Double Rock Park in Parkville Kid Friendly Trail Guide
Double Rock Park in Parkville, MD is literally the most serene and gorgeous park in the middle of suburban/urban sprawl. As you drive through the neighborhood you literally won’t believe how awesome Double Rock Park is going to be! But wow, don’t let that dissuade you. Double Rock Park is an oasis and it’s so incredibly kid friendly. Read on for our review and best tips!
Related: The Best Easy Hikes for Kids in Maryland
Why is Double Rock Park so Great for Kids?
Where do I even begin? At its heart, Double Rock Park is a 1.6 mile loop trail that straddles and crosses a stream that bubbles and flows over gigantic rocks and boulders. This is a very peaceful trail, but it’s also the perfect trail for adventure.
You can easily choose to ‘hike’ down the actual stream, jumping from one boulder to another. The stream isn’t very deep or fast so if kids happen to fall in, it’s not the end of the world.
For a park in the middle of a city, you will truly feel like you are inside a much larger park or wild area. This area is definitely wild. When we visited there were large trees that draped across the river we had to navigate, along with small waterfalls (saying they are waterfalls is stretching it, but the water is technically falling over boulders.)
Related: The 100 Best Things to Do With Kids in Maryland
Our favorite trail is the Blue Trail, which brings you down along the river. This trail is a supreme adventure! You can stay up top for a while and follow the well marked trail or you can do the trail by the river and go creek stomping and boulder scrambling. Eventually, you have to cross the river to continue on the trail… so wear boots or bring water shoes!
The hike is about 1 1/2-2 miles round trip but it isn’t a straight hike because you will want to explore. And one of the reasons this trail is great for even younger kids is that much of the trail is stroller friendly. So, there is a Yellow trail up top and the Blue trail down near the stream. The Yellow Trail is actually stroller and bike friendly.
You really don’t have to just pick one trail though because there are loads of places you can park the stroller and just walk down to the stream if you see a place that’s great for mini-adventuring with younger kids, whether that be sticking toes in the water or just throwing rocks!
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Double Rock Park is great year round, but it is really perfect starting in late spring when the weather gets super warm. This is a fantastic place to go river wading and splashing. It’s easy to get to the water even if you don’t want to go bouldering. Plus there are multiple restrooms facilities. So, after your kids get all wet, you can change them before heading back to the car!
Double Rock Park Parking Tips and Amenities
Plug the Google Map Directions in to arrive at the parking area closest to Hiss Road. Try to park as close as you can to the stairs. In that parking lot you can walk to the end and take a photo of the trail map, but don’t start the trail here.
Take the stairs instead. You will see a great playground on the left and a picnic pavilion on the right. Hang right and the Blue Trail, which starts as a paved trail, begins right there. Easy peasy!
Related: The Kid Friendly Guide to Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area
Alternatively, you can park in the Texas Road parking area, which is also right next to a playground. If you choose this parking area, walk down to the playground closer to the Hiss Road parking lot and pick up the Blue Trail from there!
Tip: Definitely take a photo of the trail map because the blue blazes might still get you a little lost and you will need to refer to the rap to figure out how to get back on track.
You won’t get lost… but you will want the map as a reference point. We ended up getting off track and took the yellow trail back to the parking lot.. which worked fine.
There are two playgrounds near two parking areas, numerous picnic pavilions, and ball fields. There are also public restrooms (not port-a-potties) near each of the picnic/parking areas.
Note: This is a glorious park in the middle of an urban area. So, you will likely spot a little trash. Not a lot (fingers crossed), but just be aware and be careful with your kids.
Another note: Double Rock Park is a very popular park in the middle of an urban area, so it will get crowded on the weekends. If you want the park to yourself, explore during the week or even when there is a threat of rain.
Related: 50+ Things to Do With Kids in Baltimore!
FAQ
Address: 8211 Glen Rd, Parkville, MD 21234
Google Map Directions Click here!
Yes! There are public restrooms near each parking and picnic area.
The Yellow Trail is partially paved and somewhat stroller friendly, at least part of the way. The Blue Trail is not stroller friendly.
Yes! River splashing and wading is permitted and a lot of fun for kids!
Absolutely! This is a very kid friendly park and trail.
Leashed pets are welcome at Double Rock Park.
Generally 730AM-7PM 7 days a week.
There is no fee to visit the park and hike. You have to pay to reserve a picnic pavilion.
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