The OEC Connector opens on Friday, April 26th!
The long-awaited OEC Connector is set to open to the public on Friday, April 26th! This trail connection owes its realization to funding from diverse sources, with MDOT and the Recreational Trail Program playing primary roles. Notably, all funds have been raised by the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park.
The OEC Connector is a project that has been funded by the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park. This long-awaited trail connection has approximately $100,000 in direct costs and about $25,000 in volunteer work.
Where do I park if I want to access the OEC Connector?
If you want to drive an automobile to access the OEC Connector, parking is provided in the OEC Courthouse parking lot. DO NOT drive your car down Sylvan Lane, this is a lightly traveled dead-end street with NO PARKING at any time. Patapsco Valley State Park is a park with thousands of neighbors, we (Friends) work hard to build relationships that strengthen our community – do your part by saying hello, and thank you – the OEC Connector is a thru trail and provides access and connectivity to our shared natural resource.
GPS Coordinates: 39.26997418973166, -76.79797308837956
THERE IS NO PARKING ON SYLVAN LANE FOR THE OEC CONNECTOR – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY IS PERMITTED ON SYLVAN LANE.
Ellicott City has historically presented a connectivity challenge within the PVSP trail system. To reach the Hollofield area of the park, one needs a fair bit of local knowledge and must undertake some on-road travel via Church St. and Park Rd. However, with the recent realignment and enhanced sustainability of the trails in the Hollofield area, it has become an increasingly popular destination for park visitors. Notably, the Ole Ranger Trail, the reconfigured Peaceful Pond trail, and the trail connectivity under Rt. 70 to the Daniels area has created a strong demand for a trail connection to OEC.
The ability to camp at Hollofield Campground and then embark on a hike into Ellicott City for dinner. Alternatively, one could craft a larger loop, stopping at local bike shops, and yoga studios, or enjoying a refreshing beverage at Ellicott City’s excellent watering holes. The potential for adventure and exploration is truly exciting.
The OEC Connector from the campground to the Ole Ranger Trail is complete
The trail alignment features several challenging segments, with one particularly demanding section being the high-exposure area constructed above the Union Dam Tunnel. Notably, this portion of the trail successfully eliminates the need to cross the active CSX railroad line. For the first time at PVSP, we enlisted the expertise of a professional trail builder and utilized a mini excavator to create this intricate and challenging trail segment.
FPVSP and their partners continue to knock it out of the park providing connections between different areas of the park and neighboring communities. This OEC Connector will provide an opportunity for park guests (campers, bikers, and thru hikers) to access historic Ellicott City on a natural surface trail, and opens up new connection to the park for Ellicott City residents and visitors.
Mike Morrone, MORE Trail Liaison, Patapsco Valley State Park