park
    Ellicott City, Maryland
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    20 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 60 in Trail Running
    • 40 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #134777 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #137633 in Trail Running
    • #151466 in Hiking
  • State Ranking
    #723 in Mountain Biking · Maryland [+]
    • #836 in Trail Running
    • #1,148 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

Good downhill if starting from Rolling Road. Couple of small water crossings, but mostly smooth. When you get to the bottom, cross the road by the pavilion/bathroom area and continue up the trail. A short but steep climb that peaks and then sends you back down for a quick burst.
If you're parked up on Rolling Road or in the park and ride, the climb back up can be a good leg burner at the end of your ride.

Tags
Creek crossing
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 7 rides
  • 14 miles avg distance
All
  • 114 rides
  • Last: Sep 21, 2026
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Soapstone Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Mar 19, 2022 @ 10:50am
Mar 19, 2022
Aug 15, 2021 @ 6:23pm
Aug 15, 2021
 The dirt is great. Some trees down. The trail has been re-routed to avoid private property. The trail now runs on the opposite side of the creek
Jan 19, 2021 @ 4:21pm
Jan 19, 2021
 Mud is getting better. A few bad spots mostly near top.
Nov 4, 2018 @ 7:22am
Nov 4, 2018
Jul 31, 2018 @ 4:27pm
Jul 31, 2018
more »
Status:
on Mar 19, 2022
Ideal
Avg: 3.72 (5 votes)
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to soapstone trailhead (39.232360, -76.727830)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      No photos have been added for Soapstone yet, add a photo.

      Videos

      6 more »
      Soapstone Trail (far southern descent)...
      mtb
      0:25 | 331 | Apr 5, 2024 , Ellicott City
      Patapsco State Park Upper Soapstone DH
      mtb
      5:29 | 445 | Apr 4, 2022 , Ellicott City
      Mountain Biking in Patapsco (Soap Stone) Maryland
      mtb
      14:08 | 637 | Oct 21, 2020 , Ellicott City
      Patapsco Lower Soapstone Trail MTB ride
      mtb
      0:08 | 515 | Mar 22, 2019 , Ellicott City

      Routes with this trail

      69
      PATAPSCO 20MILE ROUTE
      20 miles • 2,754 ft • 18 •
      20 Mile route at Patapsco from Rockburn Branch Park
      82
      Patapsco south
      19 miles • 1,719 ft • 38 •
      satfxdgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdf
      3.4 ★★★★★
      5 Ratings
      5 ★
      4 ★ 40%
      3 ★ 60%
      2 ★
      1 ★

      1 Review & Comments

      DADventureTV
      Ok, for the most part this is best used as the climbing trail to get back up after going down the others. With one exception- the very beginning . Start at the sign in kinda pf the middle and bomb that section down to where
      It merges at a metal drainage culdron. Then turn left, go back up and do it again!! That sh*t is fun. That’s the one I remember from the 90s.

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      Nearby Trails

      Patapsco Valley State Park

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Soapstone located?
      Soapstone is located in Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Patapsco Valley State Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.23236, -76.72783.
      ▼ How hard is Soapstone?
      Soapstone is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 3%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Soapstone?
      Soapstone has 397 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 189 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 73 ft to 282 ft.
      ▼ Is Soapstone a point to point trail?
      Soapstone is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Soapstone?
      Soapstone is 1.3 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Soapstone?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Soapstone. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Soapstone? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Soapstone are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Soapstone?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 14 minutes to ride Soapstone. The trail is 1.3 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Soapstone?
      Soapstone is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 619 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 571 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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