more stats
1,516 ft
Distance
-157 ft
Descent
00:02:31
Avg time
-158 ft
Altitude change
56 ft
Altitude min
214 ft
Altitude max
214 ft
Altitude start
56 ft
Altitude end
-10.4%
Grade
-23.4%
Grade max
-0.5%
Grade min
1,457 ft
Distance down
59 ft
Distance flat
00:02:31
Avg time

Water Bars Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Patapsco Valley State Park
    Ellicott City, Maryland
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    50 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 80 in Trail Running
    • 75 in Hiking
    • 5 in Winter Fat Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #96044 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #61169 in Trail Running
    • #81630 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Doubletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM, XC, Fat
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

A loose, mildly technical double track that parallels the stream and connects River Rd to the beginning of the Rockburn loop. Not a notable trail to ride, there are much better downhills, but if you want to shake up your climbing trail this is a good alternative.

Loose gravel/cobbles and roots to get over. The upper portion has more roots and rocks. This is also a tough climb.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 9 miles average
6 Months
  • 27 rides
  • 11 miles avg distance
All
  • 519 rides
  • Last: Sep 18, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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update trails status or condition

Water Bars Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 16, 2025 @ 6:50am
May 16, 2025
May 12, 2025 @ 2:14pm
May 12, 2025
May 2, 2025 @ 9:16am
May 2, 2025
 Trees down
May 1, 2025 @ 7:48pm
May 1, 2025
 There are a couple trees down which makes it very difficult to pass.
Sep 22, 2023 @ 7:30am
Sep 22, 2023
more »
Status:
on May 16, 2025
Wet
Avg: 3.9 (5 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (2,900)
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      Directions to water-bars trailhead (39.225420, -76.732550)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      2 more »
      mtb
      232 |
      Jun 18, 2016 @ 7:03pm
      Jun 18, 2016
      report
      mtb
      22 |
      May 2, 2025 @ 9:18am
      May 2, 2025

      Videos

      2 more »
      Water Bars
      mtb
      0:17 | 255 | Nov 23, 2020 , Ellicott City
      water bars at patapsco
      mtb
      0:57 | 273 | May 25, 2014 , Ellicott City

      Routes with this trail

      39
      Tour De Patapsco - Avalon / Orange Grove / Rockburn
      20 miles • 1,587 ft • 15 •
      During 2020 and the Patapsco trail fest MVD/MORE hosted a series of 5 rides over almost every linkable...
      38
      Ride around Rockburn
      8 miles • 757 ft • 11 • Loop •
      Fun Chill ride around
      82
      Patapsco south
      19 miles • 1,719 ft • 38 •
      satfxdgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdf
      3.8 ★★★★★
      5 Ratings
      5 ★ 20%
      4 ★ 40%
      3 ★ 40%
      2 ★
      1 ★

      1 Review & Comments


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      Nearby Trails

      Patapsco Valley State Park

      • By trailforksTF Pro Trailforks & contributors
      • #27132 - 3,366 views

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Water Bars located?
      Water Bars 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 39.22542, -76.73255.
      ▼ How hard is Water Bars?
      Water Bars is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 10.4%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Water Bars?
      The trail has 157 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 56 ft to 214 ft.
      ▼ How long is Water Bars?
      Water Bars is 1,516 ft long. The trail type is doubletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Water Bars?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Water Bars. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Water Bars? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Water Bars are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Water Bars?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 3 minutes to ride Water Bars. The trail is 1,516 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Water Bars?
      Water Bars is a moderately popular trail. There have been 2,816 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 2,900 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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