Patapsco Valley State Park Last Look at Bloede Dam

Tom and Rob near Bloede Dam

Last weekend we went on a local investigation in search of an abandoned town in Maryland. Long story short, we didn't find it but figured out where it is for next time. However, we did wind up walking on a hike for about 2 hours through the Patapsco Valley State Park where we saw the Bloede Dam. 

Bloede Dam

   It turns out that the dam is being removed because it has caused a number of deaths and its removal can help repopulate fish like shad, herring, and American eels. The dam was built in 1907 when the state park was founded and has prevented these historic migrations. Even fish ladders constructed in the 1990's have proven to be ineffective.

Old fallen tree near the dam

 . According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and it's partners, the plan is to begin the removal of the Bloede Dam in summer/fall 2017.  The first phase of the project will involve the relocation of the 42" main sewer line which runs through the dam.  This will result in the closure of a portion of the Grist Mill Trail for approximately 18-20 months.  This initial phase will also require the removal of approximately 7 acres of trees in the vicinity of the dam and Grist Mill Trail.  A Forest Conservation Plan has been developed to ensure successful reforestation (more details to come).  Once the relocation of the sewer line is complete, work to remove the actual dam structure will begin in the fall of 2018 (Click for more info).

A support for the former Grist Mill

September 2017 Update:

Phase 1 of the project is expected to begin in September 2017.  This will begin the closure of a portion of the Grist Mill Trail.

THE GRIST MILL RUINS - We were on the wrong side of the river in our search for the now abandoned town of Daniels, Maryland, but the town had a Grist Mill, that's now in ruins. We did see the ruins of the mill. Actually, all that was left standing were some of the support walls.    

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GOING BACK - We'll go back to the area because we now know how to find the ghost town.


LOCATION - Patapsco Valley State Park - Daniels Area, 2090 Daniels Road
Ellicott City MD 21043
GPS 39313665 76.81557