Grist Mill Trail, Patapsco Valley State Park, Part II

A continuation of yesterpost...

After crossing the Swinging Bridge, we headed back upstream on the other side of the Patapsco River. From that side of the river, we saw the rail line up above the trail that served the now-gone Orange Grove Flour Mill (also part of the line that connected Ellicott City to Baltimore).

Track, trail, and (t)river

The beginning of the trail on the other side had no snow or ice, for which I was grateful. I did secretly hope there would be a "trail closed" sign. People were coming down from the trail, so they must have survived.

Heading down the other trail

One tree had a glove on!

Maybe they do grow on trees?

We saw the echoing drain from the other side--not as impressive from a distance.

A better view of the railroad tracks, though

This side of the river is less developed. Most of the rainwater makes it to the river the old-fashioned way, by running downhill.

Nature's drainage

Another path for water

Then the trail turned icy. The day was warm so the top of the ice was rough, not smooth. We had reasonable traction for most of the hike.

My worst fear

Back at the dam

The trail became more treacherous as it went up and down hill. Trees crossed the path too! I did not take many pictures since I was concentrating on my footwork.

Easy to dodge for the younger ones

Past the worst of it

The snowy ice, which seemed to last forever, actually wasn't that far. The trail did lose its pavement but not its fallen trees.

Yay, only one hazard!

What the rock?

Easy traveling now

Back near the trail head, we saw the two bridges from the beginning of the hike.

Trail bridge and railroad bridge

The paving returned briefly, but this side of the trail looked like it was also the victim of recent floods.

End of the road

That's some erosion

A last look back

We may come again in warmer weather and subject Mom to the trail.