Schools Out Event Loop

The School’s Out Loop is almost 4 miles of Patapsco goodness! With the trail designed specifically for events that are held at Pickall, this new trail at PVSP incorporates the beautiful and challenging terrain of the Pickall area with trail guidelines for NICA events.

Thanks to substantial grants from REI and MORE, and additional funding from MICL and Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park we are constructing a new 4-mile loop in the Pickall area of the park!

High above the Patapsco River, this the School’s Out Event Loop travels through amazing landscape and incorporates two bridges! The Pickall area has become a prime destination for trail users – away from the river and most informal parking areas, this section of the park remains uncrowded and retains its backcountry feel.

Rob Dyke, PVSP Manager at the Schools Out Ribbon Cutting – photo @khopshoots
Partners from MORE, MICL, The Maryland Park Service, PHG, and REI – photo@khopshoots
Two new bridges were constructed as part of the Schools Out Trail!
REI is a longtime supporter of PVSP and a key part of our community!
MORE is the DMV’s Mountain Bike Organization and maintains trails throughout the region!
Click the MICL logo to earn more about interscholastic cycling!
Greenstone Trailcraft! Check out their sweet trail projects!
Greenstone Trailcraft builds amazing trail!
Professional trailbuilders using the mini excavator to armor the trail.

It’s no secret that High School and Middle School mountain bike teams have exploded in the Patapsco Valley! With over 7 teams calling PVSP home, we wanted to build a new loop, specifically for these student athletes. The Pickall Area, which is open for events only and has ample parking and large pavilions, provide the perfect venue for our young stewards of the park.

Sustainable trail building, teamwork, and stoke for the community – key factors in The School’s Out trail.
MICL teams in the Patapsco Valley are working to make this a fun trail for all users! This new trail is being constructed collaboratively by MICL student athletes and our partners at Greenstone Trailcraft.