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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
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Winter Fat Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaPatapsco Valley State Park
Ellicott City, Maryland -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity50 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 75 in Trail Running
- 70 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeDoubletrack
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Bike TypeDH, AM, XC, Fat
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingModerate
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Dogs AllowedYes
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
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Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 20 rides
- 11 miles avg distance
All
- 508 rides
- Last: Jul 10, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Water Bars Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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Directions to water-bars trailhead
(39.225420, -76.732550)
Videos
2 more »
0:17 |
249 |
Nov 23, 2020 , Ellicott City
0:57 |
271 |
May 25, 2014 , Ellicott City
Routes with this trail
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...
19 miles • 1,719 ft • 38 •
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Nearby Trails
- Ridge Extension 82 ft
- Ridge 112 ft
- Morning Choice East Section 423 ft
- Valley View 1,535 ft
- Connector 1,801 ft
Patapsco Valley State Park
- By trailforks
Trailforks & contributors - #27132 - 3,241 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Water Bars
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long is Water Bars?
Water Bars is 1,516 ft long. The trail type is doubletrack.
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