Patapsco Swinging Bridge

The Patapsco Swinging bridge is located in the Avalon / Orange Grove area of the park, it is a Suspension Bridge consisting of a wooden deck supported by large cables. The Patapsco Valley has a history of swinging bridges built for pedestrian travel from one side of the river to the other. The Orange Grove Flour Mill was one such popular crossing which is where the current bridge stands today. The first bridge was built by the Orange Grove Flour Mill for employees to cross the river. Now the new swinging bridge built by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is one of the most well known and most popular attractions at the Patapsco Valley State Park.

A New swinging bridge was constructed October 6, 2006 this new bridge is located at the end of the new Grist Mill trail in the Avalon area, crossing the Patapsco River and joining with Ilchester Rd. This new pedestrian bridge completes the 1.25 mile (2.0 km) Grist Mill Trail extension, a trail that provides access into the Patapsco Valley State Park from Ellicott City Catonsville and other upstream communities for the first time since Hurricane Agnes struck in June 1972. Grand opening was set for November 4, 2006.

ee also

;Patapsco Valley State Park;Bloede dam;Thomas Viaduct