Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Waterfall MD Class IV

McKeldin Falls

Patapsco, South Branch - 2. Marriottsville Rd to Patapsco, N. Branch confluence "McKeldin Falls" (MD)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 200.0 – 1,880.0 CFS

Photo
McKeldin Falls
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

McKeldin Falls is the largest single rapid on the Patapsco River. It's a solid class 4, quadruple ledge drop that falls a total of about 12 feet over 20 yards. When the hills on river left become high and canyonesque, listen for it, and get out (river left) to scout. The portage is a wickedly steep climb up the hill/cliff on the left, and then around to a large pool at the bottom. For the experienced, a variety of routes can be used depending on water level, but beware of small sieves against either shore, and a very wide, flat, mildly undercut rock (usually submerged and creating a strange looking hydraulic) at the dead center of the river near the bottom. It looks as if it would love to eat the nice flat bow of a playboat.
Lat/longitude coords are approximate, from online maps.

Location
Type
Waterfall
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
0.5 mi
Directions
View Full Run
2. Marriottsville Rd to Patapsco, N. Branch confluence "McKeldin Falls"
Patapsco, South Branch
I-III(IV) 1.3 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater